economic news

ScottMP

while I was eating breakfast.

Hiring is up, production is up, and small business's seem to be doing well. Retail sales was very stronge. Baring any catastraphe, things look like they are improving.

What do you guys think.

Scott

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Mark Eatherton1

Looking good in Denver...

I think that these blips in the economy are a good thing. It seperates the wheat from the chaff. Only the strong survive.

This summer looks like its going to be a record breaking year for us in many ways. I know our lead salesman has over 1 mil worth of solid work that he feels competent in closing, and thats just for the next 8 months!

Just happy to have survived:-)

ME

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Robert O'Connor_3

Unemployment went up

5.6% to 5.7% If companies are going to continue to not create new jobs (other then @ MacDonalds) and outsource high tech to India, those up figures will soon start falling.

George_10

The price of fuel and the price of money are the key

Assuming there is no terrorist attack, these are the two most important items to our economy. As of now, the price of money is very low and it will take some time to rise before it is harmful. On the other hand the price of fuel is rising and looks like it will rise further this year.

This one area has substantial impact on our economy as it effects all businesses. We also see many other commodities rising in price, i.e. copper and steel. If the grain and cattle market continue to rise, we have a situation similar to 1972-73. For now things are moving in the right direction for our ecomomy, but it is not good for the long term. The long term being next year after the election when some very hard decisions will be made by the Congress.

So im my opinion, OK for now but watch out in 2005. The year after a presidential election is normally a down year.
I wrote an article on this called, How To Make Money Using the Presidential Cycle. It was valid then (early 80s) and valid now. Amazing how history repeats itself.

sw_2

I think

it's election year B.S.

This country is poised to have a situation with our economy, that will make "The Depression" look like a picnic.

Neither Bush nor Kerry will be able to do anything about it.

I hope I'm wrong.

George_10

Look at a long term DowJonesIndustrial chart

You can pick out the presidential years from across the room. Same thing on a SP500 chart.

eleft_4

$$$

Hey Scott,

In our area you can't get a stone mason you are on a waiting list for a plumber, framer, electrician... can't find a parking place at the super market, you wait in line at the gas pump and the thruway stands still from 7 am to 9 am and from 3:30 to 6 pm the other way. The Railroad parking lots are full of SUVs and sports cars.
Local traffic consists of SUVs with one driver (in a hurry) usually she is on the cell phone.

Liberally speaking, Yup it's bad!

al

joel_19

$$$$

Yes, work will pick up but profits won't unless my competition gets with the program. Did they miss that duct work and grills over a 10-12 week period will go up 35%, Did they miss that thier health insurance and liability is going up again??? and the gas for thier trucks??? They must because I can say that NONE of them have raised thier quotes to cover these increases, it's making it tougher for me to close stuff as our prices reflect those increases. Ohh well maybe a few more will fold in a few more months I just heard of two that are on cash only with suppliers because they can't pay the bills.

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Mark Hunt

Bright side Joel!!



If they keep that up, you won't have any competition!

Mark H

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Weezbo

Just in time for the oil companies and uncle sam:)

ScottMP

exactly Mark.

This is the hardest part of being in business.

Stick to your guns Joel and it will come your way. Whats the alternative ? Lower your prices and not make it work ?

The only problem is when the slackers go away another young one shows up who thinks they know the price.

This is usually a slow down peroid for us... not this year.

Scott

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