Postive Economic Signs Ahead

Looks like the economic turn has started. Here are a few signs that July may be the turning point.

First, owners of small businesses say they see signs of economic improvement. The Discover Small Business Watch, the card company's monthly survey, found that 30% of small businesses believe the economy is getting better, up from 26% a month earlier.

Second, the “clunker credit” has done more for auto sales than I think anyone expected. Who knew that the program would be this effective at wiping out excess auto inventories?

Third, while we are facing a jobless recovery, it looks like the continuing losses are beginning to ameliorate. More people are being recalled to work and we should start seeing lower new claims for unemployment in the next few weeks.

I’m guessing that we will see positive 3^rd quarter economic growth. The clunker program virtually confirms positive news. It looks like we can mark July or August as the inflection point for recovery.

I do have a feeling that this will be one of the weakest recoveries in history. Employers will squeeze out significant productivity gains (read longer work hours) and try to hold down wages ( read continued losses in personal income) to bolster improved profits. The economy is about to grow, just a slower than we all would like.