Letter from the Editor
by: Vicki Dimond
2009 was a financially unsettling year for most, as residential real estate continued to remain stagnant and commercial properties began their descent. To make matters worse, lending seemed to be at an all-time low with prerequisites for home loans exceeding borrowers' capabilities. Lay-offs and furloughs increased while stocks fluctuated all over the board. Residents, seemingly not knowing what to do as a whole, remained somewhat frozen, content to just watch and wait.
Enter 2010 and the question - is this year going to be better in terms of investment possibilities?
To address the issue, we decided to ask local experts in the areas of financial planning and banking what they perceived might lie ahead. Although none admittedly had a crystal ball, their professional insights on everything from the stock market to real estate and precious metals proved encouraging, as did the expressed intent of several local banks to increase commercial lending, especially for small business ventures.
Are we on the mend? After reading the financial features within, I think you'll agree that there seems to be a hint of light at the end of the tunnel we've been in.
But, as always, that remains to be seen. |
