What’s really driving the economy—and how should investors think about it? In this podcast, John & Sam exchange perspectives on current events that are impacting our economy and influencing investment strategies. Trading Perspectives is hosted by Oakworth Capital Bank's Chief Investment Officer, John Norris along with Sam Clement, Associate Managing Director.
*Oakworth Asset Management is a registered investment advisor. All advisory services, including investment management and financial planning, are offered through Oakworth Asset Management, LLC, which is owned by Oakworth Capital Bank, member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. Investment products and services offered via Oakworth Asset Management, LLC are independent of the products and services offered by Oakworth Capital Bank and are NOT FDIC INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED, and MAY LOSE VALUE. The information, opinions, comments, statements, views or recommendations expressed should not be considered professional, tax or legal advice; or as an offer to buy or sell or to make or consider any investment or course of action. https://www.oakworth.com/ tradingperspectives@oakworth.com📄 Disclosures: oakworth.com/policy-center Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Investments may lose value and are not bank guarantee.
Feb 27, 2025
Recent economic reports and corporate earnings releases suggest the vaunted U.S. consumer might be running out of steam. The official savings rate has plummeted. Consumer confidence gauges are down. Loan delinquencies are up. Mid-tier restaurant closings are becoming commonplace. So, how much longer can the ultra-wealthy continue to spend at its current level to mask these problems? Will a pullback in the stock market close the wallets of the income group currently holding the economy together? Are we at an inflection point? Because all of the negative anecdotes can’t be simply anecdotal, can they?
In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the curious case of the U.S. consumer. Much of the data suggests it is running out of gas, but some of it says otherwise. What is the truth? And what is the likelihood the consumer pulls back over the next couple of quarters?