A fascinating contradiction, right? On paper, things look solid - 2.8% GDP growth is no joke, especially when you consider the current global economic uncertainty. But the GDP doesn’t tell the whole story. Please allow me to unleash a bit on this:
The US economy is growing despite some hefty issues. National debt has skyrocketed, with government spending outpacing revenue. This level of debt doesn’t just chill on the sidelines - it impacts everything from interest rates to inflation. We have been seeing this big time in 2024. Every time the government borrows more, it’s effectively buying time - to me this feels very much like a company issuing more stock to keep the lights on. We've all seen those stories play out too.
Inflation has come down somewhat from its peak, but it’s still not fabulous is it? Add to that an employment landscape that’s far from perfect despite the headlines. We all know what is happening on the other side.
Unemployment is officially low, but many are in lower-paying or part-time roles they wouldn’t have chosen otherwise, not to mention the constant tech layoffs. It’s creating a workforce where people might have jobs, but they’re not in positions that offer long-term stability or growth.
So, why is the economy still growing? A few reasons. First, consumer spending has stayed strong, though that’s often on the back of credit. Plus, big companies are pulling in profits, especially in sectors like tech and finance, thanks to strategic layoffs and cost-cutting that keep their bottom lines looking good even in turbulent times.
The “strong economy” narrative is true in a way, but it’s kind of like a beautiful fa?ade over a building with serious structural issues. It’s functional for now, but without addressing these underlying factors like debt, inflation, and a wobbly job market - it’s a situation that could turn precarious faster than anyone expects.
#GDP #economy