Time to Come Out of Hiding Yet? Is the Recession Over?
August 14th, 2009
While U.S. data isn't quite as optimistic, to say the least, reports out of Europe are indicating that not only are many countries there well on their way to recovery, but they are actually out of the recession. Unexpected growth the last quarter, especially in France and Germany, has spilled onto just about every major news outlet indicating the recession is over in Europe.
The Dow responded yesterday by closing in positive territory at 9,398.19, up nearly half a percent. However, unemployment numbers here in the states are curbing optimism. As unemployment numbers still hover at more than 500,000 a month. Retail sales are still lower than hoped and import prices keep falling as people are still reluctant to spend, thinking the worst is not over.
The biggest concern here in the U.S. is the continuing weak job conditions, and the numbers of foreclosures each month are not letting up. Is the worst over yet in the U.S.? By the end of the year many hope to see employers beginning to hire more and foreclosures beginning to fall.
