That’s a great, concise way to discuss with people. Thanks.
I am just trying to figure out what really is happening with the job situation and the economy in general. Both sides have good numbers to point at. Visibly, there is recovery...construction, decent growth, etc. The job market has definitely stabilized. How good or bad is it? That’s what I am having a hard time grasping. Are we ‘okay, but not great’,on a slow steady road to recovery, or mired in a long term ‘bottom’ with only growth to reflect natural population and economic expansion and monetary policy. It’s hard to tell.
Had several of the interferences by politicians, including the anti-business slant of the federal administration the past five years, not occurred the economy may have naturally recovered on it’s own. But, they’ve screwed it up big time in many ways.
Good question. It is a very complicated situation. Here’s my non-professional take:
1) The economy is in recovery. Earnings have grown for the last 3 years. Housing is coming back. The energy market has been exploding. Consumer spending is healthy.
2) The recovery is very slow by historical standards. Basically 2% growth for the last 3 years which is anemic.
3) Why? This is the most anti-business administration in history. Through the EPA, Obamacare, taxation, regulations, etc. the environment for doing business is as strict as it has ever been. it also creates an incredible amount of uncertainty.
4) We have large structural issues facing us from a demographic standpoint that are going to cause major financial/economic issues over the next 20 years.
In summary, the economy is...okay. It could be a hell of a lot better if the government created an atmosphere for growth.