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...
due higher impact interest mild obvious portion rates strength winter
While a portion of this strength is due to unseasonably mild winter weather, it is obvious that higher interest rates are, so far, having little dampening impact on construction.
coming creation further higher increased job last months pace past relationship response retail sales six slower spending stock suggesting tight volatility weakness
Retail sales have slowed over the last six months in response to the slower pace of job creation, higher rates, and increased volatility in the stock market. Indeed, in the past two years there has been tight relationship between the Nasdaq and retail spending, suggesting further spending weakness in coming months.
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.
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.
breaks higher straw toward
It's another straw on the camel's back toward higher rates, ... but it isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back.
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.
activity although appear begun consumer demand domestic economies higher housing impact improving interest negative rates
Although higher interest rates appear to have begun to have a negative impact on housing activity and consumer spending, sturdy domestic demand and improving international economies have generated an acceleration in manufacturing activity.
consumer despite energy higher interest rates remains remarkably rising
Despite rising interest rates and higher energy costs, the consumer remains remarkably resilient.
burden coming consumer goods higher home housing improvement industry interest items lead rates related spending weigh
The burden of higher interest rates will weigh down the housing industry further. This, in turn, should lead to moderated residential construction and home related consumer spending on goods such as furniture, appliances, and home improvement items in coming months.
adept buyers financing further higher home housing interest monetary rates resilience sector support weathered
Higher interest rates have been weathered by home buyers through the use of adept home financing techniques. Nevertheless, the resilience in the housing sector will support further monetary tightening by the Fed.
claims consumer economic growth higher income job overall slower suggest
Higher claims suggest slower job gains, which should dampen income growth, consumer spending, and overall economic activity.
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.
attacks cuts demand expected factory further impact industries next production reported sector seem terrorist
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks seem to have had little impact on the factory sector so far. However, many industries have already reported further production cuts as demand has waned. A more substantial contraction is expected next month.