Economic Stall?

[Kerim]

I have been thinking that the economy has continued to improve steadily, but perhaps I've not been paying close attention. Now I am seeing more articles like this one, suggesting that things might be stalling out.

I know that none of us know the future, and that journalists need to keep the headlines flowing (and the more worrisome, the better).

What do you think -- sensationalist headlines, or are things not so rosy overall?

[EricL]

I think the oil price crash and subsequent pullback in drilling activities has had a bigger impact on the labor market than people have realized or were expecting. When you cut 800 drilling rigs and all of the associated industrial and support jobs that go along with it you are talking a big impact on the labor market.

I think overall we are going ok, but I'm not as bullish as I was last fall. Could be a sideways up & down market for a while.