The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized 3.2% rate during the first quarter of 2019, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors assessment of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The pace of growth exceeded expectations, as many economists predicted growth would be closer to 2.5%.

Growth was fueled by myriad factors, including personal consumption expenditures, private inventory investment, surprisingly rapid growth in exports, state and local government spending and intellectual property. However, residential investment declined.

“Today’s headline number was a blockbuster,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Despite a slowing global economy, growing labor shortages, soft residential construction and generally lackluster first quarter growth, the overall U.S. economy got off to a fast start in 2019. What’s more, that rapid growth continues to be associated with only moderate inflation.

“That said, nonresidential building investment declined for a third consecutive quarter during the first quarter of 2019, though the pace of decline was not as noteworthy as it was during the third and fourth quarters of last year,” said Basu. “There are many conceivable factors, including weather-induced interruptions in construction activity, concern about overbuilding in office, lodging and other commercial segments, as well as the inability of contractors to fully address demand for construction services due to a dearth of available skilled workers.

“With the year off to a strong start, there appears to be enough momentum to carry the U.S. economy through 2019,” said Basu. “Any fears of a near-term recession have likely been quashed. However, the surprising strength of the U.S. economy may result in a reassessment of policymaking by the Federal Reserve, even though recent statements made by Fed officials have suggested that there wouldn’t be a further rate increase in 2019. If the Federal Reserve decides to pivot and raise rates again later this year, that would represent a negative in terms of demand for construction services due to a corresponding increase in the cost of capital to finance projects.”

                                          – Associated Builders and Contractors

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Round and round the economy goes – where it goes, nobody knows

By Morf Morford
Tacoma Daily Index

You don’t need to be a business or economic major to come to the conclusion that, by any definition, we are in “interesting times”.

Some of the changes and challenges are being brought about by normal business cycles or seasonal changes. Others are brought about by unexpected events like “weather-induced interruptions” and a “dearth of available skilled workers”.

Factor in tariffs, interest rates, European countries declining into recession and disruption in technology and you have a recipe for a wild ride in 2019.

Back in late 1999 I was on a flight from Sea-Tac to Beijing, China. The onboard newspapers were full of dire warning about the looming disaster of Y2K (remember that?). The economic advice was simple and direct – buy guns, gold and honey. All, they claimed, would keep their value and help us survive any economic catastrophe.

I don’t know how those investments worked out, but I have some better advice; invest in skills and friends.

No matter what happens, they will serve you well.