ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - The Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. (AMCA) recently released a Quarterly Forecast Newsletter for the second quarter of 2006. Written by consulting economist, Hans Zigmund, the report cites a strong economic rebound in the first quarter of 2006 and preliminary figures from the year indicate a strong push forward for the U.S. economy in the second quarter.

Propelled by national defense spending, Hurricane Katrina relief, and durable goods consumption, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 4.8 percent in the first quarter 2006 compared with just 0.9 percent annualized growth in the fourth quarter of 2005, according to Zigmund.

"The stabilization of interest rates should help business investment in construction as firms continue to expand capacity. The expansionary fiscal effects of government spending are unmistakable in this growth phase," said Zigmund. "As the Katrina rebuilding wraps up and soldiers are redeployed to the Middle East, spending should come back into line. This will have a short run contractionary impact on the economy, but in the long run should serve to slow the growth rate of federal deficits."

Based on industry statistics, Zigmund explained that nonresidential investment in construction was strong as expected in the first quarter and strong construction figures are expected to drive growth in the second quarter. Growth in nonresidential construction is expected to continue at an annualized rate of close to 9 percent during the second quarter as well.

Publication date: 07/24/2006