25 Quotes by Mickey Levy

We're looking for increases in employment, but because the labor force is growing 1 percent a year, we need 125,000 new jobs per month to stabilize the unemployment rate. We see the unemployment rate drifting slightly higher and lingering higher for the next year.

We've seen data from various sectors showing the economy is beginning to stabilize. Not only employment, but the manufacturing sector as well. And holiday retail sales, consumption and housing look OK. So, we have all these powerful stimulants that are going to contribute to growth as 2002 unfolds.

We've seen a clear pickup in consumer spending and housing and now the manufacturing sector. I'd say with a couple more months, businesses will start to gain confidence.

Keep in mind that monetary policy works with a lag, so that this shouldn't have any impact on the consumer, ... My guess is a quarter point.

Regardless of who is president, it looks like they will not have a mandate.

Looking forward, the factors are in place for economy to rebound, ... Capital spending will stay in negative territory for a while, but I expect consumer spending to turn by the end of the year.

The critical question is how much the White House listens to Greenspan.

The factors are coming into place that point to an eventual rebound.

What we see is manufacturers are increasing production slightly but only enough to meet demand. They're not really comfortable enough to build inventories or hire a lot yet, but things are improving modestly.