Stuart Hoffman
Stuart Hoffman
consumer good positive sector sign signal threaten
It's not a good sign when delinquencies rise, There are enough other positive things in the consumer sector to say this is not a signal for some significant retrenchment ... that could threaten the economy.
bonds coming profit stocks
Stocks and bonds rallied at first, but now have hemmed down. Stocks are coming off a superb day yesterday, so that may be a little profit taking.
despite economy good indeed june last oil prices relief retailers rise
At the same time, many retailers and the automakers have had good June numbers, despite the rise in oil prices (over the last month), ... Overall, there's some relief right now that the economy is indeed strong, but not overheating.
clear growth job last months picture quite slow slower somewhat three weaker
It's clear that job growth in the last three months has been as slow as it has been in quite a while. It is a picture of a somewhat slower or weaker job market.
cheap easy past period several sort
(Tuesday) won't be the last. This is not the sort of cheap and easy (money) period of the past several years.
best combine couple final heard holiday increase november reports season seen since weeks
We've heard some disappointing reports about the final couple of weeks before the holidays, so we won't see as big of an increase in December, ... but when you combine November and December, this is about the best holiday season we've seen since 1999.
adapting aggressive among benefits business care continued costs counter energy health higher increases interest mean next outlook owners prices profits results sales six stable steps taking
The results show a stable outlook among business owners for their own sales and profits during the next six months, which suggests they are adapting to higher energy prices and interest rates. Many, however, are taking aggressive steps to counter continued increases in costs for employees' health care coverage, which could mean reductions in benefits for some employees.
activity appears cool general moved output parts relatively report solid stronger summer unlike utility
The report is stronger than appears on the surface. Unlike other parts of the economy, manufacturing activity moved up, so I would say in general this is a pretty solid report. Utility output was down probably because of the relatively cool summer we had.
below economy fed federal funds likes number raise rate recognize report target weak
This is a very weak number and well below what everyone expected. It's not the kind of report the Fed likes to see, but I think they'll recognize that the economy is already rebounding and raise the federal funds target rate to 4.5 percent.
against ballgame bottom greenspan inflation line nearly
The bottom line is that Greenspan is in no way signaling that the Fed's tightening ballgame against inflation is nearly over.
bottom building conclude continued easy fed line pressure solid
The bottom line is it is a very solid report, but with continued inflationary pressure building up, it will make it easy for the Fed to conclude (Tuesday's meeting) with a quarter-point increase,
keeping wages
People's wages are going up, but they are not keeping up with inflation.
bit comfort core drew people
People drew some comfort in the smaller-than-expected core index, but I think the core is a bit deceptive.
early economy following fourth percent roaring sees
The NABE panel sees the economy roaring back in early 2006 following the fourth quarter's tepid 1.1 percent growth.