The U.S. economy under Biden so far

Segments From This Episode

• Of the S&P 500 companies that have reported quarterly results so far, most are beating expectations

  We get more on this from Susan Schmidt, head of U.S. equities with Aviva Investors. “On average, over 80% of the companies that have reported have surprised to the upside with earnings estimates, and over 70% of them have surprised to the upside on their sales figures,” Schmidt said. “That’s very positive and positive bolster for the sentiment in the market.” Meanwhile, central bankers are meeting today, and Schmidt says it’s highly unlikely they’re going to change policy and raise interest rates. She says they’ve been adamant they’ll keep rates low, “and if inflation comes up, they’re going to see it as transitory.”

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• As Biden addresses Congress, economic policy looms large

  by Kimberly Adams

  

  Help is on the way for arts organizations and schools. But tackling thornier economic issues will require bipartisan support.

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• Biden announces $1.8T plan for spending on kids, families, education

  by David Brancaccio and Nova Safo

  

  The administration is calling it transformational spending. Republicans say it’s too much spending.

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