Slow Go
Manufacturing in the United States may slow considerably in 2007, compared to its revved-up pace in 2006. The National Association of Manufacturers forecast that industrial output would grow by only 2.8 percent, compared to the 4.5 percent pace experienced in 2006. David Heuther, the association’s chief economist, said the nation’s overall economy should grow at about 2.9 percent, prompting the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates half a percentage point by the middle of next year. Manufacturers should benefit from rising exports and increased business investment.
