As of 2016, the United States has seen a general improvement in economic conditions. Full records are obviously only available for the previous year, but most economic trends have remained relatively stable.
Perhaps one of the most significant conditions is the end of the mortgage and housing crisis that dominated the second half of the previous decade. Housing prices have recovered from the crash of 2006, but the housing market is showing no signs of a bubble (except, it could be argued, in specific regions of the country). Instead, across most regions of the United States, houses are showing gradual appreciation. Although affordability is declining slightly, house sales are still strong, although real estate is not the investment bargain it was a few years ago.
Annual GDP growth has been averaging approximately 2 percent for the past few years, and inflation has remained under 2 percent, aided in part by low oil prices. Interest rates remain at historic lows and unemployment remains at or slightly under 5 percent, leading to a slight upward pressure on wages.
Low interest rates create favorable conditions for investment, and consumer confidence remains relative strong. A high dollar increases the price of American exports but decreases the price of exports.
No comments:
Post a Comment