Nigel Gault Growth Quotations

Growth was very good in the third quarter. We really suspect that the last two reports greatly understated the underlying strength of the labor market.

It is possible that the hurricanes that hit in August and September had a bigger impact on measured GDP growth in the fourth quarter than in the third. ... The hurricanes probably dragged on investment, too.

We believe the numbers today are confirming our view that growth will be soft throughout the rest of the year.

Excluding autos, spending growth looks healthy -- not a blockbuster holiday season, but far better than it appeared a couple of months ago when gasoline prices were over $3 per gallon.

This latest report is unmistakable evidence of an improving economy. What you have to look for is evidence that the fourth-quarter slowdown in economic growth will continue. And this jobs report is evidence that just the opposite is happening.

Clearly the slowdown in housing will mean slower growth in the overall economy. The big question mark is how much damage there will be.

These figures suggest that growth is stable but not extremely strong. These figures should add to the conviction in financial markets that the Fed will soon be able to stop raising rates.