Significant market turnaround in 2004

摘要

Looking ahead to 2004, we're taking our typical, enthusiastic stance as we evaluate the future markets for metal construction products. The past few years have posed many challenges for metal builders, roofers, erectors and architects. Yet, if you've taken time to read this, you likely feel that the worst is over and that the cycle is already on an upswing. As this was written, 2003 was closing out as a year where interest rates were still historically low, the stock market had made a nice showing after a few years of debacle, and corporations were seemingly moving past the scandals and starting to show signs of expanding employment and spending money again. Of course, that could all change quickly as the Iraq war continues and the U.S. gears up for the 2004 presidential election. All things considered, the immediate outlook for non-residential construction is anybody's guess.