Uneasy Quiet Ahead of Jobs Report
"However, some serious long-term issues of concern emerged Monday, including the outlook for housing prices, data on consumer income and spending, and corporate profitability.
Economists from Fannie Mae and the National Association of Realtors predicted housing prices may decline in some areas, undercutting a source of consumer strength. "There is an increasing risk of price declines in some of those areas, especially those in which job growth has been the most anemic," David Berson, Fannie's chief economist said on a conference call with reporters. He was referring to urban areas that have seen prices climb while job losses mounted, including San Francisco.
Meanwhile, consumer incomes gained just 0.1% in July, the lowest monthly gain in almost two years, following an anemic 0.2% rise in June, the Commerce Department said. But consumers kept right on spending, as consumption rose 0.8%. With consumer debt and consumer debt-service ratios at historic highs, it's a pattern that can't continue indefinitely.
Finally, Prudential Securities tabulated the results of second-quarter earnings reporting season, which is just about wrapped up. On average, companies reported 4% better-than-expected results, which was half the first-quarter tally of 8% surprise upside."
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