The economy’s strength and stability — defying many of the most optimistic predictions — represents a remarkable development after seemingly endless crises

As 2023 winds to a close, Powell and his colleagues are far from declaring victory on inflation. They routinely caution that their actions could be thwarted by any number of threats, from war in the Middle East to China’s economic slowdown. Americans are upset about high costs for rent, groceries and other basics, which aren’t going back to pre-pandemic levels. The White House, too, is quick to emphasize that much work remains.

Yet the economy is ending the year in a remarkably better position than almost anyone on Wall Street or in mainstream economics predicted, having bested just about all expectations time and again. Inflation has dropped to 3.1 percent, from a peak of 9.1. The unemployment rate is at a hot 3.7 percent, and the economy grew at a healthy clip in the most recent quarter. The Fed is probably finished hiking interest rates and is eyeing cuts next year. Financial markets are at or near all-time highs, and the S&P 500 could hit a new record this week, too.

  • silence7@slrpnk.netOP
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    1 year ago

    Doomerism is in fact a fossil fuel industry talking point; it’s part of what they do to discourage action.

    If the only solution is suicide, nobody will act.

    • Nudding@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      My solution isn’t everyone killing themselves at the same time. And you’d know that if you didn’t ban me without recourse.

      • Psychodelic@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Idk the original discussion but I totally support the ban.

        Insufferable people that talk past others are the absolute worst people to try and have a dialogue with - especially when they’re more interested in listening to themselves anyway.

        First, seek to understand, then try to be understood

        • Nudding@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Discourse denouncing bullshit puff pieces disguised as uplifting climate news is hard to swallow, so I understand.

          • Psychodelic@lemmy.world
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            11 months ago

            Haha. Nice. I totally see what you did there.

            You straight up ignored what I wrote and talked exclusively to yourself again! That was truly excellent