U.S. economy – show me the numbers
December 23, 2019
The U.S. economy continued to generate growth in the final reading on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2019. Final Q3 GDP remained unchanged at a solid 2.1%. Within the numbers, it showed that consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, was revised higher to 3.2% from 2.9%. The consumer continues to be a key factor driving the economic expansion here in the U.S.GDP measures the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a specific time period, often annually.
Consumer Sentiment remained at very favorable levels in the second of two reading in December at 99.3. Inflation expectations declined in the December survey, with both the year-ahead and five-year expected inflation rates falling and backs up the federal reserves assertion that it will remain low for the foreseeable future. In addition, the impeachment hearing had a barely noticeable impact on economic expectations, as it was mentioned by just 2% of all consumers in the December survey.
U.S. stocks are at fresh record highs on this last full week of trading in 2019. The closely watched S&P 500 is up nearly 30% this year due to an expanding economy, low unemployment, strong consumer spending and confidence along with tame inflation and low-interest rates. The Goldilocks economy continues with chances of a recession extremely low or zero for the foreseeable future.
