Kerry Lutz and Jim Welsh discussed the economic outlook for the upcoming year, focusing on the implications of President Trump's expected policies. Jim highlighted the optimism surrounding pro-growth initiatives, particularly in energy, but cautioned that the timeline for achieving these goals might lead to initial disappointment. He noted that oil companies have shifted their focus to shareholder returns rather than exploration, which could hinder Trump's plans for increased oil production.

Both speakers acknowledged the public's hope for improvements in living costs, while recognizing that immediate results may not align with those expectations. They also addressed potential challenges for Republicans in 2025 due to their slim House majority and the enduring philosophies within government agencies, despite changes in leadership.

The conversation also covered economic indicators, with Kerry presenting data showing an increase in the U.S. share of global GDP, attributed to the country's innovation capabilities. However, Jim raised concerns about the national debt, which has reached a deficit of 6.4% of GDP, and warned that efforts to reduce it could slow economic growth, posing a political risk. He predicted a decrease in inflation over the next few months and expressed caution regarding the equity market, suggesting a potential correction.

Additionally, Jim discussed the complexities of trade negotiations under Trump's administration, forecasting a decline in the dollar index and its impact on treasury yields. He concluded by emphasizing the interconnectedness of these economic factors and their significance for investors.

Find Jim here: MacroTides.com

Find Kerry here: https://financialsurvivalnetwork.com and here: https://inflation.cafe