LA Biz Observed
 
Bio • Email • Archive
 

 

That's the general consensus of private economists surveyed by the WSJ. First quarter's very sluggish 1.3 percent growth - weakest in four years - should be the worst of what's been a low-grade slowdown over the past year. But the improvement will be modest, with GDP growth running 2.2 percent in the second quarter and 2.6 percent in the second half of the year. Housing might improve a little, consumer spending might go down a little, and inflation continues to be of concern, especially with those higher gas prices. Another interesting nugget from the survey: More than three-quarters of the economists said the nation's widening income gap is a worrisome development, though most said that the government shouldn't get involved. Stocks retreat: There are still a few minutes left before the market closes, but this won't be a great day. The Dow is down 132 points and the S&P 500 is below that important 1500 level.


> | More
© 2003-2011   •  About LA Observed  •  Email the editor
Mark's latest news
and commentary
 
 
LA Biz Observed
by topic
Economy and jobs
Media, books & Hollywood
Politics and labor
Travel, food and life
Technology
Land and real estate
Wealth and poverty
 
 
New at
LA Observed
 
2:25 PM Fri | Martin Gomez, the head librarian for Los Angeles since 2009, will become vice dean in the USC Libraries on April 2.