Bears

Currently, we see a downward trend in our stock market and another market correction taking place. I see a stock market re-correct to 12,800 Dow and any economist worth their salt sees it too. Now mind you the Stock Market and the economy are two separate things although connected at the hip. If the economy lags as it is now from the drag from the housing sector, cost of fuel and declining freight shipments, something is miss firing.

Once too many sectors such as manufacturing, housing, auto, trucking, retail sales, etc are lagging, that is too much drag and not enough lift, the extra weight and the consumer confidence dips and we see a mild recession in which the FED intervenes and increases supply or cuts rates, while keeping a very careful eye on the "I" or inflation.

Once the FED puts in the levers, if nothing happens then the only way to rebound an economy is to lessen regulations and improve efficiency. Will American do that, with a Democrat Congress and Senate or Hilary in the White House? Hard to say, some are calling for more regulations as we speak.

As a franchisor, indeed, I am still worried about the huge number of illegal aliens coming over the border and competing directly with the small franchise outlets, small businesses, which have to follow the rules; Landscaping, carwashes, maid services, construction businesses, you name it, I am seeing it. America, wake up everything is inter-related it is time to get serious about cutting the red tape and allowing free-enterprise to prevail once more.

If the recession worsens without de-regulation then small businesses cannot dig us out. However with unemployment so low franchisees often have a tough time getting quality labor supply, so there will be more labor available, plus more layoffs mean more franchise sales. Sales increase during recessions, and that spurs on the climb in a new business cycle. Think on it.

L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur here and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.