#ABOUT Q1: Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. "Our March forecast indicates that the first quarter will be stronger than we originally thought,
and we've certainly stepped back from any perception of there being a recession anytime soon. The broad-based gains in the jobs report suggest that the recovery is widening across the economy , but the impact of sequestration, which includes both layoffs and furloughs, may seep into the employment sector in coming months. On balance, we see some improvement in our outlook for growth this year, primarily because of continued strength in the housing market and the kicking the can down the road as remaining fiscal issues continue to unfold.
http://www.fanniemae.com/portal/about-us/medi.../5942.html
and we've certainly stepped back from any perception of there being a recession anytime soon. The broad-based gains in the jobs report suggest that the recovery is widening across the economy , but the impact of sequestration, which includes both layoffs and furloughs, may seep into the employment sector in coming months. On balance, we see some improvement in our outlook for growth this year, primarily because of continued strength in the housing market and the kicking the can down the road as remaining fiscal issues continue to unfold.
http://www.fanniemae.com/portal/about-us/medi.../5942.html
