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October 2021 Economic Update – “This time is different – or is it?”

//  by Tower Bridge Advisors

In this video titled, “This time is different – or is it?”, Senior Portfolio Manager Chris Crooks addresses the current economic outlook by looking at the parallels between the current pandemic and its economic impact, versus the economic impact of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. History doesn’t always repeat, but sometimes it rhymes.

Tower Bridge Advisors manages over $1.3 Billion for individuals, families and select institutions with $1 Million or more of investable assets. We build portfolios of individual securities customized for each client's specific goals and objectives. Contact Nick Filippo (610-260-2222, nfilippo@towerbridgeadvisors.com) to learn more or to set up a complimentary portfolio review.

# – This security is owned by the author of this report or accounts under his management at Tower Bridge Advisors.

Additional information on companies in this report is available on request. This report is not a complete analysis of every material fact representing company, industry or security mentioned herein. This firm or its officers, stockholders, employees and clients, in the normal course of business, may have or acquire a position including options, if any, in the securities mentioned. This communication shall not be deemed to constitute an offer, or solicitation on our part with respect to the sale or purchase of any securities. The information above has been obtained from sources believed reliable, but is not necessarily complete and is not guaranteed. This report is prepared for general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Opinions are subject to change without notice.

Filed Under: Economic Updates, Video Tagged With: Chris Crooks, cryptocurrency, Economic Update, higher interest rates, Inflation expectations, market outlook, Philadelphia Wealth & Asset Management, supply chain disruptions, Tower Bridge Advisors

Previous Post: « October 11, 2021 – Markets remain volatile as growth slows, interest rates rise, and Washington politics remain a mess. Until supply chain problems are resolved the picture is unlikely to change. Demand is strong but much of it is unfilled. Perhaps it is time for Washington to take notice.
Next Post: December 2021 Economic Update – “2022 Outlook” December Webinar - Economic Update»

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  • October 23, 2025 – This is a significant week in Back to the Future movie lore. The famous time-travel movie of 1985 highlighted a trip back 30 years and also ahead 30 years. Predictions of future technology are notoriously off the mark, but the pace of technological innovation continues to drive economic growth today. Markets may be taking a breather from new highs recently, but corporate earnings reports have been generally positive, and the near-term future is not as bleak as once thought.
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  • October 9, 2025 – Tariffs were raised this year significantly, but corporate earnings have been coming through surprisingly strong. The U.S. Government shutdown enters its second week, though overall economic growth continues. Inflation has been stuck above the Fed’s preferred level of 2% and unemployment remains relatively low, although the Federal Reserve has embarked on an interest rate easing cycle. Stock markets around the globe have reached record highs, but so has the price of gold, a typically safe-haven investment. If it feels like an episode of the Twilight Zone, you are not alone.
  • October 6, 2025 – As long as earnings growth continues and the 10-year Treasury yield stays within the recent two-year range, the bull run for stocks should continue. The government shutdown news occupies media attention but not on Wall Street, at least until there are significant economic consequences. Ultimately, the ACA subsidies will be extended in some fashion because taking money away from voters can be politically expensive, especially for the party in power. Extending the subsidies will expand deficits but higher income and capital gains taxes will be an offset, at least this year and next.
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  • September 29, 2025 – AI is deemed by many to be the biggest economic game changer since the invention of the airplane. Maybe so, but PCs, the Internet and the iPhone didn’t move the productivity needle in any discernable way over the past 50 years. No doubt, AI will make us smarter, and some of us more economically productive. But before labeling the next decade as the golden age of productivity, we need to see some evidence of noticeable change. Universal adaptation of AI as a core business process is likely to be expensive and more time consuming than optimists suggest. In the meantime, our economy will continue to grow the old-fashioned way at the old-fashioned pace. That’s not so bad.
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