November 17, 2016
The illustration summarizes all U.S. domestic debt in aggregate and compares it to the size of the economy. Note that debt relative to the size of the economy had been expanding for a considerable period of time. From 2000 to 2007, debt accelerated at an exceptionally fast pace, driven primarily by the explosion in household mortgage debt and bank debt.
With too much debt, we have had to "deleverage" as a society. The deleveraging process has slowly come now to an end, but this process has acted as the strong headwind limiting economic growth, resulting in our subpar recovery.
Typically, deleveraging processes from other global debt crises have taken on average about 7 to 10 years to run their course. We are now more than seven years into the cycle and likely close to the end as the new presidential administration begins in 2017.
As the deleveraging process comes to an end, we would expect domestic growth to eventually accelerate slightly. Fortunately, ultra-low interest rates have elevated cash flow coverage ratios despite elevated levels of borrowing.
TAKEAWAYS:
The illustration summarizes all U.S. domestic debt in aggregate and compares it to the size of the economy. Note that debt relative to the size of the economy had been expanding for a considerable period of time. From 2000 to 2007, debt accelerated at an exceptionally fast pace, driven primarily by the explosion in household mortgage debt and bank debt.
Source: Flow of Funds Accounts, Federal Reserve. Gray bars indicate recessions.
With too much debt, we have had to "deleverage" as a society. The deleveraging process has slowly come now to an end, but this process has acted as the strong headwind limiting economic growth, resulting in our subpar recovery.
Typically, deleveraging processes from other global debt crises have taken on average about 7 to 10 years to run their course. We are now more than seven years into the cycle and likely close to the end as the new presidential administration begins in 2017.
As the deleveraging process comes to an end, we would expect domestic growth to eventually accelerate slightly. Fortunately, ultra-low interest rates have elevated cash flow coverage ratios despite elevated levels of borrowing.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The reason our current economic recovery is subpar is that we as a society are shedding the debt that helped bring about the Great Recession.
- We are close to the end of this cycle, which spells some promise for future growth for the next generation.
- The Federal Reserve may feel it is in good position to boost interest rates a quarter point when it meets in December.
Disclosures:
Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions and other information in the investment commentary are as of Nov. 17, 2016. This summary is intended to provide general information only and is reflective of the opinions of Commerce Trust Company Investment Policy Committee.
This material is not a recommendation of any particular security, is not based on any particular financial situation or needs, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or investment professional. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against all risk.
The information in this commentary should not be construed as an individualized recommendation of any kind. Strategies discussed here in a general manner may not be appropriate for everyone.
Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice or legal advice to customers. Consult a tax specialist regarding tax implications related to any product and specific financial situations.
Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice depending upon worldwide market, economic or political conditions.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions and other information in the investment commentary are as of Nov. 17, 2016. This summary is intended to provide general information only and is reflective of the opinions of Commerce Trust Company Investment Policy Committee.
This material is not a recommendation of any particular security, is not based on any particular financial situation or needs, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or investment professional. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against all risk.
The information in this commentary should not be construed as an individualized recommendation of any kind. Strategies discussed here in a general manner may not be appropriate for everyone.
Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice or legal advice to customers. Consult a tax specialist regarding tax implications related to any product and specific financial situations.
Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice depending upon worldwide market, economic or political conditions.
