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.
increase point rates
It doesn't necessarily point to another increase in rates for the Fed.
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.
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.
basis early easily economy given increase interest last march momentum move points raise rates signs slowing unless year
Given the momentum in the economy at the end of last year and in the early part of this year, the FOMC will undoubtedly have to raise interest rates yet again, ... Look for another 25 basis points increase at the March 21st meeting, and unless there are some signs of a slowing economy, that move could easily be 50 basis points.
interest lower outlook providing rates support
Only lower interest rates are providing any support at the moment, ... The outlook is still worrisome.
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.
conflict election equity flows gasoline given interest job rates relative remarkable stability
This relative stability has been remarkable given the ebbs and flows in job creation, the equity markets, the conflict in Iraq, the election campaign, interest rates and gasoline prices.
almost building economy factory fears hikes housing improving interest necessary offset rate sector slow weakness
While the housing sector is slowing, almost all of its weakness will be offset by the improving factory sector, ... More interest rate hikes will be necessary to slow the economy sufficiently to alleviate the Fed's fears of building inflationary pressures.
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.
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.
accelerate buying demand housing likely mortgage motivated potential rates rising
The demand for new housing surged, likely because rising mortgage rates motivated some potential homebuyers to accelerate their buying decisions.
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 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.