Current Economic Trends

Thought you would be interested to see the latest update from our Vistage Intl Economic expert speakers. ..........


GDP down in the third quarter of 2008

Preliminary third quarter GDP data is out and it shows that the economy contracted from the prior quarter. Given the negative trend in US Industrial Production and the ongoing descent in Retail Sales, it is reasonable to presume that the economy is indeed officially in a recession.

Several thoughts jump to mind:

We are closer to the beginning of this downturn than we are to the end of the process.

Expect general economic conditions to get worse.

Cash flow, liquidity, and moving into new markets are arguably the three most important goals at this juncture of the business cycle.

Even if your business is still doing well, make sure it is because you really are “beating the business cycle” and not because you are lagging the economic indicators.

Be agents of change.
Brian Beaulieu Institute for Trend Research 603-226-9331