Notes
Slide Show
Outline
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2008 Regional
Economic Outlook
December 18, 2007
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Agenda
  • Ninth District Economy
    • Outlook
      • Surveys
      • Models
    • Sector Analysis
      • Agriculture
      • Manufacturing
      • Home building
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Sources of Information
  • Minneapolis Fed’s forecast models


  • Minneapolis Fed’s surveys


  • Other reports
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Comparing 2007 with last year’s forecast
  •  Job growth stronger, except Minnesota


  •  Unemployment rate predictions close, except Minnesota


  •  Personal income expanded faster


  •  Home building slowed more than expected


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Actual and Forecast Nonfarm Employment
 Average percent change from a year earlier -- 4th quarter
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Actual and Forecast Unemployment Rate
 4th Quarter Average
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Ninth District Economy: Slow Growth in 2008
  •  Modest employment growth and little change in unemployment
  •  Wage increases moderate, some price increases
  •  Growth in Ag and manufacturing
  •  Home building slowdown continues in many areas



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Slower employment growth is forecast
 Percent change from a year earlier -- 4th quarter
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Little change in
unemployment rates is forecast
4th Quarter
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Productivity increased in 2007
Percent change from a year earlier
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Slower growth in personal income expected
 Percent change from a year earlier -- 4th quarter
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Agriculture outlook bright
  •  Ag survey: high profits in 4Q


  •  USDA prices: up, up ,up


  •  Input costs concern for 2008
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Manufacturers upbeat,
but investment is flat.
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Manufacturing firms project increased employment and sales but flat capital investment
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Manufacturers expect continued growth
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Housing slowdown continues

  •  2006 and 2007 down significantly


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Home building continues slowdown
 Percent change from a year earlier
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Housing outlook poor
  •  Forecast model expects continued slow housing market


  •  Business leaders see continued drop in 2008



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Fed’s Model:
Home building geographically mixed
 Percent change from a year earlier -- 4th quarter
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Ninth District Economy: Slow Growth in 2008
  •  Moderate employment growth and little change in unemployment
  •  Wage increases moderate, some price increases
  •  Growth in ag and manufacturing
  •  Home building slowdown continues in many areas