![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMulvXk_uWckSEbMX76RGDnyJgCKJv8PE15leF1ywVV3zqaq9Or75MT1dBHX_LWhqawCTRA47ecpSRcuvnN0-DdWtODlswyfzju91VTEQd0uFfm-Zl_7umzxN1YNBJOTOBfJPa_uYzBK5S/s320/2017.jpg)
Certainly, predicting the future is always a hit-or-miss game. For example, just about everyone predicted higher rates for 2016. Even the Federal Reserve Board said they anticipated raising short-term rates several times. Looking back, this increase in rates never took place. Thus, if the Fed can't predict the future even a few months out, then we don't expect that market analysts will fare much better. Remember that there are always intervening variables that can affect the future. These variables can and have included natural occurrences, political events, the economics of foreign nations, or even instances of terror.
If you look back at 2016, we had the Brexit event. But looking further back, we have had intervening events such as a Tsunami, wars and many international incidents of terrorism. While we hope that these types of events do not reoccur, when dealing with an entire world of possibilities, we do know they are possible. Thus, while many market analysts are making predictions such as higher interest rates, a continuation of the stock rally and moderating housing growth, we must understand that no one has a handle on the future. Higher rates and moderating housing growth seem to be the consensus opinion, but there is always wiggle room in the prediction game.
Mike Ervin
NMLS # 282715
mike@mikeervin.com
www.mikeervin.com
(650) 766-8500