Mickey Levy Quotations

What we see is manufacturers are increasing production slightly but only enough to meet demand. They're not really comfortable enough to build inventories or hire a lot yet, but things are improving modestly.

I'm more interested in how people spend than how they respond to surveys. I've found that the consumer sentiment survey really doesn't provide much value added in forecasting consumer spending patterns. I'm not too upset about the decline.

Although a heightened degree of overseas job outsourcing is probably taking place, the phenomenon is likely exaggerated by newspaper headlines,

We've seen data from various sectors showing the economy is beginning to stabilize. Not only employment, but the manufacturing sector as well. And holiday retail sales, consumption and housing look OK. So, we have all these powerful stimulants that are going to contribute to growth as 2002 unfolds.

The critical question is how much the White House listens to Greenspan.

The factors are coming into place that point to an eventual rebound.

The Fed is going to have a tough call. The economy is growing fast, but there is no wage pressure ... There are as many reasons for why (rates) should be on hold as why they should be tightened.

After a couple of false starts, the past couple of months does have the feel of a more traditional recovery, driven by consumer spending and housing. The follow-through is the business response.

We've seen a clear pickup in consumer spending and housing and now the manufacturing sector. I'd say with a couple more months, businesses will start to gain confidence.

Everything is in place for a healthy rebound.