WHAT POSTWAR PICKUP?

摘要

As the U.S. economy limps through its third post-boom year of sluggish growth, policymakers from Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan on down have been counseling patience: Let the healing process run its course. Yes, the profits, investment, and jobs picture looked bleak during the dark years. But the underlying economy is basically strong, and a second-half pickup is just around the corner. It's a familiar refrain, and this year, the catalyst for robust growth was supposed to be the speedy end to the Iraq war. Many, including Greenspan, counted on a decisive rout to lower energy prices and sweep away economic uncertainty.