Dire Consequences Await as U.S. Debt Nears a Tipping Point
By GARRETT BALDWIN
MoneyMorning.com
August 13, 2013
As U.S. debt as a percentage of GDP hovers at levels not seen since World War II, concerns are growing that the American economy is susceptible to a debt crisis in the near future.
Here’s why people are worried: If interest rates return to normal levels of around 5% as the U.S debt approaches $20 trillion, then servicing that debt each year will cost taxpayers $1 trillion.
Does anyone think that the Federal Reserve, as the enabler of all this debt, will be in any rush to raise interest rates?
Following Europe’s example, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio hit 105.6% in 2013, a perilous level that has long-term repercussions for the world’s largest economy, according to Standard & Poor’s. By 2016, right around the time that Hillary Clinton will be running in earnest to be president, the ratio will likely hit a staggering 111%.
But how much debt is too much debt? And what are the pitfalls facing the United States in the future? Both questions remain hotly contested among economists, despite a wide acceptance of a “tipping point” theory both by politicians and ordinary Americans.
Reaching a debt tipping point means that U.S. economic growth would remain substantially weaker than historical norms. That could lead to other dire economic consequences, such as inflationary pressures and a weak dollar.
With the U.S. borrowing $3 trillion in 2013 to service existing debt, it’s important to examine what a high debt-to-GDP ratio means to the U.S. economy, and, more importantly, your money.
U.S. Debt: The March to $20 Trillion
The Rest…HERE
