Economic outlook 2011

2010 was a rough year. We all want to say goodbye to the recession and hello to more jobs. Sadly economists I talk to don’t expect the job market to improve much in the New Year. With that said, the number of jobless claims fell to their lowest level in two and a half years this week. Pending home sales are up slightly while mortgage rates are inching back up with 30 yr. fixed mortgages just below 5%. Financial Expert Todd Shoenberger tells me he doesn’t believe the housing market will improve much in 2011. On a good note the stock market had a good year and so portfolios and 401k’s that took a hit are in better shape and Shoenberger says take advantage of matching funds given by company’s and flex spending accounts.