Good News About The U.S. Economy

Published Friday, July 28, 2023 at: 7:20 PM EDT

The economy turned a corner this past week amid a flurry of good news that continued to beat the expectations of experts. Here’s what investors need to know.

The inflation rate declined more than expected in June, and the gross domestic product grew more than expected in the second quarter, according to the latest data released this past week by the U.S. Government. In addition, the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the eleventh time since March 2022 in its historic campaign to fight the post-Covid inflation crisis and not a whiff of recession was in the outlook for the foreseeable future.

The inflation rate in June rose by two-tenths of 1%, according to the personal consumption expenditures deflator (PCED), which is the inflation benchmark used by Federal Reserve policymakers. The June inflation rate, on an annualized basis, puts the inflation rate on a trajectory in line with the U.S. central bank’s goal of reducing inflation to a 2% annual rate. The annual inflation rate peaked in June 2022 at 7% and is currently at 4.1% on an annual basis, but it declined sharply in recent months as the Federal Reserve hiked rates in one of the most aggressive monetary campaigns in American history.

On Wednesday, July 26, Federal Reserve policymakers concluded their two-day meeting and announced a rate hike of a quarter of 1%, as widely anticipated.

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.4% in the second quarter of 2023, according to the "advance" estimate by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The estimate is the first of two BEA preliminary estimates of quarterly gross domestic product before a final GDP figure is released three months after the end of every quarter.

In the first quarter, real GDP increased by 2%. The increase in the second quarter to 2.4% primarily reflected increases in consumer spending and business investment. Thus, the economic growth rate of the U.S. accelerated in the second quarter despite the toughest monetary tightening policy in modern U.S. history. The strength of the economy has defied the expectations of economists all year long.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index closed Friday at 4582.23, up +0.99% from Thursday, and up +1.01% from a week ago. The index is +104.80% from the March 23, 2020 bear market low and only -4.47% from its January 3, 2022, all-time high.

The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is a market-value weighted index with each stock's weight proportionate to its market value. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.

Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Advisor Products and is not intended as legal or investment advice.

This article was written by a professional financial journalist for The Mosaic Financial Group LLC and is not intended as legal or investment advice.

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