Key words capture investor attention at certain times. Most recently, “transitory” was used by policymakers to describe the recent high rate of inflation. “Transitory” now has transitioned to “persistence” as recurring data suggested that higher inflation may be here for longer. The struggle between transitory and persistence plays out with other key factors. Most recently, a new variant reinforced the persistent nature of the coronavirus. Persistent supply chain issues and lagging employment cloud the outlook for economic activity ahead. A review of persistence in some important variables can provide perspective for investing yet ahead.