Near-term energy price spikes, ubiquitous gasoline lines and fear of shortages have exposed the soft underbelly of the U.S. energy complex, |
Next week is a huge week for data, and it is likely to show continued economic growth and inflation well under control. |
Oil prices fell through the first half of last month, but commodity prices are still somewhat elevated and we're likely to see energy bounce back in the March report. |
On a national average, we could hit $3.25 at the pump easily, potentially even by this weekend, ... This is going to cut into consumer demand. |
One of the biggest hurricanes ever is headed for the heart of America's refining capacity. Prices will hit new records if we get reports of flooding and other destruction once the storm passes. |
OPEC is likely to be a critical event next week. A cut in production, however, seems quite unlikely despite slower fourth-quarter U.S. GDP growth out today and a well-supplied market. The specter of oil supply disruption haunts energy markets. |
OPEC's statements and quota decision announced at the beginning of next week could exert a somewhat bearish impact on prices. |
People are waiting for the shoe to drop. Which shoe it is doesn't matter. They just want it to be done. |
People waiting for rates to fall have been squeezed out of the market. We're not going to see housing sales plummet, but we will see sales moderate. |
Potentially, Katrina could signal the death knell of the SUV in as much as consumers are going to find themselves once burned, twice shy to buy such vehicles, |
Potentially, Katrina could signal the death knell of the SUV in as much as consumers are going to find themselves once burned, twice shy to buy such vehicles. |
Prices are being held up by worries about gasoline. |
Prices went a lot higher than most of us expected a year ago. The factors that caused prices to surge aren't likely to go away next year. The volatility of the market may even increase. |
Regardless of how large the draws are expected to be, especially in gasoline, seeing the actual numbers will be a shock. |
Strong continued gross domestic product growth and solid employment gains should fuel further home sales and may mitigate some of the slowing engendered by higher interest rates. |