June 4, 2009 U.S. ECONOMY Preliminary estimates of 2009 first quarter GDP suggest only a slight improvement from 2008’s fourth quarter (-6.1 vs. -6.3); however, the massive federal stimuli coming forward point to a possible leveling and then rebound in the quarters ahead. Much of the last quarter’s contraction centered on decreases in exports (-30%) and a reduction…
May 2, 2009 U.S. ECONOMY Recent economic indicators have been coming in at better than expected levels over the past month. After falling at a 4% rate since the summer of 2008, consumer spending is expected to rise slightly in the first quarter of 2009. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index is expected to climb again in…
February 23, 2009 U.S. ECONOMY With prospects unclear for when a rebound in consumer activity may materialize, corporations are working hard to recalibrate their future plans while strengthening their balance sheets through tighter cash management and de-leveraging. Until such time as the stimulus efforts of the U. S. Treasury bear fruit, such financially conservative behavior is warranted and…