We're expecting him to mention consumer confidence numbers and consumer spending numbers and to come out and say we need to ensure that consumer confidence is bolstered. We're expecting him to come out and basically let the markets know to expect a cut in March. |
We're right where they want us to be -- between 2 and 2.5 percent increases in the core CPI. But last year there was more inflation than they were anticipating at the beginning of the year, and the concern you hear being expressed is that they don't want that to happen again. |
We've got some good news in this report but it's likely to be short-lived. We can expect the large trade deficits we've come to know to continue for the rest of the year. |
When you have M&A activity, strategic decisions are being made, and that's a development that only occurs when people are very confident and looking towards the future. That will help the economy, and we will have hiring. |
While this raises a red flag, no one should be in panic mode just yet. |
With income growth strong and the labor market set to tighten through 2006, the overall growth outlook should remain robust. |
With this kind of income growth, the consumer has room to run. This tells us we don't need to worry about the first quarter. |