Last week US News & World Report came out with an article (actually two) by Rick Newman highlighting who would do well and who would lose out in 2011. One year from now this may prove to be inaccurate but the assumptions that Mr. Newman makes about which areas of the economy should expand and which should contract, might encourage people to shift their professional focus or give the unemployed a direction to move forward.
The study of economics is certainly not an exact science but with the new government stimulus package, corporate cash-build up and improvement in some industries, employment opportunities should increase this year.
This article lists the areas that should improve
The stock market:
As I just mentioned, markets moves are hard to predict but many Wall Street analysts are saying that the stock market will continue to improve this year, even though the S&P 500 stock index jumped about 85% in 2009. Incentives from the government, low interest rates, and financially healthier companies should encourage further improvement in stock values.
As I just mentioned, markets moves are hard to predict but many Wall Street analysts are saying that the stock market will continue to improve this year, even though the S&P 500 stock index jumped about 85% in 2009. Incentives from the government, low interest rates, and financially healthier companies should encourage further improvement in stock values.
U.S. multinational companies:
American companies that do business in India, China and Brazil and other developing countries are experiencing increasing demand. The more developed markets like Europe and the U.S. are still trying to recover. Companies in the S&P 500 did well last year in part because they get approximately 40% of their profits (pre-tax) from “emerging markets”
American companies that do business in India, China and Brazil and other developing countries are experiencing increasing demand. The more developed markets like Europe and the U.S. are still trying to recover. Companies in the S&P 500 did well last year in part because they get approximately 40% of their profits (pre-tax) from “emerging markets”
Employment in growing industries:
It stands to reason, companies that survived the recession and are financially healthy are starting to hire again. One of the most stable industries-healthcare-has been hiring during the economic downturn and will continue to look for workers. In addition, some industries including energy, mining and information technology are starting to pick up speed in hiring. Other areas such as construction and print publishing are still contracting, so there will be fewer employment opportunities in the near term.
It stands to reason, companies that survived the recession and are financially healthy are starting to hire again. One of the most stable industries-healthcare-has been hiring during the economic downturn and will continue to look for workers. In addition, some industries including energy, mining and information technology are starting to pick up speed in hiring. Other areas such as construction and print publishing are still contracting, so there will be fewer employment opportunities in the near term.
Taxes:
Workers across the income spectrum should benefit from the tax legislation that was recently passed by President Obama and the Congress. Some taxes were slated to go up in the new year, like income and estate taxes, but they will remain at 2010 levels. Other taxes such as Social Security withholding have been reduced, which will put money in employees’ pockets. For example, a family making between $50,000 and $75,000 per year will get over $2200 in annual tax savings.
Workers across the income spectrum should benefit from the tax legislation that was recently passed by President Obama and the Congress. Some taxes were slated to go up in the new year, like income and estate taxes, but they will remain at 2010 levels. Other taxes such as Social Security withholding have been reduced, which will put money in employees’ pockets. For example, a family making between $50,000 and $75,000 per year will get over $2200 in annual tax savings.
