America's Economic Future – A Discussion By Ted Kavadas
The economic weakness that has occurred has caused a significant amount of financial damage. This can be seen in a variety of indicators and statistics, such as widening credit spreads, defaults, credit downgrades, etc. These worsening conditions have been accompanied by a curtailed (in many cases severely) access to credit. Whereas credit and other types …
The economic weakness that accelerated in the latter months of 2008 and into 2009 played out in a very “tricky” fashion. Very few mainstream economists foresaw what would happen. A testament to the complexity of the situation as 2008 progressed was the business shows airing arguments during the summer as to whether the economy was even in …
“As unemployment approaches 10%, what is less well publicized is that the number of “underutilized” workers in the U.S. has increased dramatically from 15 to 30 million. Those without jobs, as well as those individuals who only work part-time and have become discouraged and stopped looking, total 30 MILLION people. The number is staggering.” -Bill …
Recently I have seen a phrase mentioned by a couple of different Fortune 500 firms during conference calls. While discussing their financial results, they have mentioned that they are “focusing on things that they can control.” When I first heard this phrase it struck me as odd. I inferred from the phrase that they were trying to convey diligence with …
Here are some recent articles in which corporations opine about the economy. In general, in these articles it is seen that these corporations agree with the current economist consensus that “the worst is over”: U.S. Economy: Manufacturing Shrank Least Since August (Update1) http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a_.lKyRsGFJg “Car Makers See End to Sales Slide” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124646313562280557.html “FedEx Sees Signs of a Turnaround” …
The Wall Street Journal ran a story yesterday titled, “Pendulum is Swinging Back on ‘Scenario Planning.’” Perhaps most interesting is the history of scenario planning. Here is the link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124683295589397615.html As I have written about previously on this blog: https://www.economicgreenfield.com/2009/06/18/businesses-and-economic-stress/ those who own or manage a business will likely continue to find themselves in a …
My analyses indicate that, unfortunately, businesses will continue to face very challenging conditions. Many already find themselves in rather perilous circumstances, as witnessed by the number and breadth (across industries) of companies experiencing double-digit revenue declines, not to mention innumerable other statistics. On a couple of occasions I have written about the conditions that businesses face during …
Every so often I will mention the plight of GM as I think it has significance on many fronts. One question that came into my mind recently was “What could have been…” In other words, if GM were to achieve results typical of (at least) a well-run, diversifying/acquisitive company since its peak (defined in an all-things considered, …
One phrase that I have heard mentioned a few times is that the economic and market declines of 2008-early2009 created a “Opportunity of a Lifetime” to buy stocks, businesses, and other assets. I am not sure what reasoning is used to justify the “Opportunity of a Lifetime” phrase (and no reasoning has been provided). It would …
There is so much that can be said about GM’s demise, as well as how its bailout has been handled. It is rather mindboggling to realize that at its peak, it was the most powerful company in the world. I’ve been trying to recall how many times major stories have been published over the years about GM’s …