The Transcripts

The Transcript: 2020 Year in Review

December 21, 2020

The Year in Review: 2020 was an unprecedented year and The Transcript covered the economy throughout all of its twists and turns. Even though China was battling Covid in 2019, no one really knew what was in store for all of us in 2020. Technology, capital markets, and housing were three industries that boomed. While the stimulus was integral, the economic hero of 2020 was the US consumer. Optimism is high that 2021 will be a more normal year.

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The Transcript 11.23.20

By Mokaya on

November 23, 2020

- The Transcripts

Succinct Summary: Retailers reported strong quarters last week showing that the US consumer remains resilient despite high unemployment. A new wave of Covid could slow the economy back down but vaccines are almost here. It will be interesting to see what behaviors have been permanently altered by the pandemic and which ones will return to the way that they were. Business travel is one thing that may be permanently changed.

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The Transcript 10.12.20

By Mokaya on

October 12, 2020

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Succinct Summary: The economy has had a strong but incomplete recovery. The worst seems to be over but there’s still a long way to go. For many industries, this looks like a K shaped recovery.
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The Transcript 10.05.20

By Mokaya on

October 5, 2020

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Succinct Summary: This has been the most difficult crisis that the US has faced since most people can remember. An economic recovery is underway but the pace of job growth may be slowing. Companies in the hardest-hit industries are asking for more stimulus.

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The Transcript 07.26.20

By Mokaya on

July 26, 2020

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Succinct Summary: The economy was rebounding in May and June, but the recovery seems to have stalled out as infections have rebounded. CEO commentary was particularly negative last week. Business leaders are rapidly losing confidence and do not see a V-shaped recovery materializing. There’s a sense that government stimulus appears to be the only thing propping up the economy and it’s creating distortions in unemployment and financial markets. Still (perhaps because of this stimulus) the hot housing market suggests that consumers may not actually be in such bad shape after all–just spending on different things.

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The Transcript 06.08.20

By Mokaya on

June 8, 2020

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A Personal Note: A lot has happened in the last two weeks we have been away. We start on a very positive note—warm congratulations to my co-author Scott Krisiloff and his wife on the birth of their beautiful twins this past week. On a different note, the challenge of racism has come to the forefront of global news. This week, we have a special section on quotes on the reactions from corporate management teams on the issued of racism. The bottom line is that we have a problem that needs fixing. I have also written a personal article about my experience of racism in Scandinavia. – Erick Mokaya

Succinct Summary: There are some glimmers of hope across such industries like airlines, travel and retail as demand picks up from the April lows. We are, however, being cautioned about being too excited and urged to be cautious. All in all, there is significant pent-up demand.

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The Transcript 04.20.20

By Mokaya on

April 20, 2020

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Succinct Summary: The modern economy has never experienced economic carnage on the scale of COVID19. US GDP is forecast to fall by 30-40% while unemployment is likely to rise to 20-30%. What matters though, is how long it lasts. A 30% rate of decline in production for a quarter is different from a 30% decline for a whole year. As public attention seems to turn from the virus to the economy, debate is on whether we will see a V-shaped recovery or not. There are lots of reasons why we are unlikely to see such a rapid recovery but there are also glimmers of economic hope. Still, the path of the economy seems to pale in comparison to the importance of the path of humanity.

Editor’s Request: This weekly newsletter is made possible by donations from our readers. If you like what you are reading, click here to donate (Our suggested donation: $10 per month). Help us keep The Transcript going.

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The Transcript 03.16.20

By Mokaya on

March 16, 2020

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Succinct Summary: The Transcript this week is all about the Coronavirus that is rapidly spreading globally and crippling the global economy. This is not only an economic setback but also a major humanitarian crisis. We hope, as do many, that the effects are transitory and that this will be our finest hour!

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