• Retirement Plan Login
  • InnoVue Login
  • Privacy Statement
  • Contact Us
facebook
twitter
  • Asset Management & Trust
    • Services
  • Retirement Specialists
  • Consulting
  • Blog
  • Our Team
    • Consulting Team
      • Jeffrey Asher, CFA
      • Gregory Baum, CFA
      • Shannon Carter, CFP®, IACCP®
      • Cathy Friday
      • Andy Hood
      • Peter Junkin
      • Terri McCoy
      • Matt Murphy
      • Steve Replogle, CFA, CPA, CTFA
      • Wendy Wilkerson
      • Mark Williams, CFA
    • Corporate Team
      • Cathy Friday
      • Matt Murphy
      • Wendy Wilkerson
      • Mark Williams, CFA
    • Operations Team
      • Kristi Carter
      • Kayley Carver
      • Debbie Sinard
    • Retirement Services Team
      • Stephanie Corder
      • Dani Gayski
      • Kimberley Horne
      • Nicole Leyva
      • Taylor Schubert
    • Trust Administrative Team
      • Jordan Horn
      • Megan Kershaw
      • Christina Moore
      • Steve Replogle, CFA, CPA, CTFA
      • Karen Smith-Grant
    • Trust Investment Team
      • Jeffrey Asher, CFA
      • Gregory Baum, CFA
      • Vicky Bowron
      • Shannon Carter, CFP®, IACCP®
      • Andy Hood
      • Peter Junkin
      • Steve Replogle, CFA, CPA, CTFA
      • Mark Williams, CFA
  • Financial Calculators
    • Social security retirement income estimator
    • How much will I need to save for retirement?
    • How will payroll adjustments affect my take-home pay?
    • What would my 401(k), 457, or 403(b) Plan be worth?
    • Are my current retirement savings sufficient?
    • How should I allocate my assets?
    • What is my risk tolerance?
    • How much should I save to reach my goal?
    • Compare a Roth 401(k) to a Traditional 401(k)
    • What is the impact of increasing my 457 Plan contribution?

Economic Realities – Fourth Quarter, 2011

March 08, 2012
by kgrant
0 Comment

The official starting point of the most recent US recession is December, 2007 and the ending was June, 2009. During roughly the same time period, Europe experienced a similar slow down. Japan was affected in like manner.
Japan was emerging from its slowdown when the tsunami struck early in 2011. Europe was recovering when the Greek-et-al credit crisis struck in 2010. Of those three major developed economic centers, the US recovery has been the most successful so far.
Now, it should be acknowledged that even in the US, economic activity is still relatively slow. Our housing market remains very anemic. And unemployment – although down from its peak – is still high by historic standards.
So – official recession or not – where are we and the rest of the developed world – in terms of economic health? Are we close to the end of our time of suffering or do we still have a long way to go?
Making economic and investment predictions over the last several years has been very difficult – to say the least. But here goes again:
Japan does seem to be climbing out of the abyss it fell into after the tsunami. In the US, housing seems to have bottomed and may be showing signs of incipient recovery. Unemployment (which is linked in some way to housing) does seem to be improving.
In Europe, however, the austerity measures – meant to deal with budget deficits – have made recovery more difficult. And the 27 member EU states have continuing challenges agreeing on solutions and their implementation. Europe is likely already entering another (perhaps) shallow recession. However, we do believe that the leadership of the EU is incentivized – in every respect – ultimately, to do the right thing and keep the Union from flying apart.
So, our conclusion is that the three engines of the developed world’s economies are moving toward recovery. And specifically, 2012 should be a relatively good year for US stocks and OK for housing and employment.

About the Author
Social Share
  • google-share

InnoVue Client Login

Click the login link to access your InvesTrust account information and statements online.

Login>>

Retirement Plan Login

Click the login link to access your retirement plan account information and statements.

Login>>

Contact Information

InvesTrust

5100 N. Classen Blvd.
Suite 620
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

T: 405.843.7177
F: 405.843.7835
E: investrust@investrust.com

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

InvesTrust is closed for the following holidays:

Friday, Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
Monday, Feb. 15 President’s Day
Monday, May 31 Memorial Day
Monday, July 5, Independence Day
Monday, Sept. 6 Labor Day
Monday, Oct. 11 Columbus Day
Thursday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Thursday, Nov. 25 Thanksgiving
Friday, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving
Friday, Dec. 24 Christmas

Newsletter

  • Four Tips to Help Avoid Burnout While Working from Home
  • Sequence Risk: Preparing to Retire in a Down Market
  • Estate Planning Strategies in a Low-Interest-Rate Environment
  • Increased Interest in Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Is Now a Good Time to Consider a Roth Conversion?

Cameron Enterprises

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that all investments are subject to risk, including loss of principle. Risk is defined as fluctuation in returns from one period to the next and the potential for loss. A well diversified portfolio may help investors reduce the risk associated with investing. However, diversification does not insure protection against a loss in a declining market.

Circular 230 Disclosure: Please note that Treasury regulations effective June 20, 2005 impose extensive requirements for a formal tax opinion. Since this communication (including any attachments) is not such a formal tax opinion, we are required to advise you that it was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used (i) for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. If you would like further information, please contact us.