February 14, 2008 - Modern Distribution Management

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February 14, 2008

Manufacturers Alliance Report: Economic Growth to Slow to 1.3% in ’08

The housing collapse and a consumer-based recession, particularly affecting the automobile, housing and most recently the services sectors, present significant short-term challenges to the U.S. economy, according to a new report.

The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Economic Forecast predicts that inflation-adjusted GDP growth will slow to 1.3 percent in 2008 before improving to 2.5 percent in 2009. GDP growth will be down an average of 0.6 percent in the first two quarters before returning to growth in the second half of 2008.

By supplying major assumptions for the economy and running simulations through the Global Insight Macroeconomic Model, the Alliance generates macroeconomic and industry forecasts.

Recessions are caused by severe shocks," ...

Manufacturers Alliance Report: Economic Growth to Slow to 1.3% in ’08 Read More »

Rexel Sales Up 2.9% in 2007

France-based electrical distributor Rexel reported sales were up 15.1% in 2007, or 2.9% on an organic basis, to €10.7 billion (US$15.6 billion).

In North America, sales were down 1.6% in 2007. In the U.S., sales were down 2.4%, in part due to the ongoing decline in residential construction and residential-related commercial projects. At Gexpro (formerly GE Supply), double-digit growth with key accounts, notably related to large project management, was seen.
 
In Canada, sales were up 1.5%, driven by mining and building markets in the West, as well as commercial activity in Quebec.
 
In the U.S., Rexel strengthened its platform by integrating Gexpro ahead of schedule, and demonstrated its ability to adapt its cost base to a difficult economic ...

Rexel Sales Up 2.9% in 2007 Read More »

NAHB: Condo Market Showing Signs of Recovery

The condo market is showing some signs of a revival in some markets across the country and that uptick in sales is also benefiting the rental apartment market, according to multifamily housing developers speaking at the National Association of Home Builders'(NAHB) International Builders Show.
 
"We are definitely emerging from a difficult time and seeing some light in the condo market,"said Bill Donges, CEO of the Atlanta-based Lane Company, which has condominium developments in several cities, including Hollywood, FL. "The condo lifestyle — especially in urban areas — is very attractive, and with the interest rates low and the selection good, we are seeing buyers come back into the market."
 
At the height of the housing boom, ...

NAHB: Condo Market Showing Signs of Recovery Read More »

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