Perspective U.S. - 2021
The new year brings cause for optimism, with COVID-19 vaccine distribution underway and anticipation of a post-COVID world in the second half of 2021. Political and social tensions are high, but the country is moving forward. The Biden administration has proposed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan aimed at supporting the economy and stimulating recovery.
COVID-19 will remain the top issue in the coming months. New cases are still extremely high but trended sharply lower in January. Case levels have led to new restrictions and economic activity has been impacted. Retail sales fell in the last three months of 2020 and employment declined in December after seven months of gains.
