The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high
today cresting over the previous high in 2007. Are you better off today
than in 2007? Here are a few comparisons:
- Consumer Confidence: 2007: 99.5; Today: 69.6 (just up from 58)
- GDP Growth – 2007: 2.5%; Today: 1.6%
- Gas Prices – 2007: $2.75; Today: $3.75
- Unemployed – 2007: 6.7 million; Today: 13.2 million
- Unemployment Rate – 2007: 5%; Today: 8.1%
- Labor Force Participation Rate – 2007: 66%; Today: 63.6%
- Federal Reserve Balance Sheet – 2007: $890 billion; Today: $3 TRILLION
- Number of people on food stamps – 2007: 26 million; Today: 47.5 million
- US Annual Deficit – 2007: $160 billion; Today: $1.2 TRILLION
- US National Debt – 2007: $8.9 trillion; Today: $16.6 TRILLION
