The Softer Side of Department Store Sales

Click to enlarge.

As disturbing as that chart looks for owners of department store stock, I have something even more disturbing to point out. It's not even adjusted for inflation! Am I done disturbing you yet? Not even close. It's going down as the population grows! Here's a crazy thought to maximize the discomfort. Let's chart where we are relative to that long-term trend in red.


Click to enlarge.

Hey, that looks an awful lot like I'm charting business cycles. We're more than 2% below the declining trend again (just like we were in 2002 and 2008). Third time's the charm!

I do have some words of encouragement for those who believe that the economy is virtually guaranteed to accelerate to the upside soon though. Good luck on that theory! Nothing is impossible if we all set our minds to it (and nobody panics at the first sign of things becoming unglued again)!

I'm known for my undying optimism you know, and/or my sarcasm. Mostly my sarcasm I guess. ;)

Have I mentioned lately that I have no desire to embrace "risk on" assets? Seriously. Sigh.

This is not investment advice.

See Also:
Third Time's the Charm (Musical Tribute)

Source Data:
U.S. Census: Monthly & Annual Retail Trade