Economy Outlook
 

After a downswing in our economy, and a reported "upswing", I was wondering where the state of the economy is right now. Have spending habits changed? One thing I noticed is that Americans are more "spruglin" in goods, while skimmpy on others.

It's actually been on the upswing since 2002. The main issue people have now is with job creation which hasn't followed GDP growth (not saying it's right, but it's how it is).

I think people are waiting on the job growth. Right now due to increased productivity employers aren't really needing to hire more people, hopefully as the economy continues to grow, that will change. Of course interest rates increasing could put a damper on all this too, that's something, along with high energy costs, to keep an eye on if you have a bear outlook.

Latest reports show that a rising number of people are defaulting on credit card debt though. I suspect that's not a good sign for consumer spending.

Really? Is it just me, or is their alot more "luxury" spending. I am noticed luxury cars as a commonplace over the last year or two, and alot of people just spending more on things they value as a "luxury" to them. It seems we have re-focus the way we shop.

If the economy could just get more cowbell I think we'd be alright...

I want the cowbell with the tinted windows, 20 inch rims, and a DVD player.