Trouble in Your Tank: Implementing Direct Metallization in Advanced Substrate Packaging
It’s Only Common Sense: Storytelling That Sells—Stop Pitching, Start Painting Pictures
The Right Approach: Get Ready for ISO 9001 Version 6
Business Investment and Trade Lights a Path to Another Quarter of 3% Growth
October 27, 2017 | The Conference BoardEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Comment on Q3 GDP by Brian Schaitkin, senior economist, The Conference Board
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis today reported 3.0% annualized growth in real Gross Domestic Product for the third quarter of 2017,the first time the economy has grown at or above a 3% annual rate for two consecutive quarters since the middle of 2014. Investment and trade data suggest that the U.S. Economy is well equipped to ride momentum from 2017 to growth of nearly 2.5% for 2018.
Consumer spending continued to grow at a solid pace despite some economic disruptions caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Strong September auto sales numbers indicate that these disruptions may be temporary and could lead to strong spending during the fourth quarter. Residential investment continued to retreat, but the process of post-storm rebuilding in Texas and Florida could help drive a recovery in next quarter and into 2018.
The composition of improved business investment can support a continued rise in productivity growth. Business investment has grown by an average of 5.3% annual rate during the past two quarters even as investment related to energy exploration has declined. In line with robust business confidence, firms are investing more in machinery, equipment and warehouse facilities that will help them to operate more efficiently. While the selection of the Federal Reserve Chair for the next term will create some uncertainty regarding the path of interest rates next year, it’s not likely that increased capital costs will curb investment growth in the near term.
The weakening of the dollar during most of 2017 caused the trade balance to improve, with exports continuing to grow this quarter and imports declining. In 2018, the external environment may become less supportive of US growth. Growth in key trading partners like the Euro Area and China may weaken modestly next year after strengthening in 2017. In addition, the dollar has already started recovering lost ground against major currencies, a trend which could continue, especially if the Federal Reserve pursues a tighter monetary policy course than other major central banks.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
09/12/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007We may be post-Labor Day, but it is still hot-hot-hot here in the great state of Arizona—much like our news cycles, which have continued to snap, crackle, and pop with eye-raising headlines over this past week. In broader global tech news this week, AI and tariff-type restrictions continues to dominate with NVIDIA raising its voice against U.S. lawmakers pushing chip restrictions, ASML investing in a Dutch AI start-up company to the tune of $1.5 billion, and the UAE joining the ranks of the U.S. and China in embracing “open source” with their technology in hopes of accelerating their AI position.
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation'
09/11/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: Dan's Biz BookshelfRick Wartzman’s Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the Limits of Socially Conscious Capitalism is both a wake-up call and a mirror—showing us things we might not want to admit. He doesn’t come out swinging with anti-corporate rage or idealistic fluff. No, he does something more powerful. He tells the plain, honest, uncomfortable truth, and those with a stake in business, leadership, or the American economy should read this book.
Summit Interconnect Announces Appointment of Leo LaCroix as Chief Operating Officer
09/09/2025 | Summit Interconnect, Inc.Summit Interconnect, a leading North American manufacturer of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), today announced that Leo LaCroix has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The Chemical Connection: Experience and Wisdom Gained by Doing Business
09/03/2025 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionA well-managed company learns to adjust its strategies and processes based on what it learns during challenging times. The experience gained from making (or losing) a difficult sale is invaluable in adapting new sales and manufacturing processes necessary to make that sale the next time, no matter how painful those new processes might be.
Partnerships Drive Innovation for a Brighter Manufacturing Future
08/26/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007When Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) opened its greenfield facility in 2023, it did so with careful attention to choosing its suppliers. In this discussion, Collin Peters, electronics business director for North America at MKS’ Atotech, and Justin Kennedy, manager of engineering at SEL, explore their unique partnership that includes collaborative efforts to develop innovative solutions like the Uniplate® PLBCu6 line.