Steven Wood Slowing Quotations

Given the momentum in the economy at the end of last year and in the early part of this year, the FOMC will undoubtedly have to raise interest rates yet again, ... Look for another 25 basis points increase at the March 21st meeting, and unless there are some signs of a slowing economy, that move could easily be 50 basis points.

The slowdown in manufacturing activity will be welcomed at the Federal Reserve, where any sign of economic slowing will be cheered.

The signals in the manufacturing sector have become quite mixed. The diffusion indices suggest a slowing pace of growth while the factory and durable goods reports indicate an acceleration. In the past, when this type of divergence has occurred, the diffusion indices have usually been the better indicator.

These data indicate that the deterioration in the labor market has not been halted. Therefore, the slowing in the broad economy has likely not been halted either.

These data indicate that the economy is slowing quickly and may now actually be in recession.

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.

These data indicate that wholesale deliveries to retailers are falling quickly, responding to the slowing pace of retail sales. However, deliveries from manufacturers and imports have not slowed as sharply. Unless retail sales revive, wholesalers will continue to cut their orders from manufacturers and imports, maintaining the downward pressure on the factory sector.

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.

Slower output and employment growth is dampening real income gains, which in turn is slowing spending, ... Although the monthly data continue to be quite volatile during this transition period, the underlying trends are unmistakable -- the economy is slowing from its torrid pace.

Slowing income gains and increased uncertainty have savaged consumer spending. This has removed the only major support for the economy, insuring the recession will last, at least, into early next year.

The (Fed policy makers) will welcome this data as providing further confirmation that the slowing of economic growth in Q2 (the second quarter) has been extended into Q3,

Housing activity remains quite robust despite the slowing economy, decline in jobs, and faltering stock market.

Any slowing in sales will reveal moderate overbuilding.

The gentle slowing trend that had been in place for much of 2005 appears to have been halted and partially reversed. However, like many other economic relationships, the one between the index of leading indicators and subsequent economic growth has loosened significantly in recent years.

The general slowing in the growth of the leading indicators over the past year suggests the pace of economic growth should gradually slow over the next three to six to nine months.

This month's modest gain indicates that the sharp rebound from the post-Hurricane Katrina meltdown has been completed. The gentle slowing trend that had been in place for much of 2005 may have been halted, but it is too soon to tell with any confidence.