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US: Efficiency gains point to strong profits
Thu, Nov 5 2009, 18:30 GMT
by Economic and Strategy Team
National Bank of Canada
U.S. Watch
Productivity continues to surprise on the upside. According to just-released data, output per worker in the non-farm business sector surged 9.5% in Q3 2009, the strongest showing in six years. This increase more than offset the rise in hourly compensation granted to workers, leading to the third consecutive decline in unit labour costs (compensation adjusted for productivity). In other words, corporations continue to pocket the bulk of the efficiency gains. As today’s Hot Chart shows, the ratio of industry selling price to unit labour costs surged to a record level in the third quarter. This
heralds a hefty increase in profit margins. In light of this development, we are comfortable with our current forecast calling for a 30% increase in S&P 500 profits over the next year.
Published on
Thu, Nov 5 2009, 18:35 GMT
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