Any glance through the morning Internet news reports reveals numerous renditions and revelations relating to the new normal economy. It’s confusing, but change is in the air. The push from dismal tales of the recession to the more recent, cautious whispers regarding potential recovery have slowly evolved. The signals are indeed promising: increases in the housing market, new job creation and consumer spending matched with low inflation. This positively is accompanied by enormous recession baggage in the forms of unemployment, housing value decline and limping investment portfolios. So, it is important to be realistic, modest, and informed regarding this balance. And just as important to greet the gentle good news with a sense of hopefulness.
Two pieces from http://www.Kiplinger.com recently caught our attention.
Jerome Idaszak presents a case for “decent, not vigorous growth in 2010.” http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/forecast/archive/economic-outlook-2010.html . The article outlines the slow changing economic landscape as well as increases in federal regulation and some less-than-cheery news about local state economies. As with all things, take a deeper look and see the positives expressed in this informative piece.
Richard DeKaser’s look at February prompted him to write, “an employment report to celebrate” and that “it confirms our views that recovery is firmly on track.” http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/dekaser-practical-economics/archives/an-employment-report-to-celebrate.html . Mr. DeKaser’s article presents an interesting perspective on the 9.7% unemployment rate and on temporary jobs moving to permanent jobs as the economy continues to improve. His view on the effect of February’s severe weather on the job front is also worth reading.