The “fiscal cliff” is the big worry for everybody right now. Manufacturing has seen a mixed bag of results in the last couple of months. Many people agree that it will be hard to look toward any type of expansion until we see how this is addressed. The concern is that if the program that is put in place includes more taxes and big spending cuts, then we could be pushed back toward another recession.
The long-term results of Super Storm Sandy are still playing out. November numbers were definitely impacted by power outages, property loss, and transportation interruptions. At the same time, overall unemployment numbers are at their lowest levels since the end of 2008. Many people are anticipating the possibility of a positive bounce in sales as companies that have been holding off ordering in the 4th quarter make up for lost time in the 1st quarter. Assuming we avoid the “fiscal cliff”.