We're going to have plenty of weak economic reports over the coming months. If they respond to every one, they'll get down to zero percent interest rates pretty damn quick.

I don't know if the gas prices and interest rates will knock consumer confidence down in coming months, ... I think they're more likely to hold it where it is now, which is good, but not great.

The major story in these places is very rapid population growth, with retirees, seasonal residents and tourists coming in,

The state is expected to gain 150,000 new residents this year, with two-thirds of the adults likely coming from other states for job opportunities.

The relief money is coming in much faster than it has for any other natural disaster that I can remember. That should help minimize some of the hit on consumer spending,