Growth or recession in 2007?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

That issue is sharply dividing economists, because no one is sure what impact the slowdown in housing will have on consumers, and thus the broad economy.

[...]

In a poll of 21 prominent economists conducted by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), the respondents expected economic growth of a median 2.5% in 2007, down from 3.3% in 2006.

But the difference of opinion is big. In the survey by SIFMA, the estimates for gross domestic product growth ranged from 1.6% to 2.9%.

"In transition periods, which we are in now, forecasting is very difficult," says Lyle Gramley, senior economic adviser at Stanford Washington Research Group.

[...]

... some of those who are predicting recession say it might not be that bad. Parsec Financial chief economist Jim Smith, for example, sees a mild downturn, marked by a swift upswing in the economy at the end of 2007. "It's 2001 all over again, which is the mildest recession we ever had," he says.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2006...over-usat_x.htm

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I predict there will be a little of both. That's why I'm not an economist.

[dalegg 143]

I predict there will be a little of both. That's why I'm not an economist.

How about a growing recession?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

My bet is recession. The yield curve has been inverted since about July.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I predict there will be a little of both. That's why I'm not an economist.

How about a growing recession?

I go with receding growth.

[dalegg 143]

I predict there will be a little of both. That's why I'm not an economist.

How about a growing recession?

I go with receding growth.

Ooh, I had one of those on neck. It's not fun.

[rebeccajo 14]

I predict there will be a little of both. That's why I'm not an economist.

How about a growing recession?

I go with receding growth.

Ooh, I had one of those on neck. It's not fun.

LOL...I was about to say that sounds like a personal problem and you beat me to it!!!

I'm going to guess moderate growth. I'm thinking the worst of the housing bust is over (the Wall Street Journal said so) and maybe consumers will become a BIT more optimistic. I don't think business is ready to do lots of investing yet but some consumer optimism might bring on a wee bit of growth.