Barry Hyman Economy Quotations

The productivity numbers today (Thursday) and tomorrow's (Friday's) report do nothing to support a bullish market. I would be concerned if we saw the unemployment drop below 4 percent because that would show the economy is not slowing down.

The productivity number is key toward determining whether the economy can show some stabilization. We've seen weakening numbers, which hasn't helped, but there is no inflation story to talk about here.

The psychology is just not there for the economy to make any substantial move until we get through the Fed meeting. There's really no selling pressure, it's just tremendous volatility.

If we get any guidance that the Fed would be guiding toward a neutral stance, that could be a (positive) impetus, ... The economy is slowing but not recessing and the Fed will be there if necessary.

I expect (ECI) to be very tame and show now inflation. It's the GDP I'm concerned about. If either one doesn't come in line (with expectations), the market will remain under pressure, ... I'm looking at the GDP number because that's going to give us a direct causal effect to how well the interest rate hikes have slowed the economy down.

If the Fed believes there are inflationary concerns about the strength of the economy, they will act. They will continue to do what they need to do to slow the economy down. It's going to be a transition market and there's no need to be aggressive here. Use a little caution and let prices come to you.

We think 3.5 percent is a good point for the Fed to take a break to measure the economy and the impact of its rate hikes. If the economy does appear to be picking up, they could start raising again.

I think there's still more upside ahead into next week, and as we look at the market beyond near term, I think the surprising strength in the economy is going to help us in the first half of 2006.

I think there's a concern about the economy so I think you'll see conciliatory talk (from Fed governors). We seem to rally into Fed meetings so I would expect a slightly upward bias.

It doesn't really determine that this year is going to be a down year. What it really indicates is the confusion over whether we're in a growth economy or not.

The problems are the same: Interest rates are high, and the economy is strong. It is affecting those sectors that are credit sensitive.

We seem to go from worries about the economy slowing down to appreciating that the economy remains strong and can bounce back from slower fourth-quarter GDP growth.

We're supported by a rebounding economy after a weaker fourth quarter, and recently lower oil prices. But that's countered by concerns about slower earnings growth and higher inflation.

There's no (economic) stabilization yet, but it now brings the possibility of continued aggressive Fed moves. We're four cuts deep into an interest rate cycle and we're going to get a fifth. That's going to help the economy down the road -- it's not a question of 'Will it?' but it's a question of when.

After last week's great run, the market is directionless. We're somewhat hostage until we get more proof that the economy is slowing.

After last week's great run, the market is directionless, ... We're somewhat hostage until we get more proof that the economy is slowing.

Anything that shows the economy is slowing will be taken very well by the market. But the Fed is still out there and I don't think we should get used to the (idea) the Fed going to stop (raising rates) in June.

This is a market that is assuming everything is going to get better. There's been too much commentary by the chairmen of these companies that these problems are inventory but everything is based on a turn of the economy ? that's what the Fed is there for.

They're (investors) looking for the Fed to be absolutely aggressive and see the economy as slow as can be and to be measured in terms of understanding how important the consumer is at this point. And how important the stock market is to consumer confidence.

They're (investors) getting more confident in the economy yet I still say this is more of a psychological bottom put into effect, ... There's a good reason to believe that some profit-taking is in order ahead of the NAPM (National Association of Purchasing Mangers) numbers.

It's important that OPEC comes to a conclusion to help with global supply but it may be too late for the summer season. High oil prices do not help the economy and it will still contribute to inflationary numbers. Oil will be a continuing story to see how the price of oil reacts over the next three weeks to these increases.

It will be interesting to see how quickly the market goes to worrying about what the Fed will do in August. We've just seen one month's statistics showing the economy is slowing.

The intermediate background look in terms of interest rates peaking and the economy slowing to a more sustainable pace without any undue harm is slowly going to play itself out. I would be very shocked if the GDP came in anywhere higher than estimates because Wall Street is already expressing its confidence that the economy is slowing down.

I think next week it will be important to see two things: solid numbers out of growth companies and seeing still a steady stream of economic numbers showing the required slowing of the economy with no inflation.

Higher interest rates are an impediment to companies where cost is important and that's Old Economy stocks, ... What we are seeing is a defensive move into technology stocks.

I don't think the economy can really withstand the equity markets dropping down and giving back all of its gains ? that would really hamper consumer confidence. The one thing that has changed is psychology ? it's time to look forward to what the effect interest rate cuts mean for the economy.

I do believe it's the weakening economy, where cyclical stocks can only gain strength on the anticipation of an economy solidifying, and any evidence of an economy slowing more than expected is not good news.

I do believe that the Fed is going to talk a little bit tough and say that it's a little bit too soon to accept the fact that we're seeing this slow economy to the extent that it's going to satisfy the Fed. And I believe that is what is going to keep the market in check. And it's another situation the Fed wants to try to control. They do want to keep this market in check. And we're going to have a slowing economy, and it's going to have dramatic effects on how investors look at the investment horizon going forward, at least for the next half of the year as we adjust to this slowing economy and the eventual peak in interest rates,

(The GDP) doesn't justify the slower earnings picture later in the year. There's a little bit of saving grace in there because we're seeing a strong economy still with no dramatic inflationary prospects.

(The GDP) doesn't justify the slower earnings picture later in the year, ... There's a little bit of saving grace in there because we're seeing a strong economy still with no dramatic inflationary prospects.

The economy is already slowing down without the impact of that 50 basis point hike last month, and I think what you have to look at here is the ending of the interest rate cycle. The growth stocks are technology stocks. And at this time it's a very seasonal thing as well. We are coming to the end of the quarter, so you are going to just get the great stock into the portfolios and sell the weak ones.

The economy is still strong, earnings will be good, and that bodes well for the stock market,

The market has two overhangs. It has the interest rate concern and it has the concern of whether a soft landing is achievable. The interest rate concern is over but the soft landing is another question. We don't know if the economy is slowing enough or slowing too fast and that concern, as it relates to earnings, is weighing on the market a little.

The market has some power today. Continued lower energy prices and the belief that the economy is rebounding off a poor fourth quarter are assumed to be behind the move today.