Steven Wood Attacks Quotations

Labor markets are deteriorating quickly in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11. The economy was quite weak before the attacks, which have accelerated the pace of layoffs. As layoffs spiral higher, hiring activity has stopped, giving a strong upward push to joblessness.

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks seem to have had little impact on the factory sector so far. However, many industries have already reported further production cuts as demand has waned. A more substantial contraction is expected next month.

The terrorist attacks are going to make a bad situation even worse.

The initial wave of layoffs in those industries most directly affected by the terrorist attacks has passed. However, there is another wave rolling to shore. This second wave will be from the subsequent economic dislocations caused by the Sept. 11 events and be much more diffused through the economy.