FYI: 2017 was a great year for the economy and financial markets, and we started 2018 with high hopes for even faster growth and continued market gains. But between the stock market pullback early in the year; the slowdown in economic growth; and the rising political risks in Asia, with North Korea, and in Europe, with Britain and Italy, expectations softened. Perhaps 2017 was the end of the cycle after all.
As we approach the middle of the year, however, those initial hopes once again seem to be realistic. According to the data, job growth has actually accelerated in 2018, bringing us, essentially, to full employment. Wage growth is close to its highest levels since the crisis, which is providing consumers with the ability—and willingness—to spend. Business confidence is elevated, and business investment is accelerating. Government has moved from a headwind to a tailwind, as tax cuts and fiscal stimulus have combined to create the most supportive environment we’ve seen in years
Regards,
Ted
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/2018-midyear-outlook--growth-and-markets-picking-back-up-39430.html?print
