Tag Archives: consumer savings rate

When Congress and the Obama administration let a 2% payroll tax cut expire on January 1 as part of the fiscal cliff deal, economists predicted a consumer retreat, [but such has not been the case - at all. It seems that] soaring housing and stock market prices are likely putting Americans in the mood for spending - but where’s the money coming from?

Economist Gary Shilling, excellent forecaster of past recessions and chief pooh-pooher of today’s market enthusiasm, thinks consumers are in worse shape than they’re letting on ...[and,] while his general pessimism puts him very much at odds with the market for the first few months of the year, it looks like he’s gaining some followers. [Take a look at his] point-by-point explanations of his opinions, [supported by charts , and see if you, too, come to the same conclusions.] Words: 740

Most signs point to a slow and steady recovery, but what if the pessimists are right, again? What if the United States isn't in the slow-lane to recovery, but rather on the precipice of another decline -- a double dip? [If so,] where might this re-recession begin? Words: 988