Unscrambling the Economy’s Mixed Messages

September 14, 2023
A barrage of conflicting economic data is keeping the investing horizon cloudy. What are market experts focusing on, why does it matter, and does it apply to your portfolio?
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After you listen

Lately the data on the economy and the markets has been all over the place, making it hard for investors to get a good read on where things are headed. Some indexes are way up, while others are only up a few percent. Inflation has come way down but remains sticky—and the Fed is contemplating raising rates again. Consumers are spending a lot of money on travel and services, but retailers are starting to feel the pinch as spending patterns have changed. So how do investors make sense of all the data? Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist with the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike Townsend to dig into what’s behind the data, why key data points often need to be revised, and how investors can best interpret the information. They also share insights on the recession-versus-soft-landing debate, whether markets care about government shutdowns, and what to look for from the markets in Q4.

Mike also provides updates on Congress careening toward a possible government shutdown later this fall, the confirmation of a trio of Federal Reserve Board nominees, and a recent IRS ruling that provides clarity on two key retirement savings initiatives.

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Will government policy affect your money?

Congress Scrambling to Avoid Government Shutdown

Historically, government shutdowns have not caused a major reaction in the markets. But shutdowns can increase market volatility, and an extended shutdown could have an impact on the overall economy.

Fed Pauses but Projects One More Hike This Year

The September Federal Reserve meeting provided few surprises, but ongoing uncertainty about the Fed's next move may mean more volatility ahead.

Will Rising Federal Debt Slow Economic Growth?

Over the past 70 years, rising government debt generally has been accompanied by weaker economic activity. But it's not a simple relationship.

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