When weather forecasts are inaccurate, we can usually change our plans with little consequence in the greater scheme of things. While making financial decisions does involve some guesswork, an educated guess—even with elements of uncertainty—sometimes can be better than making a decision with no forecast at all.
Unfortunately, economic forecasting, like weather forecasting, is far from an exact science. Even professional economists may strongly disagree on the direction of the economy at any given point in time, based on their interpretations of conflicting economic indicators. Although many factors are pivotal in assessing the economy, let’s focus on two key points that may help you better understand the economy, and where it may be headed in the near future.
1. Consumer Spending
Since consumer spending has historically accounted for about two-thirds of the economy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer cutbacks on spending are not usually the primary cause of a recession. Rather, consumers may buy more on credit, which leads to greater monthly payments. But at some point, consumers can spend only what their incomes will allow.
When consumer debt rises, it becomes particularly important because of the impact of total consumer spending on our economy. It may also be helpful to understand the Federal decisions that lay the foundation for our overall economic climate.
2. U.S. Government: Monetary & Fiscal Policy
Even the casual observer of business news knows that “Fed watching” is a serious activity in the financial and business sectors. While consumers can affect the economy by spending according to their own situations and financial pressures, Federal policy decisions, such as fiscal and monetary measures, also have an effect on the economy. Fiscal policy, enacted by Congress in the form of tax and/or spending legislation, is the result of the political process and the prevailing political climate.
In contrast, monetary policy is the responsibility of the Federal Reserve, whose role is to evaluate all factors influencing the economy—individual, market, and government—and take action in attempts to keep the economy on an even keel.
The Fed can manipulate the flow of money in order to obtain a desired effect over time. Its most effective short-term policy decisions involve short-term interest rates. If the Fed perceives that prevailing forces will increase inflation, it can attempt to slow the economy by raising short-term interest rates. Conversely, if it perceives that the economy has slowed too much, it can attempt to stimulate growth by lowering short-term interest rates.
The Fed walks a fine line in trying to maintain this balancing act. If it does not tighten the reins soon enough by raising interest rates, it runs the risk of uncontrolled inflation. If it fails to loosen them soon enough by lowering rates, the economy could plunge into a recession.
You & Your Financial Plan
Your own personal financial plan is really what will drive your success or failure. By understanding what your goals are, where you are today, and having a well-thought-out plan to get you from where you are today to where you want to go is ultimately what is important.
Understanding how the markets work, who the participants are, and realizing that many things are unknowable at the time you have to make a decision are extremely important. Knowing that you will not know everything you would like to know beforehand is the hardest idea to grapple with. As the well-known Nike saying goes, “Just Do It.”