Current Outlook
"Challenges
ahead...."
Rising tensions around the world suggest that the U.S. economy will
not see a soft landing. While the FED may be suggesting that interest
rates have reached the peak level, the burgeoning federal and state
deficits continue to increase.
Not many current politicians have the courage to advocate
that government spending and the federal debt needs to be reduced.
With the current stated federal debt about $33 trillion
(about 100% of true GDP) and the GAAP federal debt over $200
trillion, the day of reckoning is just around the corner.
President Biden granting federal employees a 5.2% pay increase in
2024 brings the day of reckoning closer.
The role of the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency is changing as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, and Iran among
others are bypassing dollars in trades involving oil and other
commodities.
Cash deposits in banks are shrinking as investors seek higher
interest rates in other financial instruments. The FED is
raising interest rates while draining the banking system of reserves
... the stock market will be affected negatively. Fitch has suggested
that more banks will be downgraded shortly.
Economic data is revised and methodology changed to present a false
picture for the public.
Major U.S. real estate companies are declaring bankruptcy as
U.S. interest rates approach 6%. Both credit card and auto loans are
looking at increasing delinquency rates.
The growth in credit card debt is greater than the growth in personal
income as individuals try to maintain their standard of living.
Do not be surprised if the NASDAQ falls through 8,000, the SPX
to 2,500 and the DJIA sees the 25,000 level.
Until the Biden Administration takes seriously the impact of
open borders and a failed education system, the outlook is less
than rosy.
Remember -- "Only purchasing power counts!"
Remember to ... "Keep It Safe, Simple and Stay Focused!" going
forward.
Fred Richards
January 1, 2024
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