🧠 Inside our AI’s mind: see the thinking behind every stock pickLearn more

ECRI's COO Re-iterates That A 2012 U.S. Recession Is Imminent

Published 03/28/2012, 06:02 AM
Data released on Tuesday revealed a decline in manufacturing and consumer confidence, and a rise in the price of single-family homes, as shown on the graphs below.
USD 1
USD 2
USD 3
This latest data on the increase in the price of homes is at variance with declining home sales, as noted in my post of March 26th, and a decline in the purchase price of homes with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac...one to watch to see if single-family home prices continue to rise if home sales (which are still at their 2009 lows) continue to drop.

This article published in Toronto's Globe and Mail on March 26th re-iterates ECRI's co-founder and COO, Lakshman Achuthan's call that a U.S. recession is imminent. According to the article, "ECRI predicted back in September that it would begin by the middle of 2012...and it hasn't backed down from that prediction...ECRI's bearish view is not  only backed by its data, but by its track record. The firm, founded in 1996, has correctly predicted each of the past three recessions - and has yet to be wrong in throwing down the dreaded 'R-word.' By contrast, the stock market - whose recent upswing has been credited at least in part to the improved economic sentiment - has proved a much less reliable predictor, particularly with its tendency to deliver false signals of impending turning points."


Perhaps ECRI's position is the reason for the Fed's predilection towards its ongoing monetary easing stance, coupled with its assumed "dual mandate" role. ECRI's position is in keeping with weakening global data, as reported in
3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads.
my post of March 23rd and numerous prior posts that I have referenced therein, as well as with the weak (still declining) housing data. Normally, housing is one of the first sectors to recover after a recession...this time it hasn't. This is obviously an area that has never been resolved by the Fed's QE1&2 and Operation Twist programs, or by the politicians (Republicans and Democrats alike), since the 2007/08 financial crisis began.

Time will tell whether ECRI's forecast does, in fact, materialize, what tools the Fed may employ to counteract a recession, and whether those tools are effective this time, particularly with respect to housing. However, in the event of further global economic, political, and social erosion, it's doubful that the U.S. can escape further softening or even a recession.

Which stock should you buy in your very next trade?

With valuations skyrocketing in 2024, many investors are uneasy putting more money into stocks. Unsure where to invest next? Get access to our proven portfolios and discover high-potential opportunities.

In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record.

With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies.

Unlock ProPicks AI
Read Next

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.