Beaulieu: Positive Outlook for Distributors, Economy in 2017

The U.S. economy will grow a strong 3.7 percent this year, and that expansion will extend into the first half of 2018, ITR Economics president Alan Beaulieu told attendees at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Executive Summit in Washington D.C. on Feb. 2.

A well-known speaker, Beaulieu also serves as NAW’s senior economic advisor. He provides market outlook presentations at many distribution association conventions.

“We’re growing at a decent clip,” Beaulieu said, noting that 3.7 percent growth should be considered a very good year. “We’re going to experience some good times ahead.”

There are many signs for optimism, he said, including favorable interest rates, non-residential construction improving, the rise of employment and wages and banks willingness to lend money.

Beaulieu emphasized that the growth of the economy is not a bump that occurred because of the election of President Donald Trump, but one that had begun before the election. Nor does Beaulieu believe any action that Trump takes would influence the economic forecast.

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Source: Industrial Distribution

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