Your source for construction industry news in the Carolinas
With horrible wars underway in the Middle East and Ukraine, a strong dose of compartmentalization is required to focus attention on the prospects for the economy. But if we are to make a difference to those in devastated places, it will be necessary for us to make the best of our own situation, to try…
At this 2023 mid-point, a close look at the U.S. economy reveals uncertainty, bumps in the road ahead, and an economy that is so shot full of federal government intervention and stimulus that it is difficult to determine what is real and what is artificial.[1] Some but not all of this is understandable. After all,…
News that October existing home sales fell once more, giving a period of decline dating back to January 2022, is a reminder that when the Fed hits the brakes, it is housing and the construction economy that feels the sharpest pain. As National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun put it: “More potential homebuyers…
As we examine the approaching mid-year economy, we see the results of a perplexing mix of major economic forces. To draw an analogy, multiple large boulders are hitting the economic lake, and each one is creating waves and turbulence. The 2021 COVID-rebounding U.S. economy, lifted by past massive deficit spending and low-interest rate monetary policy,…
What are your thoughts on the economy related to construction in the Carolinas in 2022? Based on what I am hearing, both from clients, industry friends, and construction knowledgeable economists, 2022 has the potential to look a lot like 2021. I think that is good news for most contractors. However, the lingering supply chain issues,…
With 2021’s fourth quarter upon us, it’s increasingly clear that what I call a Frankenstein economy is upon us. No, I don’t mean we are dealing with an out-of-control monster that could turn on us and wipe us out, but I do mean that we have an economy sutured together in Washington and other national…
Mid-year is approaching. Stimulus money is flowing. The share of the U.S. population receiving virus vaccinations is soaring, “Now Hiring” signs are dotting the landscape, and the Communicable Disease Center has partly relaxed its mask requirement. Flush with money and less fearful, the American consumer is shopping again. Finally, it seems, the U.S. economy has…
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Carolinas AGC’s Connect & Learn series presented a North Carolina Economic Update and Outlook from nationally acclaimed NC State Economist Dr. Michael Walden. During the CAGC member luncheon, Dr. Walden shared his prediction that the strength of NC and SC economies likely will exceed pre-pandemic levels in the future because…
With 2021’s first two months under our belt, a new administration in the White House, and better virus news at hand, what can we say about the economic situation, especially as it relates to the Carolinas and our region? More specifically, what do the soothsayers predict for national GDP growth, interest rates, and inflation? Will…
I think we are all thankful to have 2020 behind us and are optimistic about this new year. As I reflect on 2020 several things struck me. In a Presidential election year, July through mid-November is a slow time for economic developers. Companies typically would put any plans they have regarding expansions/relocation on hold until…
