Friday, December 29, 2023

Congress Has Not Looted Social Security

 Every year, the trustees who govern Social Security's operations issue a Trustees' Report.

In 69 of the 86 years since Social Security was created, the system has enjoyed a positive cash flow.

Some critics go so far as to suggest that the bonds that Social Security holds are worthless and will never be repaid.

While many, including your correspondent, worry about the long-term fiscal trajectory of the federal government, the risk of it defaulting on bonds held by Social Security is nil.

Some have raised a fair question as to whether investing all of Social Security's reserves in U.S. bonds is the best investment strategy.

According to Social Security Administration data, the average return for 2022 was 2.35%. In contrast, the S&P 500 index has returned 10.15% since 1960.

The real problem with the promotion of narratives like "Congress looted Social Security" is that they divert attention away from the real demographic problem that will continue to plague the system in the coming decades.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2023/12/29/congress_has_not_looted_social_security_150257.html

No comments: