It might be hard to imagine that bottoming out would be a positive sign, but, for an economy that has been in a free fall, it is. Bellevue researcher Jim Hebert says all signs point to consumer confidence in our region having hit bottom about two months ago. Still, he says likely car and home buyers number only about half of what you'd expect in a strong economy and he is not sure when confidence will begin to rise. Car and house buying are key consumer measures because they average about half a household's total expenditures. Hebert says unemployment will continue to rise and home prices continue to shrink as businesses and home sellers adjust to the new economic realities. So what do you think? Is the economy ready to start an upswing or are we looking at more tough times ahead?

2 Comments

Belle Lynn said:

I believe that unprecedented tough times are ahead of us.

March 29, 2009 11:56 PM

Steve D said:

If Alderwood mall is any indication, the recession is over. Yesterday you could hardly find a parking place. A shopper's frenzy.

March 30, 2009 9:50 AM

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