The U.S. economy will grow this year and next around 2.1% to 2.3%, according to the IMF and S&P Global Ratings. This is a long way from the 4% promised by President Trump during the 2016 election. If these two new economic forecasts are accurate, it is doubtful the U.S. will even reach the 3% growth target Trump set after entering the White House. The IMF is clear about the reason: uncertainty over economic policy and the ability to get tax reform and an infrastructure bill passed. S&P agrees, saying there will be no federally funded infrastructure package this year or next. Without implementing these fiscally expansionary policies, there is no way to juice up the economy to higher growth. Growth of 2.3% may be on the low side, but it's respectable. The problem is President Trump has promised higher growth and the stock market climbed on the back of stimulus that now seems unlikely. In short, the IMF and S&P have called out an uncomfortable truth. Now we have to hope the stock market, having its eyes opened to the emperor's new clothes, doesn't take fright. -Richard.Quest@cnn.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment