The US economy balances in an uncertain position entering the second quarter. In certain respects, the economy is on solid footing; the consumer is in good shape. The labor markets are tight with the unemployment rate, at 3.6%, close to historic lows. Jobs are plentiful and wages are rising. While households have burned through the COVID-stimulus cash, their savings rate continues to be elevated, currently at 6.3%, which adds a level of cushioning should the economy turn south. On the Corporate front, profits recovered quickly and are now well above pre-pandemic levels. Business investment is continuing to accelerate and, with a growing trend to bring business operations back to the US, implies US economic growth should continue.
