Michael Moran Quotes (24 Quotes)

With various indicators showing signs of softening, the Fed will probably hold steady on June 28, ... We do not think they are finished for the year, but they do not have a compelling case to push further ahead after a 50-basis-point adjustment in May.

A nomination does not mean it will have clear sailing to being listed. What gets listed on the national register, unfortunately, is subject to the will of the governor's office.

The numbers suggest we're seeing a weak holiday shopping season. We could see a late surge, but the early portion of the month is looking slow.

I am looking for a 25-basis-point increase in the federal funds rate. The primary reason is because the unemployment rate has moved to a low level, and that low unemployment rate is starting to push the growth of wages higher. That is an early warning sign.

These countries could take steps and I think they will take steps that will calm the storm some. But I think it's very clear these countries have to take some major steps to restructure their markets.

The real challenge on the energy front hasn't hit yet because it's not winter. When people start to get high heating bills, it will be another story.

Capacity utilization was up one tenth and from an inflation perspective we still have ample capacity.

Without question, the rate changes by the Federal Reserve will have influences on peoples lives. Borrowing rates are going to go up for things like car loans and mortgages. All of these things will influence the individual.

Mortgage rates have increased an additional 35 basis points from their average in the first quarter,

The decline was sharper than expected, but the reading was still respectable and in line with the averages that were in place right before the hurricane hit in late August.

There's a firm belief in the financial markets that inflation is under control and is not likely to emerge as a problem.

Low claims for unemployment insurance suggest that demand for labor is strong, and thus non-farm payrolls should expand briskly.

The consumer sector has been among the strongest in the economy and I think that's the area that (Fed Chairman Alan) Greenspan and company are really worried about.

The fact that this gain occurred in a month when sales also increased implies it was intended inventory building. If firms had wanted to cut inventories, they could have used the increase in sales as an opportunity to cut further.

We don't want to see any so-called 'accidental' damage done to the historic part of the hospital.

At this point, with the information in hand I'm still inclined to look for an interest rate increase of 25 basis points from the Fed, but we're seeing some numbers start to pop up that lead you to wonder exactly what the Fed may do. It's not inconceivable that they might decide to hold steady at the end of June.

Mortgage rates have moved lower recently and housing could respond in coming months. But the latest information from this cyclical area shows some moderation.

It's extremely important. I think it's going to have an important bearing on what the Fed decides to do with its monetary policy.

Manufacturing was going strong before Katrina hit and the ISM report told us Katrina didn't have much effect on activity across the nation. The economy is likely to remain on a solid growth track.

This report is a sign that the manufacturing sector is on solid ground after a weak performance in 1998 and the early part of 1999.

When rate increases are demand-driven, meaning there are other, positive influences going on -- job growth, demand picking up, etc. -- in that case, the effect of higher interest rates is a small dampening, rather than one that puts the economy at risk,

Housing is the most vulnerable sector of the economy at this time.

The new figures will reinforce the views now emerging among policy-makers that the economy has more inflation resistance than in the past. The gains also dampen the likelihood of (Fed interest rate) adjustments down the road. However, the new data does not assure that the Fed is done for this cycle.

I think like many people in the market, they (Fed policy makers) are well aware that the manufacturing sector is soft right now. I think it would reinforce in their (the Fed's) minds that aggressive doses of stimulus are needed right now.