Really worried about the economy

[bandwidthpolice]

It seems things are just going to be in a headstall for a long time. Kinda remenicient (sp) of the early 70's. I don't worry about a depression so much but I think growth is going to be very slow for an extended period (5 more years of this wouldn't surprise me). The money in the mattress theory seems to be the only one that is working at the moment. My "stock broker" has actually called me recently trying to get me to get off some cash. Sounds like he's grabbing at straws to keep his job (at my expense, he's a little bastage who otherwise normally ignores me) .

I wish I knew of a way to find out how much foreign aid is being spent and the trend line over the last few decades. Looks like it is time for government to decide to keep it at home and start supporting us just like we individuals have cut our own spending. We really need to get back on our feet as a nation. There are too many deficits out there right now in federal and state governments (noticed all the potholes that aren't being repaired as a small example?). How do you find this information out?

 

[SLOW_85]

TRY:
http://www.terrorismanswers.com/policy/foreignaid.html
Lot to read there.

 

[GNSCOTT]

The downtrend is in the global economy. The Dow and such are taking a beating because of global instability. We have Iraq, Terrorism, and N. Korea threatening to nuke us on a weekly basis. If you bougt real estate a year ago when stocks were in th dumper, you would have made a hefty return if you sold now. My friend just bought a waterfront condo 6 months ago for $450k and last week he was offered $600 and $615k for it. If you wnt to invest successfully, you just have to get on the right bus at the right time.

 

[Rollin]

I understand your concern here are some links I found while researching the same thing. It should be noted that things occur in cyclic fashion. However, it should also be noted that it seems certain administrations are always in the drivers seat when these things happen to the economy 75% time. Although not in Recession yet. Economists generally state there is a recession when the economy shrinks for two (of four) quarters(six months) of sustained economic decline. By these standards, our economy has suffered four recessions over the last 30 years: November 1973 to March 1975, January to June 1980, July 1981 to November 1982 and July 1990 to March 1991. It's just to easy to pass the buck to the next administration with none held accountable and we the people pay the price. IMHO The narrow mindedness that accompanys the ideology of todays climate is truly amazing. Anyway, I'm rambling heres a few of the links to get you started:

http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/index.html
http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/papers/money/index.html
http://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2000/0100drdollar.html
http://www.ustreas.gov/education/faq/markets/national-debt.html
http://w3.access.gpo.gov/usbudget/
http://www.ustreas.gov/topics/accounting-and-budget/index.html

and a refresher
http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cach...ment+spending"+"last+30+years"&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Fidelitys point of view on our economy: www.fidelity.co.uk/adviser/marketlink/ marketing/ib/usequitiesib.pdf

have fun...

 

[charlloots]

i would say at least 5 years maybe more before the economy is somewhat stable again . UNFORTUNATLY history seems to be repeating itself .

 

[MeanBuicks]

Well here's a story that came out today that will make you feel better: Experts see $20 billion a year for rebuilding

It's only money.

 

[Little6pack]

Sure your broker is wanting you to spend some $$ But all stocks are bargains right now & if you follow the cycles investing now may yeild some big profits down the road.

I have offloaded some loser tech stocks that will never comeback & moved them into some big compaies that have been hard hit GE is one. When things come back GE could double from its current point.

I also spread my Ca$H into bond & real estate funds.

Diversify is the key. when one is down other will be up.
Of course it is hard to preach this when all is down at same time.
A lot depends on your age as to what point in life you are moving into. IE family, Single, retirement.

 

[TRBON8R]

Originally posted by littlesixsteve
Sure your broker is wanting you to spend some $$ But all stocks are bargains right now & if you follow the cycles investing now may yeild some big profits down the road.

I have offloaded some loser tech stocks that will never comeback & moved them into some big compaies that have been hard hit GE is one. When things come back GE could double from its current point.

I also spread my Ca$H into bond & real estate funds.

Diversify is the key. when one is down other will be up.
Of course it is hard to preach this when all is down at same time.
A lot depends on your age as to what point in life you are moving into. IE family, Single, retirement.

Good choice Steve. GE is cheap right now. My personal feeling is that they are still in for some tough times and it may still go a bit lower. However, in the long term even at today's price it is a great value if you hang on to it. Ford motor hit a 10 year low this week of $6.58 a share, and is looking real good right now too. Sure things will be tough for a while, but the smart investor will accumulate while things are tough.

 

[GNSCOTT]

Iraqi oil money will pay for Iraq's rebuild, not the American tax payer. I bet we take back money we spent to fight the war also. Iraq is the 8th richest country in the world. Its good to Liberate a country that can easily afford to rebuild itself.