Hello friends!

There isn’t a lot of economic news this week, but there is a lot to say about what’s going on with the changing pandemic landscape! Let’s dive in.

First, the CDC has new guidelines for fully vaccinated people. If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities you did prior to the pandemic without masks, except as required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. We hope that this helps businesses like restaurants regain their footing. Remember, you will likely still have to wear a mask on airlines this summer. If you’re not yet vaccinated, the CDC also has lots of ways to help you find a shot.

Because vaccines are now available for everyone aged 12 and up, schools are also getting back to normal. More and more kids are in school four days a week now, and communities are getting together to hold safe events for their school aged kids like proms and graduation parties.

It’s also interesting to note which countries are doing well with vaccinating people. The BBC has a cool tracker that incorporates a lot of data. Our World in Data also lets you sort by a number of factors. According to their information, the top three countries in vaccinating per 100 people are Israel, Bahrain, and Chile, followed by the UK. The USA is fifth on the list. As more people get vaccinated over the course of the year, it will be interesting to see how or whether that ranking changes.

We are pleased to note that everyone at Obsidian is fully vaccinated now, and we are comfortable meeting people in the office. Of course, if you are more comfortable meeting over Zoom, we will gladly continue to do that.

We hope everyone is looking forward to a fully vaccinated, fun summer with family, friends, and travel.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Securities offered through Triad Advisors, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC. Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, LLC, and Obsidian Personal Planning Solutions, Inc, are not affiliated with Triad Advisors.