Mark Vitner
Mark Vitner
employment improvement job market seen skilled slack starting workers
We haven't seen that much improvement in employment of hourly workers because the job market for lower-skill workers still has a lot of slack in it. But if you look at skilled workers, it's a much different picture. We're starting to see some real shortages in some sectors.
good income news personal report
Today's personal income report had very good news on inflation.
again bursting companies economy economy-and-economics finally growing market moved overall past stock tech year
Overall this year the economy moved past the bursting of the stock market bubble. Tech companies finally started growing again and that's really benefited the Triangle.
appreciation demand far less likely moving overall price saw supply
Overall supply and demand are moving into much better balance. With that, we're likely to see far less price appreciation than we saw in 2005.
earlier harder january large likely revision
We're likely to see large upward revision to earlier data, so it'll be harder for January to show a big gain.
afford clearly cuts debate helped lead recovery sustained tax whether
The debate about tax cuts shouldn't be whether they helped or not -- they clearly helped taxpayers. The debate should be whether we can afford them and whether they can lead to a sustained recovery in economy.
coming expected gain job likely state states
The state is expected to gain 150,000 new residents this year, with two-thirds of the adults likely coming from other states for job opportunities.
coming confidence consumer gas hold interest knock likely prices rates
I don't know if the gas prices and interest rates will knock consumer confidence down in coming months, ... I think they're more likely to hold it where it is now, which is good, but not great.
certainly five number prevents raise stop
Certainly they would like to stop at five (percent), and I don't think this number prevents them from doing that, but it is something that should raise some doubts.
cause coming conclude economic expected fed heels inflation interest june leave news rates recent unchanged weaker
Coming on the heels of the recent spate of weaker economic reports, the better than expected inflation news will probably cause the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged at their June FOMC meeting, ... It is still way too soon, however, to conclude that the Fed is done.
claims cold coming confidence consumer drop face heels including looking reports retail sales sharp slap stronger
Coming on the heels of stronger reports on retail sales and durable-goods orders, as well as a sharp drop in first-time claims for unemployment, this ... drop in consumer confidence was a cold slap in the face to all of those economists, including ourselves, that are looking for a second-half rebound.
accounts motor overall percent rebound retail rise sales vehicle
A rebound in motor vehicle sales accounts for much of December's 0.7 percent rise in overall retail sales and is also responsible for much of November's upward revision.
fact few growth job next pointed strong work
In the past, that (increase in work week) has pointed to fact we'll see strong job growth in next few months.
happen headed inflation
Inflation at the end of the day is headed higher, it's just not going to happen that dramatically this year.