Expert Predicts 4 Financial Factors Will Affect World, Idaho Economy

What waits around the bend in the financial world is never certain.

But at a meeting of the Greater Idaho Falls Area Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday, market strategist Fred Dickson said it is predictable.

Dickson is nationally recognized and has 40 years of investment strategy under his belt. He said if it feels like the economic recovery is moving at a turtle’s pace, it’s because it is.

“The economy still continues to move ahead, slow pace, muddling along,” he said.

Last month, French nuclear giant Areva suspended plans to develop operations in eastern Idaho after a dismal financial year in Europe. Dickson said it’s just globalization rearing its head locally.

“You feel it when you have a global employer take and make a move,” said Dickson.

So, what exactly will shape our financial future in 2012, and how will the factors affect Idaho?

“Those are questions that really depend on four big factors,” he said.

Dickson told the audience on Tuesday the biggest things to watch in 2012 are summed up with what he calls the “Four E’s.” They include Europe, the economy, employment and elections.

“It’s gonna have an impact, even down to Idaho Falls,” he said.

Dickson said there’s no way to tell what direction those factors will take, but they’ll be the most widely covered topics here and around the world.

However they pan out, he said, it will be slow. Bob Everhart from Idaho Falls Downtown Development said slow is OK.

“That allows us to manage it fairly well and get the kinds of businesses in our downtown that we want,” said Everhart.

Dickson said the best way for the Idaho Falls community to improve is by capitalizing and emphasizing strengths in nuclear power and research.