Mark Vitner
Mark Vitner
earlier gas prices rise usual
I think we'll see gas prices rise earlier than usual and faster.
belief bleed core energy eventually people prices quarter seen
People keep asking, 'How can it be that we haven't seen energy prices bleed over into the core?' ... Our belief is that it will eventually show up in the core CPI, but it may not show up in 2005. It may be in first quarter of 2006.
affect beautiful consumers gasoline higher market prices stock weather
It (consumer sentiment) was a little higher than expected, but the stock market has come back, gasoline prices have come down, and the weather has been beautiful and that has to affect consumers somewhat.
behavior change changes consumers eat effect felt further gasoline gradually high months prices recent seen stay
High gasoline prices gradually eat away at income. The effect isn't felt all at once. We have seen consumers change their behavior in recent months and there should be further changes if prices stay at these levels.
cause energy higher major prices problems rest
The higher energy prices have already spilled over into the rest of the economy. But it probably will not cause major problems for the economy.
baby dunk energy likely move prices raise rates remain slam
As long as energy prices remain high, they're likely to move in baby steps. I just don't think it's a slam dunk that they raise rates in December.
above below came gas higher huge interest knock market number prices rates relief rising sign
There was a huge sign of relief when the number came in above 100, and that's why the market rallied, ... There was a thought that the combination of rising interest rates and higher gas prices would knock it below 100.
accounting company markets pension surprising
But pension accounting is awfully complicated and it's an awfully big company, so it's not surprising the markets would get a little spooked by it.
continues defy demand doom housing quite record remains strong year
It continues to defy all the expectations of doom in the housing market. Demand for housing still remains quite strong and this year will be a record year for single-family construction.
accounts motor overall percent rebound retail rise sales vehicle
A rebound in motor vehicle sales accounts for much of December's 0.7 percent rise in overall retail sales and is also responsible for much of November's upward revision.
increase inflation meaningful numbers pick rent
If we see an increase in rent we could really see inflation numbers pick up in a meaningful way.
federal larger money response spent
The federal response has been much larger than we thought it would be, ... And the money is being spent much more quickly.
coming consumer disaster faster help hit minimize money natural relief
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,
breathing fed gives interest room
It gives the Fed a little more breathing room on interest rates, that's the most I can say.