[But analysts noted many market participants choose to remain sidelined until the release of Friday's key employment data.] Friday's payroll number is critical, ... Not too many people are willing to take large positions ahead of the number. |
All of these corporate chieftains are saying new hiring is in the cards, around the corner, down the road -- but that doesn't mean March. |
Americans are not going to be happy, but they now face considerably higher energy prices. That's going to be the norm, not the exception. |
Another rate hike is all but a done deal. |
As it stands right now, we're looking down to about 2.5 percent [GDP growth] in the second quarter and third quarter, which is perfect for what the Fed would want, ... That would really play into them well and certainly avoid any rate hike. |
As it stands right now, we're looking down to about 2.5 percent [GDP growth] in the second quarter and third quarter, which is perfect for what the Fed would want. That would really play into them well and certainly avoid any rate hike. |
As long as there is a perception that higher prices are in the tea leaves, that's a problem certainly for policy makers. And I think that's why the Federal Reserve seems hellbent on raising rates. |
As the economy goes, so, too, goes job creation. |
August isn't exactly a barnburner for job creation. It didn't appear as if corporate America flicked on the hiring switch last month. I think there were a lot of problems plaguing big business. So I don't think we're going to get a big jobs number. |
Businesses have had every incentive for investment spending, and they haven't taken that opportunity. I can't see how [the tax provision] expiring changes that too much. |
But so far three of the four [key interest rate reports] have come out looking really good and the Fed's going to have to really stretch to get that next rate hike. |
By any measure, third-quarter economic growth was quite impressive. It would be even more impressive if it could be sustained in the fourth quarter, but we're almost certain to lose some momentum. |
By historical comparison, there?s not an economist on the street that can call housing weak right now. If this is the soft patch, it?s pretty darn good for a soft patch. |
By historical comparison, there's not an economist on the street that can call housing weak right now. |
Consumers are partying like it's 1999, ... They are celebrating their full-employment status and they are spending. The punch bowl is only spiked with 1-1/2 percent inflation, which isn't anything. |