Opening Statement from the March 2019 CCPM Forecaster 

Opening Statement from the March 2019 CCPM Forecaster 

Originally published on March 4, 2019 (pre-market release)

Overview

The severe sell off in the stock market during the last quarter of 2018 resulted in annual losses for all equities markets. Despite the strong and rapid rebound in the markets, deceleration of global growth continues to be of concern, especially given the lingering trade dispute between the U.S. and China.

Although corporate earnings growth is expected to decline a great deal relative to that seen in 2018, the U.S. economy remains relatively strong, with low unemployment, strong consumer spending, high consumer confidence and modest wage growth. 

In contrast, significant pockets of risk continue to build throughout the globe. Uncertainty regarding