Mark Vitner
Mark Vitner
affect beautiful consumers gasoline higher market prices stock weather
It (consumer sentiment) was a little higher than expected, but the stock market has come back, gasoline prices have come down, and the weather has been beautiful and that has to affect consumers somewhat.
both bright concerned consumers economy employment figure less likely rapidly rise sitting spending spot stock
The more important figure (than confidence) for the economy is what consumers actually do. Consumers are not sitting on their wallets just yet. But that is about the only bright spot in this morning's report. With consumers concerned about both their stock portfolios and employment prospects, spending will likely rise a little less rapidly this fall.
bonds boomers college interest money save start starting stocks
Just as when you save for kids' college, you don't want all your money in stocks two years before they start school. Now that the boomers are starting to retire, there's a lot more interest in bonds and longer-dated paper.
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.
fairly healthy home level percent sales year
When all is said and done, we should still have a fairly healthy level of new home sales this year -- probably up 4 to 5 percent for the year.
attracted greater portion
The same thing that has attracted retirees over the years is still there: the weather. You can do more things for a greater portion of the year.
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.
awful create labor market mess tight
It would create an awful mess in Florida, where the labor market is tight by any definition.
anecdotal anywhere common common-sense core evidence inflation near
Anecdotal evidence and common sense suggests that core inflation has not been anywhere near this tame.
cause damage flood insurance lack likely recovery tend
Flood damage does not tend to be as insured. The lack of insurance is likely to cause the recovery to be delayed,
above below came gas higher huge interest knock market number prices rates relief rising sign
There was a huge sign of relief when the number came in above 100, and that's why the market rallied, ... There was a thought that the combination of rising interest rates and higher gas prices would knock it below 100.
serious view
We do not view this as anything more serious than a much-needed correction.
america corporate downside eating equivalent far growth healthier hiring means roughly stomach stronger tough
Corporate America is on the mend. The only downside of stronger productivity growth is that it means hiring is lagging. As far as downsides go, this is roughly the equivalent of eating your broccoli. It may be tough to stomach at first, but it makes you stronger and healthier in the long run.
assets boomer companies demand enormous funds insurance match pension
There's just such an enormous demand from pension funds and insurance companies to match their assets with the liabilities of the boomer generation.