The pension relationship with Delphi is complex. If trouble is beneath the surface, it could be a severe body blow. Along with GM's other troubles, a perfect storm could emerge. |
The plan lacks a clear statement of how Ford is going to get its labor and design costs in line with its Japanese competitors. Lacking that, Ford will not be able to offer vehicles that are competitive in price, quality and content. |
The public is simply not as sympathetic to union causes today as it was 30 years ago, and that's a big problem. |
The rating agencies and stock market are sending a clear message that the company will lose money for the foreseeable future and eventually go bankrupt. Bankruptcy is a serious option either strategically or as an eventuality. |
The real problem is the absence of resolve in the Bush administration to deal with China, ... It's policy toward China is not in shambles, but it's very close to it. |
The reality is across sectors and across regions the picture is very mixed. The auto sector is not only troubled, but becoming more troubled, |
The retail sector is enjoying a decent but unexceptional holiday shopping season. |
The situation is likely to become worse in the months ahead. Crude oil prices are rising again, and an overvalued [U.S.] dollar continues to keep imported cars and consumer goods cheap. |
The trade deficit exceeds 6% of gross domestic product and is weighing down economic growth. |
The trade deficit is going to keep growing. |
The trade deficit remains the single most important tax on U.S. growth and burden on American workers. |
There's a myth out there that Americans can't get along without American-made cars. |
These data indicate energy sector volatility is not generally affecting prices elsewhere in the economy. Surging productivity growth has permitted most producers to absorb higher energy costs and still enjoy strong profits growth. |
These employment gains indicate strong first-quarter economic growth, in the range of 4 percent. |
These inflation data, along with slowdowns in retail sales and jobs creation, indicate the economy is cooling, except for the red-hot housing sector and recession-proof activities like health care and education, ... But don't look for the Fed to halt interest rate increases anytime soon. The recovery has plenty of life left. |