Looks from the chart we’re getting close to the post Bush tax cut, coming out of that recession highs, so we’re on track for our 3-5% read gdp growth guestimates.
And the high productivity reported today reinforces our thoughts on unemployment coming down only slowly as well.
Last time around the expansion phase of what became the sub prime crisis was a substantial contributor to private sector credit growth. Without that kind of contribution from somewhere else, this recovery could be more modest than the last.
For exports to be sustained, the govt would have to keep the dollar down with fx purchases and reserve building, which in my humble opinion isn’t going to happen. That means the adjustment takes place via a climbing US dollar that continues until it dampens exports. Much like what the euro zone has experienced for the last decade or so.
Karim writes:
Multi-year highs for overall index, new orders (3rd highest on record-chart attached), and employment.
Anecdotes also very positive.
- “New initiatives creating increase in spending.” (Finance & Insurance)
- “Indications are that business is picking up and that 2011 could see positive growth across many industries. We are seeing an increase in orders at the beginning of the year.” (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)
- “Starting to see higher prices in many areas. Low inventory levels are leading to longer delivery time frames.” (Public Administration)
- “Business uncertainty seems to be subsiding.” (Management of Companies & Support Services)
- “Business activity is picking up. The challenges in the textile market (cotton/polyester) are significantly impacting price along with the inability to secure pricing for a period longer than two months.” (Accommodation & Food Services)
- “2011 looking better than 2010.” (Information)
| Jan | Dec | |
| Composite | 59.4 | 57.1 |
| Business activity | 64.6 | 62.9 |
| Prices Paid | 72.1 | 69.5 |
| New Orders | 64.9 | 61.4 |
| Backlog of Orders | 50.5 | 48.5 |
| Supplier Deliveries | 53.5 | 51.5 |
| Inventory Change | 49.0 | 52.5 |
| Inventory Sentiment | 60.0 | 61.5 |
| Employment | 54.5 | 52.6 |
| Export orders | 53.5 | 56.0 |
| Imports | 53.5 | 51.0 |
