We've seen data from various sectors showing the economy is beginning to stabilize. Not only employment, but the manufacturing sector as well. And holiday retail sales, consumption and housing look OK. So, we have all these powerful stimulants that are going to contribute to growth as 2002 unfolds. |
What it suggests is that the economy is doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing: moderating to more comfortable levels, ... Higher productivity gains are offsetting higher wage costs, which means inflation should remain restrained, even with the unemployment rate so low. |
What it suggests is that the economy is doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing: moderating to more comfortable levels. Higher productivity gains are offsetting higher wage costs, which means inflation should remain restrained, even with the unemployment rate so low. |
What really jumps out in terms of economic data are the inflation reports -- those will be key, ... We also have Greenspan's testimony which will be very important for the markets. People are trying to get a handle on how much more rates are going to rise. |
What we see is manufacturers are increasing production slightly but only enough to meet demand. They're not really comfortable enough to build inventories or hire a lot yet, but things are improving modestly. |
Whether it's this month or the next handful of months, we see the combination of sustained productivity gains, profit growth and healthy increases in product demand leading businesses to want to rehire, |
Whether it's this month or the next handful of months, we see the combination of sustained productivity gains, profit growth and healthy increases in product demand leading businesses to want to rehire. |