Harsh weather tests optimism over U.S. economy

Reuters ^ | Feb 24,2014 | Lucia Mutikani

[mdittmar]

(Reuters) - Unusually cold weather will take a bite out of U.S. economic growth this quarter, but a rebound seems likely on the horizon and expectations for stronger growth this year have not changed.

Economists estimate that freezing temperatures and the ice and snow storms that have blanketed much of the nation will shave as much as half a percentage point from gross domestic product in the first quarter.

That comes on top of the drag from efforts by businesses to sell off bloated inventories and a one-time hit from the expiration of benefits for the long-term unemployed.

[mdittmar]

Darn global warming,oops,that's climate change,darn businesses,darn republicans;)

[dennisw]

I’m blaming AlGore and his damn globull warming

[Maceman]

but there is no optimism over the US economy.

[Praxeologue]

When the White House line sounds like parody, you know they are losing it.

[Chode]

Oh WOE is me... whys everybody always pickin on me???

listen... warming, cooling, it was 50/50. so i took a shot!!!

[gaijin]

They’re always conjuring up and trundling out a MILLION different reasons about how Obama was JUUUUUUST about to make all of us filthy rich, AND THEN some random thing happened.

Tick-tock —like clockwork.

EXCUSE MAKING GALORE.

[ConservativeInPA]

When it gets cold and snows I stop eating. I stop heating my home. I stop paying my bills. I stop driving and buying gas ... opps that is all wrong. Besides one ice storm that had me sidelined for one day, my life hasn't changed. I am doing the same thing as four months ago. I am not optimistic, I haven't optimistic since Obama came into office. So I have cut my spending. Besides everyday getting by expenses, I horde guns, ammo and reloading supplies. If you want to see the part of the economy that is doing well, look at the gun sector.

This article is bull crap.

[Vendome]

80° in sunny California

[dennisw]

That’s the AlGore coming out of Columbia University (NY) where he >>>>>>>>

Former Vice President Al Gore has landed a job at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism as a visiting professor for the spring 2001 term, which is already ...

[tahoeblue]

It’s always beautiful in California!

[Signalman]

Rain sked for Sat. in SOCAL.

[alloysteel]

“There is no joy in Muddville,
For Obama, mighty Obama, has struck out.”

The uncertainties of weather patterns give, and they take away. Superstorm Sandy was more than a merely fortuitous circumstance for The Won, it almost completely took Benghazi off the national consciousness.

But now, the weather patterns are putting a stark outline on the very anemic capability of municipalities, states and the nation to deal with what would ordinarily have been a small stroke of adversity, magnifying it all out of proportion.

“Money’s short, times is hard,
here’s your %&#*@in’ birthday card”

Inscribed on half a sheet torn off a yellow pad.

[Alberta's Child]

I have a hard time believing that cold weather puts a dent in the GDP at all, for reasons that will show up in a lot of the posts in this thread. Most of the industries/sectors that decline in the winter (like just about anything in the Home Depot garden center) aren't doing brisk business in any winter, not just the unusually cold ones.

The only major big-ticket items that probably don't sell as well in rough winters are cars, and I'm sure that decline is offset (if not more than offset) by SUV and truck sales and auto body repairs.

I recently tried to get an appointment for some minor body work, and the shop told me they are booked until April right now.

[Chode]

yup...

[mdittmar]

There is no mention of obama or his policies in this article.

Let's stick to the facts;)

[Vendome]

And at the top of Heavenly, Nevada side, admiring God’s and the awesome view of the lake.

Time for some road trips.

W. Hollywood, Palm Springs and San Diego

[ConservativeInPA]

Thanks for reminding me. The weather made me do it.

[atc23]

The first summer heatwave the Obamabots will be saying it’s too hot - putting a damper on job growth

This ones too soft

This ones too hard

This one is just right

[tahoeblue]

If you come up in the summer - take a hike into Desolation Wilderness or up to the top of Mt Tallac. Awesome!

[Vendome]

I think I’ve been there.

Isn’t there a part where it looks like a bomb went off and all the trees are fallen?

Still beautiful and if you hike there I’d meet you.

Bears will probably be early this year and hungry but, whatever.

We’re Americans. We’ll tame em and sell them as circus acts....