In today’s market, people are desperate for a glimmer of hope. The recent economic recession, along with months of pandemic-related closures, has left many investors feeling uneasy and uncertain about the global economy’s future. Despite the gloomy outlook, there is still some good news for those willing to search for it.
For starters, a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 4.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020, which is especially noteworthy given the difficult year it has been. This indicates that economic activity has continued to expand in the U.S., suggesting that the post-recession recovery is still on track.
Additionally, the housing market has been one of the strongest sectors of the U.S. economy this past year. Home prices continue to trend upward, due to high demand and limited supply. This is great news for those looking to buy or sell a home, as it could result in greater returns on their investments.
It is also worth noting that the stock market has been resilient throughout the downturn. In the U.S., the S&P 500 is up more than 19% since the start of the year, and many other global indices have seen similar gains. This suggests that there are still opportunities for investors to make money in the stock market, as long as they remain cautious and vigilant.
Finally, the global rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has many feeling more optimistic about the future. With millions of people now having access to the vaccine, there is a sense of hope for what the future holds. This should help people feel more secure about the economic outlook, and lead to increased consumer and investor confidence.
Overall, although the recent months have certainly been difficult, there are still reasons to remain optimistic about the economic future. Many signs point towards a rebound in 2021, suggesting that markets will continue to grow and that investors will be able to build back their portfolios over time. So, while it may be dark and dreary now, the market is still begging for us to tell it something good.
