SoFi Blog

A Closer Look at the State of the U.S. Economy

It’s been a relatively quiet month for the market. Equities and fixed income continue to grind higher as investors doubt a near-term revival in inflation. And, with little expectation that tax cuts will be implemented this year, the markets have taken little notice of the relentless political drama coming out of Washington. Given the lack of major market events, we’re taking a step back to focus on the unique state of the U.S. economy right now, how the Federal Reserve might respond, and what it means for the market.

Other than your love life, finance might just be the last topic you’d ever want to discuss with your parents. Not only could it potentially open you up to unnecessary and unwanted criticism (ahem, like comments about avocado toast), but financial advice from a baby boomer can sometimes feel a little irrelevant. The financial climate has changed considerably since your parents were in their 20s or 30s. The cost of higher education has gone up 1,120% in 30 years, and millennials (i.e., you) are carrying majority of the $1.2 trillion in student loans Americans currently owe and are paying back.

U.S. stocks are strong; developed world stocks are rallying, but still uncertain; and despite some investors’ fears, emerging markets are still appealing. Here’s what’s been happening in the market over the past few weeks.

Regardless of your opinion of President Trump, his administration, and the infighting in Washington, times like these present real financial challenges to Americans. Are we in for higher inflation or another recession? What will happen to interest rates? Will unemployment grow or shrink?

Everyone is feeling this uncertainty, particularly young people who are making investment decisions for the first time. Here are a few ways to take control of your money, and avoid making some common money mistakes.

A victory for the centrist Emmanuel Macron in the first round of the French Presidential Election sent equities, interest rates, and the dollar higher this week. Polls are forecasting an easy victory in the second round for Mr. Macron over nationalist politician and Eurosceptic Marine Le Pen. The result was a welcome development for the so-called “reflation trade” after political uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic and some disappointing data spurred a bond rally while equities languished. We continue to like our allocation of globally diversified equities, a short duration bias in fixed income, and exposure to emerging markets.