The economy is recovering and Americans are feeling better after bouncing back from a recession.  Advancements in technology are changing the way we live and there is hope that the new century will bring even more progress. But anxiety lurks beneath the optimism.  Will these new technologies change the world beyond recognition?  Has the environment been dangerously damaged? In the business world the public wavers about whether to admire or hate a tycoon who’s somehow gained control of one of the most important economic engines of the century.

Does this sound familiar?  Well the year is 1899 and the business titan is John D Rockefeller.  The concerns have to do with the industrial revolution not the Internet.   How the public felt  in 1899 is not much different than how people felt in 1999 or even today.   One thing that is certain is that our lives are better today than ever before in history in terms of longevity, technology  and information.   The markets continue to reach new highs and our economy continues to grow. 

Long before Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg people were worried about monopolies, the environment and economy.  Mark Twain decried America’s actions abroad in a New York Times editorial cautioning the United States not to “fasten the chains of our sovereignty” upon unwilling people.     The media had numerous stories of doom and gloom. 

The bottom line is that circumstances are different today in terms or the world condition but they are much better, not worse, than in the past.    Given the new technologies and globalization we  expect things will continue to improve.  In my opinion the best is yet to come!    People will always be worried and the media will always focus on the negative and short term.  Those who are paralyzed or distracted by the noise and fear may  miss an opportunity to build true wealth and at the very least preserve their lifestyle while those who see beyond the hype will  at least have the opportunity to profit.   To quote  Alphonse Karr, who lived from 1809 – 1890  “The more things change the more they stay the same”.  The quote, and our situation, is as true today as it was in 1890. 

As always please contact us with questions about today’s events, markets or economy or if you wish to discuss your personal goals, vision and objectives.   Our team is here for you!

 

 

 

 

Any opinions are those of  Randy CArver and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James.  Anyinformation is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation.