Brian Bethune
Brian Bethune
bonds demand funds insurance pension reports solid underlying
There are reports of solid underlying demand for 30-year bonds from pension funds and insurance companies.
activity gains job normal overall solid start terms
We'll have very solid overall job gains that will punctuate the start of more normal activity in terms of employment,
combined confidence consumer employment further gains levels overall quarter setting solid stage
Further gains in employment combined with better levels for consumer confidence overall are setting the stage for very solid consumption gains in the first quarter of 2006.
activity early economy forward growth line output overall overseas picked quarter second sector solid strong stronger underlying
Activity in the manufacturing sector picked up early in the second quarter, in line with strong underlying fundamentals in the economy and stronger overseas demand. We can look forward to solid overall output growth in the second quarter of 2006.
asia certainly elizabeth europe fairly improving japan major markets overseas queen slowly solid turning underlying
The major markets overseas - Europe, Japan and Asia - have fairly solid underlying momentum. Japan is certainly improving and Europe is more like the Queen Elizabeth slowly turning around.
continues growth second sector solid stage
The manufacturing sector continues to steam-roll ahead. The stage is set for solid growth in the second quarter.
business continued corporate generally good help leads profits rebound saw signal
We saw a big rebound in corporate profits and that's a good signal for continued business investment. That generally leads to hiring, which will help keep consumption going.
cooling federal gradual housing market news welcome
The gradual cooling off of the housing market will be welcome news at the Federal Reserve.
continued core drop energy federal inflation level months next painful pressure price record relief reserve several spells top vigilant welcome
While the record drop in the top level index spells welcome relief from the painful post-hurricane energy price spikes in September, continued pressure on the core index over the next several months will keep the Federal Reserve vigilant on the inflation watch.
looks road tells terms
What this tells us in terms of the fundamentals is the road looks fine.
ease maybe might pain praying warm winter
Maybe we should all be praying for a warm winter because that might ease the pain.
auctions debt demand needs satisfy side supply unusual
New auctions will satisfy an unusual coincidence of needs on the supply and demand side of the fixed-income debt markets.
business certainly consumer drivers four growth investment last principal
Business investment is going to be one of the principal drivers of growth in 2006. The consumer will still be there ... (but) certainly won't be as ebullient as the last four years.
continue expected housing january mortgage pop purchase sales suggesting track
Mortgage purchase applications continue to track downwards, suggesting that most of the expected pop in housing sales in January was weather-related.