Among manufacturers some have been relying on a strong housing market. It is appropriate to be concerned that housing will not be as strong in the quarters ahead as it was through much of 2005. |
Buying plans still remain robust. |
Furniture manufacturers will clearly be nervous with the potential (of) slowing in the housing sector. |
If one were looking for additional weakness in the economy, it's not going to come from housing. We are seeing the economy generate a fair amount of momentum. |
The green light is there for the Fed to continue to raising rates. No doubt about it. The Fed may go again in May unless the economy slows. |
The momentum is there, but it's sporadic. There is no doubt that investment spending continues to move higher. |
There are still some supply disruptions related to the hurricanes, but it looks like there is a dent being made in alleviating these supply disruptions. |
We are seeing good income growth and consistently good job growth, so the consumer remains in relatively solid shape. The economy is currently experiencing a nice, steady, solid momentum, the kind that can continue for an extended period. |
With Katrina the potential for rates to stay lower than they otherwise would have is greater. If the Fed pauses, it takes additional reasons away for yields to rise. |