Richard Curtin Overall Quotations

Although firms did expect a slightly slower pace of growth, they still judge overall economic conditions quite favorable.

Prospects for the economy have improved substantially from the lows recorded following the Gulf Coast hurricanes and the surge in gas prices. Firms still expect a slower overall pace of economic growth during 2006 than in 2005. The expected growth slowdown is mainly due to anticipated increases in interest rates. Firms are much more optimistic about their own prospects in 2006, as they expected strong growth in revenues and profits.

TEC firms reported that substantial gains in the overall economy have already occurred. They anticipate continued gains during the year ahead.

Consumers anticipated that higher interest rates will ultimately slow the overall pace of economic growth.