“Today's numbers show that consumers are not very optimistic about the economy. As a result, we will see consumer spending reduced until we see some relief on energy prices. If we don't get some relief, it looks like it will be a very weak holiday season.”
“We're in the range between 50 and 55 (in the ISM index) where the Fed often holds interest rates steady, and with Hurricane Katrina likely impacting the economy, particularly in the South, in September, we may see the Fed hold policy steady for a while until policy-makers can assess the full impact of the hurricane.”
“The weakness was primarily in the residential area. That's consistent with the other data we've seen recently that suggest that the housing market is cooling off.”
“The jobless claims drop shows good strength in the labor market at the end of the year. It shows that the economy has recovered after the hurricanes and is heading into the new year with good momentum and good job prospects.”
“The rise in the employment component, combined with the drop in new jobless claims reported earlier today, suggests that employment conditions remain good at the start of the year.”
“It shows the world central banks recognize the financial markets could use a little extra liquidity and support, ... Hopefully it will help restore confidence. A lot of people expected we would see some sort of coordinated effort.”
“It suggests the drag on the economy from the trade deficit in the third quarter will not be as great and could help revise up third-quarter GDP a bit,”
