Archive: Economic and Financial Digest
November 24, 2020 | Economic and Financial Digest
Rocky Road To A Vaccine
Like his former boss, President Barack Obama, Joe Biden will be inheriting a damaged economy when he takes office on January 20. The Covid-19 pandemic has not only sent the nation into its deepest recession since the 1930s, it is leaving indelible scars that will restrain activity for some time to come. Worse, he will […]
October 23, 2020 | Economic and Financial Digest
A Host of Uncertainties
To say that uncertainty is rising would be an understatement. Political and policy uncertainties are surging with questions surrounding the next round of fiscal aid, questions around the outcome of the elections, questions around a peaceful transfer of power (if it occurs), and most recently questions surrounding the health of the President, although he apparently […]
September 25, 2020 | Economic and Financial Digest
A Glass Half Empty
Despite being portrayed as dismal scientists, we economists are not always pessimistic about economic prospects. In fact, we are happy to report that things are looking up in many respects. Consumers are spending again, factories are revving up operations, housing activity is on a tear and, most importantly, the job market is recovering. The health […]
August 31, 2020 | Economic and Financial Digest
The Recovery Enters Perilous Stage
The rebound in jobs, production and consumer spending in recent months strongly indicates that the recovery from the harsh Covid-19 recession is underway. To be sure, the recovery may be cut short if the escalation of virus cases in many parts of the nation turns into a full-blown second wave or if the lapsed fiscal […]
July 30, 2020 | Economic and Financial Digest
The Uneven Impact of Covid-19
Just as government-mandated lockdowns sent the economy into a tailspin in March and April, the lifting of restrictions and the reopening of businesses propelled activity higher in May and June. In fact, the rebound in jobs, spending and other key indicators has been stronger than expected. But, the easy lifting is largely behind us now […]