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.
alive good job market news shows
It's a very good report. That's good news post-hurricanes. It shows us the job market is alive and well.
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.
biggest captured center certainly energy increase prices stage
The CPI captured the center stage as it's the biggest one-month increase in 25 years, ... We certainly know why, with energy prices having skyrocketed.
ballgame innings second
We're still in the first or second innings of the ballgame of replacing Greenspan. But it's not like the game hasn't begun.
among capital orders quite reflects report spending
When you take out transportation, the report should look stronger. In total, manufacturing orders are quite strong, and that reflects a lot of capital spending going on among businesses.
entered jury question seems
There is no question that we've entered a new era. The question seems to be how long it will continue, and the jury is still out on that one.
federal reserve work
What it does show is that the Federal Reserve has more work to do.
available base believe business capital conditions continue diverse economic economy favorable footing further growth healthy highly industries investment leave mean presence research rising role technology venture
We believe economic conditions in 2006 will be favorable for further growth in southwestern Pennsylvania's technology industries. Rising business confidence, healthy growth in business investment spending, and increasingly available venture capital will leave our region's technology industries on firmer footing in 2006. A highly diverse technology base and the presence of world-class research institutions mean that, over the longer-term, technology will continue to play an increasingly significant role in the economy of southwest Pennsylvania.
economy effects expect last oil shake
Our forecasters expect the economy to shake off the effects of last year's hurricanes and surging oil prices.
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.
below consumers job kinds market numbers percent rate sign spending wage
An unemployment rate below 5 percent is a sign that the job market is getting tight. These kinds of job and wage numbers will keep consumers spending right into spring.