Economic activity was suppressed in the first-quarter due largely to the West Coast port disruptions and difficult weather patterns across the Northeast, but the economy is expected to gain momentum throughout the spring and reach previously anticipated levels by year-end, according to Fannie Mae’s (FNMA/OTC) Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group.
While they have adjusted downward first-quarter growth from the prior forecast, the ESR Group’s full-year 2015 growth projection remains unchanged at 2.8 percent. Risks remain tilted to the downside, however, as consumer spending may be weaker than anticipated and the financial markets are likely to experience some volatility leading up to the Fed’s first expected rate hike in the coming months.
“We have downsized our first-quarter economic growth expectations in light of several transitory factors that weighed on consumption, but our outlook is largely the same as what we forecasted in March,” says Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. “Although some momentum was lost in the first quarter as consumers remained cautious in their spending, perhaps putting an emphasis on repairing their personal balance sheets and replenishing savings, we expect that consumer spending will catch up during the second quarter and continue in subsequent months, supporting our forecast of 2.8 percent growth for the year. We believe this momentum will carry over into the housing market, as well, particularly if strong consumer income growth continues.”
To read the full April 2015 Economic Outlook, visit the Economic & Strategic Research site at www.fanniemae.com.
