Economic Slowwwdown coming?

Is their an economic slowdown coming to a country near you?

Lots of interesting indicators are happening now, including;

1. Two Years of Fed Rate hikes are starting to take a toll on everything from home resales, to credit card rates. {Fed Reserve}

2. Rumors of VC's taking on bigger risks, by going for home runs in their % of return on investments.

3. Midwest part of the country still not experiencing a full recovery.

4. Consumers talking about curbing their Holiday shopping this year { Less $ }  

5. M and A is seeing BIG price tags for aquisitions...Top of the Chart! {M+A}

These are just some of the things that I am seeing. My financial advisor is recommending that we take some profits out of our investments, sooner, rather than later.

So, what does this have to do with franchising, today.

My consulting business has seen a pretty major slowdown with regards to local Northern Ohio residents that are interested in exploring opportunities for business ownership. There is a feeling of caution {more than usual}, in my area of the country.

I am curious to hear from all involved in our industry on this subject. Are the "coasts" busy, as usual? {i.e. California, and New England}

Are the concentrated growth areas busy? {Arizona, Colorado}

Or, is there a general slowdown happening across our country.

The Holiday season can usually go either way. I have had busy Decembers in the past.

I am not being negative, here. Just a "feeling" that I am experiencing.

Please feel free to comment, and let's all see how we all our doing, in our geographic area. Thanx!

Franpro