In order to be polite ... as Canadians are, eh? We say that January 2016 has been "interesting". Record high snowfalls in Washington D.C. and New York. Record falls of the DOW. Not quite a recession. Not yet a recession. For what we have observed on the stock market over the past few months has been remarkable volatility. How that will translate onto the economy is the question: only the balance of the year will tell, soothsayers or not.
Business watches the stock market jitters and the economy with hawk's eyes. How will that affect strategic plans? What about budgets? How will that affect hiring? How will that nudge cash flow?
As we have been told time and again that volatility in the stock market is a result of emotional investing among other concerns, as business owners we needs must hold our breath before we exhale. There are macro issues such as federal stimuli and bond yields. How does that affect the recipient of the micro loan in some corner of the world? If we are all tightly knit together globally in the twenty first century as we never have been before, why is it that locally grown berries are exported before some in the 'hood get a pound? And why does that trade balance (negative or otherwise) affect whether we can buy a cup of coffee or not?
I am determined to eat healthy, but I have a monthly produce budget which appears to vary negatively. So, I am determined to work diligently and sincerely in order to expand my clientele and provide a professional service that helps my accounting and management consulting clients. This is not a volatile affirmation.