Higher consumer confidence predicted for 2024 can only help propane retailers. (Photo courtesy of Co-Alliance Cooperative Inc.)

2023 State of the Economy: Tricky terrain

December 6, 2023 By Phillip M. Perry

High interest rates and slower economic growth will put increasing pressure on business profits in 2024, but market upsides exist.

This article is tagged with December 2023, economy, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Higher costs for wages and energy are among the pressures that could lead to an economic downturn in 2023. (Photo by LP Gas staff)

Economists predict slowdown in 2023

December 16, 2022 By Phillip M. Perry

After two years of frenetic commercial activity fueled by a post-pandemic recovery, strengthening headwinds will tap the brakes on a robust economy.

This article is tagged with economy, employment, Europe, State of the Economy, workforce and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

2021 State of the Economy: Positive vibes

December 21, 2021 By Phillip M. Perry

The economic forecast for 2022 promises a largely favorable operating environment for businesses of all sizes despite labor and supply-chain challenges.

This article is tagged with COVID-19, economics, economy, State of the Economy, supply, supply and pricing, workforce, workforce development and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Moody’s expects 2020 to be the first year of a strong residential construction recovery led by single-family homes. Photo: jhorrocks/E+/Getty Images

Expect happy consumers but slowing economic growth in 2020

January 7, 2020 By Phillip M. Perry

Full employment and a robust housing market are supporting a decent economy, but uncertainty is building in the nation’s boardrooms.

This article is tagged with economy, Moody’s Analytics, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Challenges, opportunities test retailers’ business models

January 8, 2018 By Michael Sloan and Eric Kuhle

In 2018, ICF expects the retail propane industry to be characterized by transformation and change.

This article is tagged with business, domestic demand, economy, Eric Kuhle, ICF, Michael Sloan, propane demand, propane prices, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Propane retailers help to drive growth with each new delivery of propane. Confidence among businesses and consumers is yet another driver of growth. Photo courtesy of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.

2018 boasts positive economic outlook

January 5, 2018 By Phillip M. Perry

Businesses should enjoy a robust 2018, thanks to growing employment rates, rising wages and low borrowing costs.

This article is tagged with economy, employment, Moody’s Analytics, Phillip M. Perry, Sophia Koropeckyj, State of the Economy, Ventor Consulting and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Has the United States reached full employment?

January 5, 2018 By LP Gas

The employment picture is improving in the United States, to the extent that by the end of 2017 some 95.6 percent of willing workers had obtained jobs.

This article is tagged with business, employment, Moody’s Analytics, Sophia Koropeckyj, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue