Steven Wood Income Quotations

With employment gains non-existent, income growth has slowed. As households also become more judicious in taking on more debt, consumer spending will remain soft.

Despite the loosening of the labor markets, income gains remain sufficient to support spending at a moderate pace.

Despite the brief moderation in consumer attitudes, consumers appear to be spending heavily still, urged on by widespread hiring and income growth.

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.

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.

Higher claims suggest slower job gains, which should dampen income growth, consumer spending, and overall economic activity.

Housing fundamentals are deteriorating. Mortgage rates have been flat since the beginning of the year. Job creation and income growth has slowed. Equity markets have plunged over the past year. And consumer confidence has tumbled. Moreover, mortgage applications have trailed off. All of these suggest that home sales should weaken over the next several months.

Housing fundamentals are deteriorating, ... Mortgage rates have been flat since the beginning of the year. Job creation and income growth has slowed. Equity markets have plunged over the past year. And consumer confidence has tumbled. Moreover, mortgage applications have trailed off. All of these suggest that home sales should weaken over the next several months.