Friday, June 1, 2012

The 7% Solution


          After several years of scrimping and saving, it seems that Americans are comfortable enough to start spending again.  Nationwide, retailers were pleasantly surprised by an unexpected increase in sales this past month as consumers unleashed their “pent up demand,” as Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics LLC describes it.  Though the occasional shopping spree might not seem like the surest sign of economic improvement, consumer spending actually accounts for more than 70% of economic activity.

          What’s really striking, however, is the combination of this shopping boost with several other telling factors.  For one, the US economy has grown 1.9% in the first three months of this year.  Considering that the country’s GNP was a bit over $15 trillion last year, 1.9% is a good deal more than it sounds.  The $7.87 billion rise in money market funds is another good sign.  Americans aren’t just using their newfound capital for shopping; they’re also investing it.  After the mortgage bubble burst in 2008, it’s especially comforting to see that mortgage rates have fallen to a new low of 3.75%.  With housing becoming more affordable, bank-owned home sales and foreclosures have dropped.

          This economic improvement has been fueled by the growth of America’s job market.  Although some areas of the country would certainly appreciate more growth, those of us living in upstate South Carolina are fortunate enough to boast one of the best employment rates in the country.  Greenville is leading the state with only 7% unemployment, followed closely by the Charleston area at 7.1%.  We here in the Acadia community are certainly enjoying our share of the recent growth.  With the strong job and housing markets, it’s no surprise that more and more lots are selling in the newly opened Phase II, along with our Townhomes and Cottage homes.  While we still encourage prudent investment- along with the occasional shopping trip- now might be a good time to consider moving to Acadia where life, if not the economy, seems in balance.


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