Steven Wood
Steven Wood
Steven Woodwas an Australian sprint canoeist and marathon canoeist who competed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Competing in two Summer Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the K-4 1000 m event at Barcelona in 1992...
activity balance continued declines fed further helped high housing labor last likely markets mortgage rates relatively rising robust sustain
With last week's Fed tightening, mortgage rates have continued to rise, so that further declines in housing activity are likely over the balance of the year. Nevertheless, robust labor markets and rising incomes have helped sustain housing at a relatively high level.
bloated data declines demand economy further indicate output slowing
These data indicate that the manufacturing sectors of the economy are still reeling from slowing demand and bloated inventories. Further declines in output are likely.
adjustment although decline deep eventually factory giving rapid rate reducing sector slow ultimately
Manufacturing is still mired in a deep recession, although the rate of decline may be slowing. The rapid adjustment in reducing inventories will eventually slow and ultimately reverse, giving the factory sector a lift.
although declines drop few further gradually higher hints likely maximum output period rate ratio sales weakness
There are a few tentative hints -- higher new orders, a drop in the inventory-to-sales ratio -- that the period of maximum weakness has likely passed. Although further declines in output are anticipated, the rate of decline should gradually diminish.
decline effects fact fell four higher hurricane mortgage rates regions related
While some of the decline was related to the effects of Hurricane Floyd, the fact that all four regions fell suggests that higher mortgage rates are also having a constraining effect.
add concerns declines evidence forecast general growth related slower unclear whether
It's unclear whether the declines are related to year-end concerns or to a more general softening in manufacturing activity, but they do add evidence to the (Fed's) forecast for slower growth going forward.
aftermath associated climbed consumer december declines energy followed higher huge katrina optimism rita soaring
Consumer optimism climbed higher in December after soaring in November. This followed huge back-to-back declines in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the associated surge in energy prices.
declines further months production quick rebound sales unless weakness
Unless there is a quick rebound in sales, this suggests further weakness in production and declines in inventories over the months ahead.
absence activity consumer declines economic energy expect federal further higher housing inflation interest next quarters rates several slow spending welcomed
We still expect economic activity to slow over the next several quarters as consumer spending slows further and housing declines more because of higher interest rates and energy costs. The absence of inflation will be welcomed at the Federal Reserve.
although declined economic efforts further growth helping last level mortgage pace past rates relatively sales six slow solid three weakness
Although the level of sales is still relatively high, the solid growth of the past three years has been arrested, helping the Fed's efforts to slow the pace of economic growth. However, mortgage rates have declined over the last six weeks, so further substantial weakness may not be forthcoming.
although cyclical decline expansion growth past phenomenon pleased rather retreat sharp view
Although the (Fed) will not be pleased with the sharp decline in productivity growth over the past year, they will view it as a cyclical phenomenon rather than a retreat from the productivity-led expansion of the past 5 years.
although continued curve declined due financial flat lending mortgage past rates standards three volumes yield
Although mortgage rates have declined over the past three weeks, mortgage applications volumes have continued to fall. This is partially due to the flat yield curve and partially due to tighter lending standards by financial institutions.
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Unseasonably mild weather in January, coming after unseasonably severe weather in December, generated a huge increase in housing starts. Moreover, February's weather is likely to generate a big decline in housing activity next month.
across activity both broad business consumer declines industrial reflecting
Industrial activity is contracting across a broad set of industries, reflecting the declines in both consumer and business spending.