Skip to Content
Back to Blog
The Knowns and Unknowns of the Economy

The Knowns and Unknowns of the Economy

December 15, 2022846 view(s)

Unknowns always exist. Some unknowns are known, and some are unknown. For example, one may know that they do not know calculus, a known unknown. However, there are infinite things that the same person doesn't know that they don't know. In December 2021, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, "No one knows with any certainty where the economy will be a year or more from now." In the same speech, he predicted the economy would expand at a "robust pace" in 2022 but would require a "gradual pace of policy firming." Asset prices are down by double digits, and interest rates have not risen faster in 40 years. There was neither robust growth nor a gradual pace of tightening.

 Treasury Secretary Yellen and every Administration official given a microphone repeatedly said inflation was transitory. Her assessment has changed drastically. She told 60 Minutes on December 11 that inflation will reduce in 2023. "I believe by the end of next year (2023), you will see much lower inflation if there's not an unanticipated shock," said Yellen. Secretary Yellen believes the Fed will still be fighting inflation down to 2% one year from now. 

 

The Knowns and Unknowns of the Economy

(In defense of the "transitory" rhetoric, there is some truth to it. However, it is not true the way she used it. In economic terms, there is transitory and entrenched inflation. She called inflation transitory, meaning inflation would be short-lived. She clearly says the inflation will entrench 2023. Transitory means prices will climb higher and eventually come back down. Most people call these types of price movements a "bubble." In her defense, she wasn't wrong that the economy is a bubble. She was just wrong about how long it would take to pop.)

 

Throughout the year, the rhetoric surrounding interest rates continued to change. After the first rate hike of 25 basis points (0.25%) in March, the Fed estimated interest rates would need to be around 2% at the end of 2022. Today is December 13, 2022, one day before the final FOMC meeting of the year. The current Federal Funds Rate is 3.75- 4.0%. The market thinks there is a 79.4% chance the Fed will raise rates another 50 basis points (.50%) tomorrow. 

 

The Knowns and Unknowns of the Economy

 

The Fed and Treasury are filled with fancy-degreed economists and have access to the most accurate data. Yet, they have been consistently wrong in their predictions. How should we understand the missing and moving targets? Is there incompetence, malice, or perhaps an unknown skewing their modeling? Are they gaslighting the general inflation expectation? 

Chairman Powell acknowledged the Fed's mistakes in remarks made last month at the Brookings Institute. His candid statement is a wise warning to anyone listening. "We'll continue to make forecasts, but we're going to have to be humble and skeptical about forecasts, I think, for some time. And that calls for a lot of risk  management," said Chairman Powell.

 

What Wisdom Does it Teach?

Life happens at an incredible pace. There are many knowns and unknowns about what we will encounter. People diversify their portfolios because they know there are unknowns, and unknowns represent risk. Secretary Yellen and Chairman Powell said there would be known risks for at least a year. The knowns and unknowns are a reminder to ensure you have an age-appropriate, balanced portfolio. 

The Knowns and Unknowns of the Economy

A balanced portfolio consists of stocks, bonds, real estate, and precious metals. Sophisticated investors diversify into other assets also, but these four are the basics. Several theories exist about the best portfolio allocation depending on goals, age, and risk tolerance. Honest advisors will universally recommend reducing risk as you age. Financial advisors recommend between 5-20% of a portfolio in precious metals. For most people, precious metals represent the smallest percentage of their portfolio. 

There is a simple strategy to build a healthy portfolio to weather the unknowns. If you want advice about stocks and bonds, ask a financial advisor. If you want advice about real estate, ask a realtor or real estate attorney. If you want advice about precious metals, ask the precious metals experts at the U.S. Gold Bureau.

Ready to finally get this done?

Call today.

(800)775-3504

 

Free gold and silver investment kit

Get Our Free
Investor's Guide

 

About the Author: Ryan Watkins

 

Ryan is proud to be an Army veteran. After honorably serving his country, he studied finance, marketing, and kinesiology and graduated Cum Laude. Sharing a professional, practical, well-rounded investment perspective is his primary objective. Ryan invests in many different assets but admits he likes tangible assets best. His sincere passion is educating people and helping them make the most informed choices.

Posting in:
Ryan Watkins, Op-Ed ContributorbyRyan Watkins, Op-Ed Contributor
This site uses cookies to improve your experience. By clicking, you agree to our Privacy Policy.