Strong levels of unfilled orders imply a strong U.S. economy and implicitly indicate more manufacturing in the pipelines. Clearly, the industrial sector is likely to remain strong in the near- and medium-term.
If it remains this close to 2 percent, then I think economically speaking, we're sitting pretty. I don't think this changes what the Fed does in May. I think another rate hike is likely then. But I think it stems the talk of rates rising as high as 5.25 percent, at least for now.
If prices remain above US$60, it will be tough for OPEC to justify a production cut.
If prices remain above 60 dollars, it will be tough for OPEC to justify a production cut.
In fact, there is still quite a bit of inflationary pressure that producers need to mitigate to remain profitable.
If the rise in imports and utilization manifest this week continues next week, it could apply some downward pressure. Of course, any decline in petroleum prices would be predicated on the notion that the Iranian geopolitical situation remains relatively quiet.
The economy and corporate America remains solid -- we are going to resume an upward trend and the equity market knows it very well. The sharp drop in the GDP was just a bleep.
The economy and corporate America remain solid -- we are going to resume an upward trend and the equity market knows it very well. The sharp drop in the GDP was just a bleep.