AIBU to think there are still positive signs in the economy?

[coulditbeme2323]

There is plenty of money out there still.

Now let me add the caveat that I know there are people that are struggling, but I think there are reasons to be positive about the economy and country.

The shops are busy, the coffee shops are busy, the restaurant's are busy, and there is money being spent.

We fancied an impromptu roast out on Sunday, and I had to call 5 pubs before I could get a reservation.

I still think we are a few more years away to see the property market where it once was, but I do think there are signs to be hopeful.

But can't you see that if those spending there now are the ones that went somewhere more luxurious before, and those that went there before aren't able to visit anymore is a problem? IE people have less money than before and if we continue down that road even those that earn well will eventually struggle?

In my experience the most luxurious places are still packed.

I feel like you’re just repeating the same information in your posts.

Perhaps, but I still don't understand why we can't celebrate places that are doing well.

But maybe with people that went somewhere more expensive before, or for a longer duration? Can't you understand that? Would a shop keeper still think the economy was doing well if now only billionaires used his shop and bought only the essentials whereas before normal people did?

Your basic problem is you live in a rich area, and go to places where rich people hang out.

Then assume everywhere is like that. But you are determined to argue the toss with anyone who brings actual data to the discussion without providing even a shred of evidence to your point

Yes, all rather odd.

I can - but again that isn't my experience.

are they doing as well as before, or better, or worse?

This will give the answer to your question about economy.

@coulditbeme2323 you are brave to start a thread like this! It is not the done thing to predict anything less than impending civil unrest and mass starvation.

My city centre seems to be doing OK. Plenty of shops still, a few newly opened since 2022ish, and a new development underway. Go out on a weekend and it is really busy. I feared it would go under during covid, so am happy to see it still thriving. I am not in London or south-east England, btw.

But talking to friends in other parts of the country things are less bright, even in parts of the affluent south-east.

I haven't suggested anything like that.

It would be obtuse to suggest Windsor is doing the same as Wigan or Mayfair the same as Macclesfield.

Of course I am not suggesting that, and never once have.

But we can still celebrate business's that are doing well.

Because I feel people aren't listening.

I haven't asked to see their books, but they appear to be doing as well.

I know - I thought lets try and be positive!

No it’s because people don’t agree

And that's fine, of course is it.

OK, but are you listening, are you reading?

Inflation data, unemployment, PMI’s, tightening monetary policy, Labours fiscal policies etc etc.

You are aware of these issues, right?

Of course.

Go on - what’s your view, say, on this governments fiscal policies to date?

Are they broadly positive or negative?

They are allowed to comment but need to recognise those comments are largely useless/pointless.

There are far better ways of judging economic performance than ringing up a few pubs in the locality and seeing whether they have any tables.

I mean, just think of all the money the Treasury and BOE could save if that actually worked.

"Dawn, we need to get the GDP figures out this month, so can you pop out the front and see how many people there are out there eating pies ? If there's a lot we'll lob another 0.1% on - that will save us doing the calcs and we can have more time to watch the world cup".

I would say negative.

Ok, I will stop engaging.

OK, so when you would like people to be positive,
its a difficult ask, for many.

We’re not listening because you are saying the same thing again and again and it’s not backed up by any clear evidence.

Why might that be?