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The Pandemic and Financial Waves
Episode 156

The Pandemic and Financial Waves

Notes on the Week Ahead

November 1, 202114m 13s

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Show Notes

It feels like so long ago, but back in 2019, the economic and financial environment was remarkably placid. Real GDP growth was plodding along at 2.3% pace, unemployment drifted down to end the year at 3.6% and corporate profits were growing slowly from very high levels. Consumption deflator inflation was still running below the Fed’s 2% target and, in recognition of this fact, as well as market volatility at the end of 2018 and a sluggish global economy, the Fed cut the federal funds rate three times to end the year in a range of 1.50%-1.75%. While the political weather in America was stormy, the investment environment was remarkably calm.