Steven Wood Demand Quotations

The demand for new housing surged, likely because rising mortgage rates motivated some potential homebuyers to accelerate their buying decisions.

These data indicate that the manufacturing sectors of the economy are still reeling from slowing demand and bloated inventories. Further declines in output are likely.

The sharp slowing in domestic demand has dramatically reduced imports. Weakening economic activity in our major trading partners has significantly reduced the foreign demand for American-made products.

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks seem to have had little impact on the factory sector so far. However, many industries have already reported further production cuts as demand has waned. A more substantial contraction is expected next month.

With still strong domestic demand and improving international demand, the factory sector is continuing to recover from the sluggishness that resulted from the Asian economic crisis.

Although higher interest rates appear to have begun to have a negative impact on housing activity and consumer spending, sturdy domestic demand and improving international economies have generated an acceleration in manufacturing activity.

Increased demand in expanding economies abroad and continued robust conditions at home support the production outlook, given the low inventory environment. The Fed is sure to view the economy as expanding at too fast a pace now that manufacturing is coming back and consumption remains quite strong.

Slack demand and intense competition are preventing companies from raising prices.