Hey, business leaders, it looks like good news is on the way. Your video production leader, BizVid Communications, has been tracking the rise and fall of business growth ever since we began this blog, years ago. And the expectations and rumblings for the next several years seem very hopeful. Many believe that covid economics are departing. Gone will be the days of vacant shops in nearby malls, office building shutdowns and a sense of hopelessness. Further, many on Wall Street are giving a hearty “amens!”
As is typical in our blogs, BizVid has placed a dipstick in America’s media for their own reading regarding the times in which we are finding ourselves.
What they have to say:
A recent article from Consumer Reports (https://store.mintel.com/report/us-consumers-the-economic-outlook-market-report?) put it this way: ”Two years removed from the country’s worst bout of inflation in over four decades, the US economy has defied expectations. Prices continue to exhibit signs of being on a deflationary path, the labor market remains resilient, wage growth is solid, along with real GDP continuing to display healthy quarterly increases.
Income growth opportunities have especially driven much of the positive gains in households’ personal finances, as well as their bullish outlooks; nearly half of those financially better off in the past year have reported receiving a pay increase within the same time frame. Similarly, 45% of those that predict they will be a lot better off have also seen a bump in salary.
Strong consumer confidence has historically exhibited strong links to robust consumer spending – as seen by the 44% of households with expectations of travel during the summer, with home improvements and big-ticket purchases being other discretionary outlets many consumers plan to engage with in the near-term.
What’s more…
On December 29th, author and analytical podcaster, Dianne Marshall of DianneMarshallReport.com offered her poignant insights.
“Covid mandates destroyed the backbone of America which was small businesses. People who have the desire to own their own business is being outsourced by Big Corporate Chains and the little guy needs to decide whose “Big Corporation” or “Chain” they want to be tied to as their employee. That is where the “Rubber Stamped” rules of big tech are steering the ship. It’s a big ship. One they say is the future and no one will sink it. So, get on board!”
Here’s some of what one of the big guys has to say…
Forbes 2025 Stock Market predictions- (https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor-hub/article/stock-market-predictions/2025)
Expert predictions for stock market growth in 2025 vary from a 5% decline to growth of 20%. Many pundits are pegging a 10% increase as the most likely scenario.
Ed Mahaffy, president and senior portfolio manager at ClientFirst Wealth, Legacy & Estate Planning, has a more bullish outlook. Citing ongoing innovation in AI and falling interest rates, Mahaffy expects the S&P 500 will end 2025 up 14.5% to 19.6%.
Michael Ashley Schulman, partner and chief investment officer for Running Point Capital Advisors, holds a midrange view. Schulman believes the S&P 500 will grow 7% to 11% next year, with volatility along the way. He notes economic growth, earnings expansion, rising mergers and acquisitions activity and lower interest rates as influential factors.
BizVid’s Summary.
The rebirth of America’s industries and other businesses has been a long time coming. From a political standpoint, there will always be naysayers. BizVid guesses that we can make amends on our next blog. But we don’t expect to. Enoy!