Economic Growth Expected to Remain Flat
March 17, 2016 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Financial market conditions appear to be improving as 2016 progresses, but economic growth is expected to remain flat at 2.0 percent this year. Weakness in net exports and oil-related nonresidential investment as well as the ongoing inventory correction process after unsustainable accumulations during the first half of 2015 should combine to drag on growth, according to Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research Group's March 2016 Economic and Housing Outlook. However, positive indicators, including strengthening domestic consumer and business spending and a healthy labor market, should outweigh those negative factors.
"We see lingering effects of the strong dollar, low oil prices, and soft overseas demand creating a drag on economic growth," said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. "However, the economy appears to have regained some footing after a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2015, as stocks bounced back and oil prices have risen amid a strengthening labor market. Current labor market and inflation conditions continue to support our expectation of a fed funds rate hike of 25 basis points each in June and December."
"A less optimistic outlook for future wage gains, especially among small business employees, coupled with continued strong home price appreciation boosted by lean inventory, is adding to the housing affordability challenge," said Duncan. "Our latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index™ shows that high home prices are a top reason for consumers' perception that it's a bad time to buy a home. However, low mortgage rates should help support moderate housing expansion as we move through the year."
Suggested Items
Amphenol Reports Q1 2024 Results, Announces New Stock Repurchase Program
04/26/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAmphenol Corporation reported first quarter 2024 results. In addition, the Company is announcing a new three-year, $2 billion stock repurchase program.
Chinese Smartphone Market Maintains its Recovery Momentum at 6.5% Growth in 1Q24,
04/26/2024 | IDCAccording to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, China smartphone shipments grew 6.5% year over year (YoY) to 69.3 million units in 1Q24.
Nanotechnology Market to Surpass $53.51 Billion by 2031
04/25/2024 | PRNewswireSkyQuest projects that the nanotechnology market will attain a value of USD 53.51 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 36.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031).
Technica USA Presents Inaugural Supplier Alliance Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/24/2024 | Technica USADuring IPC APEX EXPO 2024, Technica USA took the opportunity to thank all of their supply partners that made the effort to join them for the exhibition in their booth, as well to all of our SMT partners that had their own booths, with the latest in automation and process technology.
IDTechEx Report Unveils 3D Electronics Status and Opportunities
04/22/2024 | PRNewswire3D electronics is an emerging manufacturing approach that enables electronics to be integrated within or onto the surface of objects. 3D electronic manufacturing techniques empower new features, including mass customizability, greater integration, and improved sustainability in the electronics industry.