Economic Outlook — Better than Expected
Economists closely examine how economic data differs from their forecasts, and draw inferences from these deviations. For example, should retail sales rise 0.4%, compared to forecasts of 0.2%, economists might opine that consumers were more positive, spent a little more and thus growth might be a little better than what was previously expected. Not a big surprise on the upside, but the 0.2% better growth in sales might be a “tell” that the environment is improving. In a normal economic environment, small surprises like this can be meaningful and contain important clues to the future.
Savings bonds are not necessarily the most glamourous of investments. However, they can certainly provide a stable return in a volatile market. But when should you consider redeeming a savings bond?