Ernie Goss
Ernie Goss
arkansas asian beef drive economic fourth growth half higher hunt japanese job losses opening overall pushed quarter second
Manufacturing job losses in the second half of 2005 pushed Arkansas' overall job growth for the fourth quarter to zero. However, Arkansas firms ... benefiting from the opening of the Japanese and other Asian beef markets, and J.B. Hunt Transport, profiting from the U.S. economic expansion, will drive Arkansas job growth higher in the first half of 2006.
anticipate basis begin committee december designed expect experience federal force full gauge hike increase increased inflation interest january june last lower market meeting national near next open point pressures raise rates reserve since somewhat soon stated time year
While our inflation gauge and most national inflation indicators point to somewhat lower inflationary pressures ahead, I expect the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee to raise interest rates at its next meeting on Jan. 31. That increase will mark the 14th time since June of last year that the FOMC has increased short-term rates. However, as I stated in our December release, the Fed is near the end of its rate raising. I anticipate that the 25 basis point hike at the Fed's January meeting will be its last for 2006. Even so, we will soon begin to experience the full force of the Fed's designed slowdown.
asian attempt beef derive economic foreign gains market nation opening presence slow stands state stimulus
No other state in the nation stands to derive as much of an economic stimulus from the opening of the Asian beef market as Nebraska. However, economic gains are going to be slow going as food-processing firms attempt to re-establish a beef presence in these foreign markets.
affecting asian beef borders factor growth open partners rate state trading
The rate at which our Asian trading partners open their borders to U.S. beef will be an important factor affecting growth for the state in 2006.
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The construction industry and transportation sector in Kansas have pushed 2005 growth into the very strong range. However, higher interest rates will slow growth for both industries in the first half of 2006. The rate at which our Asian trading partners open their borders to U.S. beef will be an important factor affecting growth for the state in 2006.
certainly clear february january played record region role supporting warm weather
It is certainly clear that record warm weather for much of the region for January and February played an important role in supporting the economy.
automobile challenges continue course driver growth industry missouri months near point related rest somewhat survey weaker
Survey results, while somewhat weaker than the rest of the nation, continue to point to growth for Missouri in the months ahead. Of course challenges and opportunities related to automobile industry restructuring will be an important driver in the near and intermediate term.
among business confidence energy expected fed higher hikes impacts managers negative rate regional supply warmer winter
The 15 Fed rate hikes and higher energy prices, even with the warmer than expected winter weather, are having negative impacts on confidence among regional supply managers and business leaders.
began below pace somewhat strong utah
Utah began 2006 on a strong note, but on a pace somewhat below that of 2005.
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Transportation firms reported continuing economic weakness. While 2006 is likely to be a positive year for the Oklahoma economy due to an improving telecommunications sector and expansions in business service firms, the closing of GM operations in Oklahoma City will produce some fairly negative economic consequences.
higher interest quarter rates second stronger
It's going to be stronger in the first quarter and in the end of the second quarter. It's going to weaken as higher interest rates set in.
bad companies entirely expand expanding great hard heavy losses orders terms
It's hard to say why the losses are so great in Missouri, but a lot of it has to do with heavy manufacturing. Companies are able to expand in terms of new orders without expanding employment. That's not entirely bad. I mean, it may be bad for the workers, but not for the economy.
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Despite difficulties for Missouri's vehicle manufacturing sector, durable goods manufacturers overall continue to report expanding economic conditions. I expect the state's telecommunications industry to experience much improved growth for 2006.
conditions detailed durable economic food goods producers reported softer
Non-durable goods manufacturers, especially food processors, reported much softer economic conditions for the month. On the other hand, durable goods producers detailed solid, but not spectacular conditions for February.