Everything is finally falling into place for U.S. economic growth to accelerate in 2015-6.rnConsumer spending is poised to grow even faster, boosting several important segmentsrnsuch as furniture and remodeling. Housing starts are also ready to move higher asrnyounger adults get jobs and finally form a household. But several factors continue tornrestrict the recovery in single family housing units. The good news also leads to thernFederal Reserve finally moving to boost interest rates later this year—how soon and howrnhigh?rnThe great U.S. news is tempered however by a range of disturbing international events.rnEurope is struggling. China is growing slower than expected, with a big drop in residentialrnconstruction. The collapse in oil prices reflects weak global demand and surging U.S.rnproduction. Will oil prices remain low? International developments remain a wild card forrnthe U.S. economy and for the wood products industry, especially with how exchange ratesrnhave moved. What are the implications of the drop in the Euro and the Ruble?
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