The Markets
What will it take to slow this economy down?
In 2001, railway workers slowed a runaway train in Ohio by latching a second engine to the back of the locomotive and applying the brakes. In all, the train traveled sixty-six miles over two hours, decelerating from a maximum speed of 47 miles per hour to 10 miles per hour before workers regained control of it, according to CNN.
Throughout 2022, the United States Federal Reserve has been trying to slow inflation by putting the brakes on the U.S. economy. So far, the Fed has raised rates six times, but the economy continues to grow apace. Last week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported the economy grew faster than originally thought from July through September 2022. Gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of all goods and services produced by the U.S., was up 2.9 percent, annualized, rather than 2.6 percent as the advance estimate indicated.
Last week’s unemployment report also suggested the economy remains strong. More jobs were added than economists expected, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.7 percent. Average hourly earnings also increased faster than expected, up 5.1 percent over the last 12 months.
Megan Cassella of Barron’s reported, “The biggest outstanding obstacle to the Federal Reserve’s success in reining in inflation boils down to a numbers problem: There aren’t enough workers in the [United States]. Simply put, labor supply and demand need to come back into balance to contain wage growth and services inflation, which continues to climb…A combination of factors is contributing to the dearth of workers, from Baby Boomer retirements and falling immigration to a low birth rate and long COVID. Together, they suggest that shortages are here to stay.”
Last week, stock and bond markets rallied following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s mid-week speech, in which he confirmed it was likely December’s rate increase would be smaller than the last few increases have been. Later in the week, the strong employment report checked investors’ enthusiasm. Regardless, major U.S. indices finished higher, reported Nicholas Jasinski of Barron’s, and Treasury yields finished the week mostly lower.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S DECEMBER ALREADY? According to Andy Williams, Garth Brooks and Kylie Minogue, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” During December, holiday enthusiasts don ugly sweaters, wheedle recipes out of relatives, light a wealth of candles, and celebrate a diversity of holidays. See what you know about this magical time of the year by taking our brief quiz.
1. Which of the following holidays is NOT celebrated in December?
a. International Ninja Day
b. Sacher-Torte Day
c. Dewey-Decimal System Day
d. National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day
2. Scientists have studied the psychology of gift giving. They find that the most valued presents are:
a. Expensive gifts that make others envious
b. Beautifully wrapped gifts that are pleasing to the eye
c. Sentimental gifts that bring joy and happiness
d. Thoughtful gifts that reflect the recipient’s hobbies and interests
3. Which generation is expected to spend the most ($1,823) on gifts, travel and entertainment this holiday season?
a. Gen Z (Ages 9 to 24)
b. Millennials (Ages 25 to 40)
c. Gen X (Ages 41 to 56)
d. Boomers (Ages 57 to 75)
4. When did the New Year’s Eve ball drop first take place in Times Square? (Hint: Teddy Roosevelt was President.)
a. 1893
b. 1907
c. 1920
d. 1945
If you have any questions, get in touch.
Weekly Focus – Think About It
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”
—Melody Beattie, author
Answers: 1) d; 2) c; 3) b; 4) b
