Some modest improvement seen in industrial sector as economic recovery s-l-o-w-l-y continues

摘要

Regarding a subject in which opinions seem to be pretty much split among industry experts, count Andy Blumenfeld among those who believe improvement is being experienced in the industrial sector. Arch Coal's vice president of Market Research isn't hinting that coal suppliers should be jumping for joy in anticipation of a sudden return to pre-recession levels that will trigger increased demand for fuel. What he does see is a slow-but-steady recovery among some businesses. Arch's forecast for 2010 includes a three percent improvement in industrial power demand over 2009. Others, including a number of coal sales guys, don't paint such a rosy picture, and some don't expect much improvement until late in the year or early in 2011. Andy's assessment ought to be encouraging. He's among the best at what he does.