High inflation, rising interest rates, and recession fears have made 2022 a difficult year. Although stocks have rallied in the final quarter as inflation has started to moderate, the view for 2023 is still uncertain.

When the Federal Reserve announced a 0.75% rate hike at its November meeting, some may have been left wondering when the intended effects of credit tightening will be felt throughout the economy. The Fed has raised rates at each of its past six meetings to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%, the highest level since January 2008.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes updated tax credits for electric vehicle (EV) purchases and energy-efficient home improvements such as heat pumps and solar panels that may have your clients taking notice. However, the provisions can be somewhat confusing.

Months of rising inflation, higher interest rates, and slowing growth have left politicians, economists, investment professionals, and ¬— most important — your clients asking the same question: Are we in a recession?

After months of inflation concerns, your clients may have found comfort in July 2022’s monthly inflation figures, along with lower gas prices they are seeing at the pump. Even though the pace of inflation slowed in July, the annual inflation rate remains 8.5% — close to a multi-decade high.

As people returned to work and a host of economic factors took hold, 2022 is providing a reality check for tech investors. The sector is seeing massive sell-offs, and tech indexes are now firmly in bear market territory.

As if anyone needs a reminder of inflation’s impact on 2022, U.S. consumers continue digging deeper in their wallets as inflation hit its highest point in 40 years.