That's given them a source of funds to keep spending. |
The bottom line is that the job market carried good momentum and the economy can weather the temporary hit from the hurricanes. |
The economy has begun 2006 with plenty of momentum. |
The goods and services deficit will continue to widen, especially since after Katrina the United States will be importing more energy products at higher prices. |
The initial reaction of the market is to say that this makes it less likely that the Federal Reserve will be able to stop rising rates just yet. |
The reason (recession) gets mentioned . . . is that (energy price) movements of this sort of magnitude usually would be associated with recession. So you do have to start asking the question, ... The question needs to be asked, even if we think things are different on this occasion. |
The trend still points to a larger deficit in coming months, especially given the recent rises in oil prices. |
There is a risk that we will push up above 2 percent, not necessarily over the next month but sometime over the next few months. That will be a concern to the Fed. |
There is no sign at all now that US consumers have started to tighten their belts. This will increase the chances that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise rates up until May. |
These figures suggest that growth is stable but not extremely strong. These figures should add to the conviction in financial markets that the Fed will soon be able to stop raising rates. |
This is the unusual episode that we've had so many rate hikes in a row. |
This latest report is unmistakable evidence of an improving economy. What you have to look for is evidence that the fourth-quarter slowdown in economic growth will continue. And this jobs report is evidence that just the opposite is happening. |
U.S. consumers have been increasing their spending much faster than their incomes. |
We are now at the point where Hurricane Katrina's effects are adding to job creation rather than detracting from it. |
We believe the numbers today are confirming our view that growth will be soft throughout the rest of the year. |