When you compare our year with the troubles experienced by the people in other nations around the world, it doesn’t look bad at all. Consider this:
- GDP growth was tepid, but steady.
- The unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent.
- Some progress was made in rolling back the IS pseudo-state.
- Important international agreements were reached on climate change, trade, and Iran’s nuclear capability.
- The federal government didn’t shut down or default on its debts. Not even once.
- The DJIA is almost exactly where it was on 1/1/15.
- Gas prices were more or less cut in half, which was great news for everyone who doesn’t own or work for an oil company.
OK, so the weather was weird and we had some mass shootings–those have become the new normal. All in all, we can consider ourselves pretty lucky.
The major event to look forward to in 2016 obviously is the election. Will we continue our slow movement forward or try to return to a right-wing Brigadoon? We’ll know at this time next year.