Macro Overview January 2021

Kent Forsey, CFP® Consumer Spending, COVID-19, Inflation, Macro Overview

The start of a new year brings renewed hope and optimism.  Here is a quick look at the past years major events and government legislation affecting the market, interest rates, inflation, as well as the expected carry over into this year.  The rollout of vaccinations will be a continuing news topic along with the long-term changes to consumer behavior as …

Macro Economic Overview October 2020

Kent Forsey, CFP® Consumer Spending, COVID-19, Economic Update, Macro Overview, Presidential Election

Worries regarding a second wave of infections heading into the fall, election uncertainties, and wavering economic indicators contributed to a dubious September. Equities paused from their upward trajectory in September, with technology stocks repelling from their highs. Uncertainty surrounding vaccine deployment and the election are expected to influence market momentum and investor confidence. Election results will help determine the direction …

Why Small Businesses Are So Important To The Economy

Kent Forsey, CFP® American Workers, Consumer Spending, COVID-19, Economy

The country is composed of millions of small businesses from home-based one person consultants to hair salons and manufacturing companies.  As defined by the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, a small business has less than 500 employees and operates independently, not under the control of another entity. As of 2018, the SBA acknowledges that there were 30.2 million small businesses in …

Consumer Spending Growing Faster Than GDP – Consumer Economics

Kent Forsey, CFP® Consumer Spending, Economy

The past four years have seen consumer spending exceeding GDP. Various factors drive consumer spending, including sentiment, optimism, wages, and demographics. GDP grew at a 2.6% annual rate in the fourth quarter, while consumer spending grew at a 3.8% annual rate. Historically, periods where consumer spending has grown faster than economic growth, as measured by GDP, inflation has evolved. Consumer …