Rising credit card debt, persistent inflation, negative wage growth, falling savings rates, and increasing interest rates have local economist Steve Scranton, with Washington Trust Bank advising us there are tougher economic times ahead.
“Are we heading for a recession? I believe the answer is yes,” said Scranton speaking to the Spokane REALTORS Governmental Affairs committee. He points to 9 out of 12 historical indicators that continue to flash “recession.”
One critical issue is the rising level of credit card debt. From March 2010 through February of 2020, the total credit card debt in the US increased $200-billion. In just the last few years, from March of 2021 to April of 2023, that number has increased another $237-billion.
“In other words, in the last 24 months, we’ve seen more debt on credit cards than in the previous decade,” said Scranton. “The biggest challenge is families facing rising consumer prices in power, gasoline, food, rent and daycare.”
Making matter worse, Scranton says the average credit card interest rate has risen from an average of 14.75% to 23.64%.
Home Interest Rates
Scranton see pressure from the Federal Reserve to continue raising it’s prime lending rate, so long as inflation continues to be on the rise. “We need to listen to what the Feds are telling us. Until inflation falls below 2%, rates will continue to rise.” The current inflation rate stands at 4.6%
As for home interest rates, Scranton predicts the average 30-year mortgage rates will land somewhere between 6.25% and 7.25% in the coming months. But Scranton sees real estate playing a key role in moving us into a more stable economy. “Housing drives the economy of Spokane,” said Scranton. “We see real estate as a great multiplier.”
Scranton sees the greatest opportunity for entry level homes in Spokane, where market prices have dried up most of the supply. But the key may lie in regulatory changes, both at the local and state levels.
