HARDI's Economist Comments on NFIB's Outlook

As reported by MDM, the National Federation for Independent Businesses (NFIB) reported modest signs of economic recovery with economic activity "mediocre at best". HARDI's Chief Economist, Alan Beaulieu, provided his comment on NFIB's outlook as it pertains specifically to HARDI distributors:

"The comments offered in Modern Distribution Management are consistent with our analysis if you take the word “mediocre” and take it to mean “mild”. I see no problem here. A difference would be in that the statistical input quoted is certainly dreary, but our conversations with HARDI members, and other client firms, portray encouraging stirrings in the amount of hiring and in anticipated capital expenditures. We will have more to add to the capital expenditures discussion in the quarterly TRENDS report as we look at Consumer Credit Availability. For now, take heart in the New Orders for capital goods are trending higher and portend more opportunities in the second half of the year. Just keep in mind that “mild” should be part of the business lexicon for at least the next few quarters."