Economy in 2024 may go down due to election, world turmoil

I read the Tyler Morning Telegraph article: “Dr Ray Perryman discusses Tyler economy during 40th annual Economic Outlook” (Jan. 21 issue). While I have great respect for Dr. Perryman and his forecasts were remarkably good for the past 12 months, I think his outlook for the 12 months ahead is — flatly — a bit over optimistically rosy.

Tensions in Israel and the rest of the Holy Land, combined with the war between Ukraine and Russia, trade uncertainty in the Red Sea and saber-rattling between Taiwan and mainland China. Couple that to the 2024 U.S. presidential election which has lots of uncertainty surrounding trade disputes, security at the border with Mexico, and endless fighting with drug cartels. All of this is a melting pot for a potential (even likely) downward economic slide. What affects the world affects Tyler’s economy, too.

James A. Marples

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