Brian Bethune Second Quotations

Activity in the manufacturing sector picked up early in the second quarter, in line with strong underlying fundamentals in the economy and stronger overseas demand. We can look forward to solid overall output growth in the second quarter of 2006.

Demand is strong enough for companies to raise prices. This will keep the Fed's bias toward higher rates intact through the second quarter of 2006.

Services industries kicked off the second quarter with very impressive momentum.

Manufacturing is gaining strength heading into the second quarter. We have a level of capacity use that justifies more business investment.

Consumption spending will continue to plod ahead in the second quarter.

The manufacturing sector continues to steam-roll ahead. The stage is set for solid growth in the second quarter.