12/30/2022
WHAT DOES 2023 FINANICALLY HAVE IN STORE FOR BUSINESS
As we close out a difficult 2022 what does business and real estate markets have to look forward to in 2023. In my opinion, well more of the same as in 2023. The new problem we have now, is can we trust government statistics being published. (Example was the 2nd quarter job numbers published as growing by 1 million in the quarter and then being adjusted after the mid-term election to only 10,000). The false numbers led the fed to be more aggressive in raising rates because they wanted to slow down job growth and this will eventually affect the economy in a negative way. This is a new very dangerous wrinkle out of Washington.
The following are my concern points for 2023:
• Inflation remaining higher than the Fed, business, or consumers desire. This could lead to continued increases in the Fed rate
• Energy costs, these will continue to feel the negative effect of the current administration move to drive up energy costs to promote green energy. This will affect inflation and all areas of the economy. However, if we go into a deeper than expected rescission this will reduce the demand for energy products.
• China, how serious will the COVID outbreak become in China. What will that do to the supply chain products that fuel some of the US and world economy. This crisis is just unfolding as I write this and will continue to monitor this situation in 2023.
• The first two points will continue to put upward pressure on the Fed to continue to raise interest rates. The higher they go the larger the risk of a major recession in 2023. With the very high debt load of the United States this is a scary situation going forward. The country needs growth to be able to continue to service the debt. Plus, higher interest rates raise the interest rate cost of the debt. Yes, some economists look at inflation as a way to get out of debt crisis, but this only works if the government cuts back spending. The recent budget passed shows they are not willing to be serious about cutting back or slowing government spending.
So, with these major items as concern points, to me it looks like we will have a recession in 2023. How deep and how long depends on how these many items roll-out during the 1st quarter. So, with these items in place, I would suggest caution in the New Year.
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