Economics was not Nostradamus prime concern. And all depressions look alike with their load of misery an dearness. However, Nostradamus did describe inflation and recession at the same time. This happened a very few times in history prior to the Middle Ages because of the type of economic systems used then.
On the other hand, the prophet extensively described the human aspects of future societies. The criteria for regrouping the quatrains are based on some identified keywords.
Future happy times (only one verse)
Only one quatrain clearly mentions happy times. This should mean that Nostradamus was pessimistic.
A6604 20th and 21rst Century
Of all blessings abundance, the earth will produce for us,
No din of war in France, sedition put outside:
Man-slayers, robbers one will find on the highway,
Little faith, burning fever, people in commotion.
Economy
Some of these quatrains seem to pertain to modern events.
8.14 Gold, silver, abundance
The great credit of gold and abundance of silver
will cause honor to be blinded by lust;
"the offense of the adulterer will become known,"
which will occur to his great dishonor.
A5503 Fake (or death), silver
O cruel Mars, how you should be feared,
More is the scythe with the silver conjoined:
Fleet, forces, water, wind of shadow to fear,
Sea and land in a truce. The friends has joined L.V.
3.4 Lack of the Lunar metal
"When they will be close the lunar ones will fail,"
"From one another not greatly distant,"
"Cold, dryness, danger towards the frontiers,"
Even where the oracle has had its beginning.
3.5 Two lights / planets (silver and gold)
"Near, far the failure of the two great luminaries"
Which will occur between April and March.
"Oh, what a loss! but two great good-natured ones"
By land and sea will relieve all parts.
3.26 Fakes
"They will prepare idols of Kings and Princes,"
Soothsayers and empty prophets elevated:
"Horn, victim of gold, and azure, dazzling,"
The soothsayers will be interpreted.
6.23 Numismatics rejected
"Coins depreciated by the spirit of the realm,"
And people will be stirred up against their King:
"New peace made, holy laws become worse,"
Paris was never in so severe an array.
