Your "Where have all the workers gone?" article was a great read, but I'd be interested in hearing how and when the world will adopt to the new normal of the workforce supply not keeping up with demand. What does the world of 2033 look like? Robots are already taking over McDonalds... will they also be cutting our hair, changing our oil, and writing our best-selling books? Will automation ever catch up to the declining work force, or will Gen Alpha be come to known as the "Short-Staffed (Thank You For Your Patience) Generation?"
What is your opinion on companies starting to require more time in the office. Will employees look elsewhere for jobs with so many openings or head back to the office?
Despite the recent (albeit small) drop in mortgage rates, mortgage applications and existing home sales continue to crater, especially y-o-y. Is the housing purchase frenzy finally over and do you suspect that (all things equal) seller pricing still has a way to fall to meet potential buyers?
What are your thoughts on when the US might see 30 year fixed mortgage rates back in the 4% range? And, do you have any related thoughts regarding residential home sale.
Hello Anirban, what is the difference between decline over time and collapse? Are you anticipating a 5% 10% or greater retraction in values, specifically in MD?
Josh Shapiro, gov of PA, declared that 92% of govt jobs no longer require a 4 year degree. He said most of those jobs never needed all that education and experience should count. Your thoughts on this and should Gov Moore do the same? NOTE-- in academia, there are TONS of jobs requiring a 4 year degree (or more) for secretarial type jobs and you hit a complete pay ceiling if you don't have one. Should public universities also get rid of that requirement?
When do you think a good time to get a loan is? If you want to do home improvement and your house is almost paid off do you refinance back into the value of the home or heloc? when will we see interest rates drop and be able to take advantage?
It seems every couple of quarters, there is a shortage and surge in prices for a particular item - baby formula, bacon, eggs (I'm sensing a theme, although I don't want to believe in a breakfast food conspiracy). How do these bursts of crazily priced personal resources impact the larger economic picture?
As stated in your recent post "where have all the workers gone?" the worker shortage is driving up wages. Even with lay-offs in tech the demand for lower skilled workers will most likely remain high. How does the feds rate increases alleviate the wage pressure when it won't necessarily ease the worker shortage?
Anirban - construction seems to have started the year with record high backlog (9.2mo in Dec) while at the same time there are growing concerns about slowing down in both the residential (single fam) and non-residential segments (manufacturing) following some strong showing in 2022. What should be top of mind for contractors as they navigate the new year?
When '07 & '08 happened it revolved around banks. How is personal debt going to factor in with the future of 2024 and 2025 market conditions? Are we going to feel repercussions of that in the construction industry and real estate? It seems from what I am seeing personal debt is at a very high rate.
Your "Where have all the workers gone?" article was a great read, but I'd be interested in hearing how and when the world will adopt to the new normal of the workforce supply not keeping up with demand. What does the world of 2033 look like? Robots are already taking over McDonalds... will they also be cutting our hair, changing our oil, and writing our best-selling books? Will automation ever catch up to the declining work force, or will Gen Alpha be come to known as the "Short-Staffed (Thank You For Your Patience) Generation?"
Hi Anirban, what is your retirement account investment strategy during these challenging economic times? Is maxing out still recommended?
What is your opinion on companies starting to require more time in the office. Will employees look elsewhere for jobs with so many openings or head back to the office?
Despite the recent (albeit small) drop in mortgage rates, mortgage applications and existing home sales continue to crater, especially y-o-y. Is the housing purchase frenzy finally over and do you suspect that (all things equal) seller pricing still has a way to fall to meet potential buyers?
Why should Americans care about the Chinese real estate (and related debt) crisis?
What are your thoughts on when the US might see 30 year fixed mortgage rates back in the 4% range? And, do you have any related thoughts regarding residential home sale.
Hello Anirban, what is the difference between decline over time and collapse? Are you anticipating a 5% 10% or greater retraction in values, specifically in MD?
How do you think Mayor Brandon Scott is doing and who do you think would be a better mayor for Baltimore in 2024?
Josh Shapiro, gov of PA, declared that 92% of govt jobs no longer require a 4 year degree. He said most of those jobs never needed all that education and experience should count. Your thoughts on this and should Gov Moore do the same? NOTE-- in academia, there are TONS of jobs requiring a 4 year degree (or more) for secretarial type jobs and you hit a complete pay ceiling if you don't have one. Should public universities also get rid of that requirement?
When do you think a good time to get a loan is? If you want to do home improvement and your house is almost paid off do you refinance back into the value of the home or heloc? when will we see interest rates drop and be able to take advantage?
It seems every couple of quarters, there is a shortage and surge in prices for a particular item - baby formula, bacon, eggs (I'm sensing a theme, although I don't want to believe in a breakfast food conspiracy). How do these bursts of crazily priced personal resources impact the larger economic picture?
As stated in your recent post "where have all the workers gone?" the worker shortage is driving up wages. Even with lay-offs in tech the demand for lower skilled workers will most likely remain high. How does the feds rate increases alleviate the wage pressure when it won't necessarily ease the worker shortage?
What are the signals in industrial construction (specifically in warehousing, industrial, and manufacturing) telling us 12-24 months down the road?
Anirban - construction seems to have started the year with record high backlog (9.2mo in Dec) while at the same time there are growing concerns about slowing down in both the residential (single fam) and non-residential segments (manufacturing) following some strong showing in 2022. What should be top of mind for contractors as they navigate the new year?
When '07 & '08 happened it revolved around banks. How is personal debt going to factor in with the future of 2024 and 2025 market conditions? Are we going to feel repercussions of that in the construction industry and real estate? It seems from what I am seeing personal debt is at a very high rate.
Should homeowners wait on the sidelines in 2023 with respect to major home renovations? Or is now still a good time to invest in your home?