If you’re looking to start a business or just grow your investments, 2019 is the year to do it. By all major indicators, 2019 is slated to be “a Goldilocks economy” — not too hot, not too cold.
Despite talk of a recession due to some year-end turbulence in the stock market and fears of a prolonged trade war with China, “the U.S. economy,” writes Caroline Baum of MarketWatch, “is not sending out alarm bells just yet.”
One of the best insights into financial strength is the activity of the Fed. The Federal Reserve Bank will increase or decrease federal interest rates in order to cool down or heat up the economy and control inflation. Low rates, like the 0.25 percent from 2008 to 2015, are signs of a poor economy. Hikes are signs of economic strength. The Fed’s decision to increase interest rates eight times in two years, up 400 percent over 2016, with two more hikes planned for 2019, is evidence that the national economy isn’t done growing.
Even in the face of the year-end stock swings of 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial Average averaged a 19 percent return over the last two years. That’s 9 percentage points higher than the previous eight. Add 50-year low unemployment, the highest wage increases in a decade, robust manufacturing, healthy holiday spending, and Gross Domestic Product in the ideal 2.3 to 3 percent range, and you have a very positive financial outlook.
The annual forecast for Georgia is slated to mirror national trends. Following the University of Georgia’s recent Georgia Economic Outlook forum, job growth is anticipated “in all of Georgia’s 14 metropolitan areas and in all of the state’s major industries.” A strong real estate market and the effects of federal tax cuts will push Georgia toward continued economic stability.
With statewide unemployment (3.5%) beating out the national rate (3.9%), earning the honor of sixth-best state to do business, according to 2018 Chief Executive rankings, and a solid 11th place among states with the most Fortune 1000 companies, Georgia is outshining the competition.
Now’s the time to take advantage of the good financial times. Whether it’s to receive information about personal loan options, open a savings account with a competitive interest rate, or to learn about the advantages of doing business with a local credit union, contact us today for more information about how Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union products and services may help you!
