The Economic Future

For John, BLUF:  The economic future is a lilttle uncertain, and not because of fluxuations in the Stock Market.  Current events could damage the economy as we continue to endure a Pandemic and Russia and China threaten force to regain lost territory.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Mornings With Maria

Teases a Recession in 2023

I would have thought the pent up demand and the dearth of workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic would have sustained the economy for several years.

On the other hand, the Federal Reserve is concerned about rampant inflation, and is thus talkiing about a rate increase, perhaps in March.♠  At the same time, China's Chairman Xi, at a G-20, said the US should not increase interest rates.

Of course there is the issue of war and the impact on the petroleum market.  A spike in prices could be detrimental to the world economy.  Russia is a major supplier of petroleum to Europe and if that flow is cut off by a Russian invasion of Ukraine then European nations will bid up the price of oil to heat their homes and power their factories.♥

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  That means it will be more expensive to get a loan, including a home loan.
♥  The decisions of European nations to de-commission nuclear power plants now looks like a mistake in the near- and mid-terms.