ASA’s December Economic Report: Sliding Into 2025: "Wait and See" the Talk of the Town

From December 2024 ASA Monthly Economic Report: Q4 Q4 GDP was trending at 3.1% early in January, well ahead of analyst expectations for 2.1% growth and ahead of last year’s 2.5% growth rate. For 2025, the incoming Trump Administration believes that it can hit 3% growth while still taming government spending (essentially trading government spending for incentives to private business to spur private spending and investment). Given that 2024 likely will come in between 2.6% and 2.7% growth, 3% is attainable. The other concern is inflation, and whether 3% growth can keep disinflation trends continuing.

The monthly ASA Economic Report is produced by Armada Corporate Intelligence, ASA’s business intelligence partner, and is available as a free member benefit for ASA members through the MyASA portal at www.asa.net/myasa.

Armada wrote the East Coast Port situation was still not settled at the time of writing, but talks are expected to resume January 7th. The contract deadline is approaching January 15th, and both parties are reportedly far apart on automation and robotics issues.

Additionally, Armada gave some insight into economic noise and economic/business reality. We know there will be many changes as far as the economy is concerned but which will really affect the ASA member? It will come down to which side of the equation one is on. This report talks about tariffs, construction, immigration, and the regulatory burden.

The report also answers a reader’s question of the month: Why is Economic News on China Moving Commodity Prices and Markets So Much?

Again, ASA members can access the Monthly Economic Report through the MyASA portal at www.asa.net/myasa.