Economic recovery underway.

BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS NOW GOVERNORS AND BUREAUCRACY

STRONG DEMAND AND PLENTY OF BUYING POWER

It appears the economy is now moving in a positive direction. While the numbers will not yet verify that, it is clear that the environment is set to produce increasing activity for the foreseeable future.

One indication is the steady rise in crude oil prices. Yesterday close at $34 a barrel put the price near the break even price for many producers. This is a very positive development. You don't have to look any further than a trip to the grocery store to verify that vehicle traffic has increase dramatically. Most of these people are spending money on these trips and those store that are open are booming.

Many were surprised at increased earnings for Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, Target and any store that has been allowed to function. If you look at the parking lots of Dollar General, Tractor supply and those Hardware stores that are open you will see they are prospering.

The big exception has been the sit down restaurant business which is likely to end with many causalities. Those that are traditional drive thru businesses  like McDonald's, Burger King and those who already had strong take-out business seem to be doing well.

The construction business is ready to go, but now due to the closing of many government offices, permitting is holding back the commencement of many of these jobs. Government needs to expedite these permits to allow these people to work.

While some have seen their incomes damaged by these shut downs, many have found they have lots more disposable cash ready to be spent when the opportunities are made available. They have more money just by the fact that they have been eating at home, which many are saving as much as $200 to $400 a week. 

Real Estate seems to have positive demand, it just need for the government to be able to facilitate the transfers.

Truckers, who have been working, have had the windfall of decreased fuel prices which is lots more money in their pockets. This will be the same result for the construction and mining businesses.

What an opportunity to take a road trip, low gas prices, and the possibility of seeing the good old United States up close and personal.

So, while there are still serious problems for the Restaurant, and hospitality industry, much of the country has the opportunity to increase activity dramatically. Local and State government needs to now take a positive roll in getting things moving again.