“The major components of inflation for us are energy costs and housing costs and medical costs, and I don't see any major break in any of these. I wouldn't be surprised to see still 3.5 percent to 4 percent CPI for us for this year.”
“Right now, as long as the prices are steady and people have their jobs, I think they will do what is needed to make their payments and avoid the foreclosure process.”
“We already know the number of permits drawn by builders has decreased and is going to continue to decline because of the cool-down in the housing market. We won't need as many construction workers.”
“The employment numbers are pretty decent. But the concern I have is that two of the sectors showing the most strength – construction and financial activities – are very interest-rate sensitive.”
