Sherry Cooper
Sherry Cooper
Sherry S. Cooperis a Canadian-American economist. Cooper is currently Chief Economist for Dominion Lending Centres. She was Executive Vice-President and Chief Economist of BMO Financial Group, with responsibilities for economic forecasting and risk assessment. She comments regularly in the press on financial issues...
everywhere good news
There is good financial-market news everywhere you look in this report.
assessment diminish dual following hikes inflation looking market meeting open passing rate recall risk
Recall the Fed's assessment following the (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting on Aug. 24, that the dual summertime rate hikes 'should markedly diminish the risk of inflation going forward,' ... This call is looking more tenuous with every passing day.
activity additional brings buildings gradually provide quarters starts support
Starts at year-end 2003 will provide additional support for GDP during the first two quarters of 2004 as construction activity gradually brings these buildings to completion.
ahead deficit domestic drive further given higher imports likely months oil prices trade widening
Further widening in the trade deficit in the months ahead is very likely given that the surge in oil prices will drive imports higher and that there has been no let-up in the domestic economy.
activity healthy industrial
U.S. industrial activity is improving, but it can't be described as healthy just yet.
bit comfort employment hot low quite rate remains running trend underlying wages
Wages are still running a bit hot for comfort, the jobless rate is still quite low and the underlying trend in employment (especially full-time) remains strong.
buying opportunity percent yield
When the 10-year yield got to 4.4 percent Tuesday, I said this was probably a short-term buying opportunity and that we would see some correction.
certainly employment growth rate second though
Today's US employment report, though not a blockbuster, certainly portends at least a 3% growth rate in the second quarter.
entered lots quarter report robust second sector
Today's report indicates that the sector is still robust and entered the second quarter with lots of momentum.
indeed proving
June's swoon is indeed proving to be temporary.
activity becoming beginning bite evident higher housing impact interest pushed rates result sign start weakness
It is becoming more evident that higher interest rates are beginning to take a bite out of the red-hot housing market, ... While today's housing start result exaggerated weakness in the sector, it is yet another sign that the impact of higher rates has pushed housing activity off its peak.
clearly results trend underlying
January's results were clearly exaggerated, but the underlying trend is still surprisingly healthy.
data easing fed financial further stuff sure trends whispers
While we would not get too excited, these data are just the right stuff to further trends already under way in financial markets. Whispers about Fed easing are sure to follow.
businesses danger everywhere health levels minimize necessary officials potential protect public
I do think, however, that it is very important that we, as individuals, protect ourselves; that businesses make contingency plans; and that governments at all levels ? public health officials everywhere ? do what is necessary to minimize the danger of a potential pandemic.