Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable

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Earlier this week, we discussed how most projections from financial institutions are calling for a quick V-shaped recovery from this economic downturn, and there’s research on previous post-pandemic recoveries to support that expectation.

In addition, we noted how there are some in the business community who believe we may instead be headed for a U-shaped recovery, where the return to previous levels of economic success won’t occur until the middle of next year. Yesterday, Reuters released a poll of U.S. and European economists which revealed that most surveyed are now leaning more toward a U-shaped recovery.

Here are the results of that poll:Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable | Simplifying The Market

Why the disparity in thinking among different groups of economic experts?

The current situation makes it extremely difficult to project the future of the economy. Analysts normally look at economic data and compare it to previous slowdowns to create their projections. This situation, however, is anything but normal.

Today, analysts must incorporate data from three different sciences into their recovery equation:

1. Business Science – How has the economy rebounded from similar slowdowns in the past?

2. Health Science – When will COVID-19 be under control? Will there be another flareup of the virus this fall?

3. Social Science – After businesses are fully operational, how long will it take American consumers to return to normal consumption patterns? (Ex: going to the movies, attending a sporting event, or flying).

The challenge of accurately combining the three sciences into a single projection has created uncertainty, and it has led to a wide range of opinions on the timing of the recovery.

Bottom Line

Right now, the vast majority of economists and analysts believe a full recovery will take anywhere from 6-18 months. No one truly knows the exact timetable, but it will be coming.

Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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About the Author
Richard Wamsat
Richard Wamsat is a Broker Associate and REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Realty in Irvine, California (CalDRE #01345167). Since 2002, Richard has represented clients throughout California in all price ranges, from first time homebuyers purchasing their first condo to seasoned investors buying and selling higher end properties. His current focus is on helping buyers and sellers in Orange County.

Richard bought his first home at nineteen and has worked in both Northern and Southern California markets, including the difficult years of the Great Recession when he negotiated with banks to help homeowners avoid foreclosure or get relief from underwater mortgages. That experience, combined with hundreds of successful closings since, gives his clients a practical understanding of how deals really get done in changing markets.

Committed to professional negotiation, Richard earned the Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, a member of the Harvard Program on Negotiation, along with additional credentials such as CNE, AHWD, CDPE, and SFR. Fewer than one percent of agents nationwide have achieved the MCNE designation, and Richard uses that training to structure offers, counteroffers, and terms that protect his clients’ interests without overpromising or relying on gimmicks.

Richard lives in Irvine with his wife, Brandy, and their fluffy white dog, Murphy. When you hire him, you get a calm, data driven advisor who takes the time to explain your options, walk you through the numbers, and help you make confident decisions about buying or selling a home in Orange County.