Connecting the Dots

Over in the United Kingdom, where energy prices are a growing problem, climate protestors have been throwing soup at Van Gogh paintings. Others in Germany glued themselves to a museum floor, demanding an immediate shift to 100% green energy.

The US labor shortage is double trouble: The economy lacks enough workers, and the average worker is less productive.

Hiring managers have had a rough couple of years. If that’s you, I have bad news: Don’t expect much improvement in the labor shortage.

Financial analysts often call the United States “the world’s strongest economy,” with high and constantly improving living standards.

Remember when inflation was going to be transitory? Good times.

You may have noticed higher fuel prices recently. If not, you will soon.

One year ago, the US labor market was almost at equilibrium. 

“Out of the frying pan, into the fire” isn’t just a trite old saying. Economically, it may be a great metaphor for 2022.

When COVID came along two years ago, it sparked a lot of fear—and not just fear of the virus. Some people were more afraid of virus restrictions hurting the economy.

The dramatically-named Omicron COVID-19 variant is moving fast. If you don’t know anyone who’s had it (or been infected yourself), you probably will soon.

For almost two years after COVID’s emergence, the Federal Reserve pumped money into the economy every way it could. Jerome Powell and his crew kept the pace even as the economy improved a lot.

In The Terminator films, we were told Skynet became self-aware at 2:14 am on August 4, 1997. Bad things followed.