Plan for the Worst and Expect the Best

Article 1

From DailyFinance: “Many commentators have focused recently on an index produced by the respected Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI), which suggests that the U.S. economy is slowing. The ECRI's proprietary U.S. Long Leading Index (USLLI), which goes back to 1919, is signaling a slowdown. However, analysts at ECRI don't think this is a sign of the dreaded "double-dip" recession. In their view, a decline in growth after a sharp post-recession growth spurt is to be expected.”
See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/9Lfm9K

Article 2

Consumer Confidence in U.S. Falls More than Forecast June 29 (Bloomberg) – “Confidence among U.S. consumers declined in June more than forecast as Americans turned pessimistic about the outlook for the labor market and the economy. The Conference Board’s confidence index slumped to 52.9 this month from a revised 62.7 in May, figures from the New York-based private research group showed today.” Bloomberg's Mike McKee reports. (Source: Bloomberg)

Why would I continue to post articles on a projection about a complex topic most experts are most often wrong about? Simply because we have to be aware of the national trends and decipher how those trends will impact our local markets and businesses. Certainly, the job and housing markets have yet to show signs of improving. And, if the overall economy remains sluggish or is trending down, how will you position your business to weather the storm through 2010 and beyond?

Mark Bardo says “Plan for the worst and expect the best”. This is good advice.