Servicing the Debt
Did you know that since 1960, Congress has modified the debt limit 78 times? While the current bill addresses immediate debt ceiling concerns, the more significant issue of America's $31 trillion debt remains.
The debt ceiling debate is approaching resolution, with the stock and bond markets maintaining good performance this year.
Beyond the debt ceiling, another concern is the increasing cost of servicing the debt. The annual interest payment has increased from $262 billion five years ago to $475 billion last year, marking an 80% increase. With rising debt levels and interest rates, the Congressional Budget Office projects this line item to reach to $1.4 trillion annually within a decade.
So, what's the way forward? Three tactics seem likely: boosting GDP growth (real or nominal), spending reform, or tax reform. Most likely, we'll witness a blend of all three measures.
These tactics are all moving targets, complicated by unknown timelines. As investors we need to plan and invest for a variety of scenarios; to protect our purchasing power and grow wealth over time.
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