Los Angeles, March 16--In its first quarterly report of 2005, the UCLA Anderson Forecast asserts that the current expansion in the national economy is nearer its end than its beginning.
While the report stops short of predicting a recession -- at least exactly when the next recession will hit -- it does outline a scenario that points toward a slowing of the economy and an eventual downturn. In California, slow growth is expected over the next few years, as a weak housing market offsets some of the strengths in other parts of the economy.
The National Forecast
In his report, UCLA Anderson Forecast Director Edward Leamer sheds light on the current economic expansion via an historical prism. Leamer points out that historically, economic expansions have not lasted very long, with five of the last nine lasting only 14 quarters or less. The current expansion is 12 quarters old right now and Leamer sees no growth spurt on the horizon that will extend it much further.
In a detailed discussion, Leamer reveals that the three longest expansions in history all experienced growth spurts during which the rate of growth of GDP was abnormally high and the rate of unemployment was driven down.
Each expansion is different, with different stimuli bringing about the growth spurt. But Leamer sees no clear stimuli on the horizon in 2005, ruling out both tax cuts (which have already occurred) and monetary stimulus (which has also occurred through low interest rates). An increase in government spending is doubtful (unless it is wartime spending), leaving only exports as a possible ray of hope. Exports were a major factor in the length of the Reagan expansion, and the declining dollar vs. the Euro should stimulate this sector.
Leamer concludes with the assertion that a recession is in the future; he just doesn't know when yet. He doesn't see it in 2005, but believes it could happen in 2006.
The California Forecast
In California, UCLA Anderson senior economist Christopher Thornberg says that at best the state economy can be expected to maintain slow growth over the next few years as the weak housing sector saps off strength created in other parts of the state's recovering economy.
There are some good economic indicators in California, however. The falling dollar has helped keep more entertainment production in state instead of moving overseas or to other parts of the country. It has also bolstered manufacturing and tourism. The high-tech industry is in turnaround, with greater employment in this sector just around the corner. Finally, the public sector may be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, with jobs returning in this area as well.
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