The Nation’s Economic Outlook

THE NATION’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK By Jack Malehorn A CONCENTRATED FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY A A great deal of attention has been focused on the economy recently. Despite seemingly insurmountable market pressures, the Consensus Outlook predicts the economy will continue to trudge on. Watch any news show or read any publication and you become embodied with the feeling of despair and that the end is near. An incredible list of market concerns includes: fear of a mortgage market collapse and subsequent liquidity concerns weakening further the already- battered housing industry, concern of terrorism both nationally and in the global marketplace, wild stock market variations, volatile gas prices, and weather disasters … individually and collectively have painted a somber outlook. Despite all of this, the participants of the JBF’s Economic Con sensus Outlook remain steadfast in their belief that the economy will continue forward into the year ahead, though at a slower rate. Accordingly, real GDP growth of roughly 2 percent is projected along with growth in disposable personal income of close to 4 percent. THE CONSUMER SECTOR By all indications, consumers are ex pect ed to remain active ...