1. The Economy Is Slowing, But Perhaps Not For Long
- Author:
- Irwin M. Stelzer
- Publication Date:
- 07-2012
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Hudson Institute
- Abstract:
- Slow, slower, and may be even stop. That's a quick summary of how Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke sees the US economy. The economy grew at an annual rate of 2.5% last year, 1.9% in the first quarter of this year, "and available indicators point to a still-smaller gain in the second quarter" he advised congress last week. Household spending is slowing down because "confidence remains relatively low" (at its lowest level since December); numerous factors (a supply overhang, unavailability of credit) "impede growth" in the housing sector; manufacturing production has slowed; business investment has "decelerated"; there is "further weakness ahead" for investment demand; and "reduction in the unemployment rate seems likely to be frustratingly slow."
- Topic:
- Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Financial Crisis
- Political Geography:
- United States