How we see 2003 economy & prices: another round of inventory replenishment will boost economic growth rates in 2003. (Top 100 Markets). From: Purchasing | Date: January 16, 2003| Author: Porter, Anne Millen | COPYRIGHT 2003 Reed Business Information. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

There's no refuting the fact that economic growth prospects dropped dramatically in the latter months of 2002. Factory output fell as automaking swooned in the aftermath of one of the industry's biggest fire sales ever. Consumer confidence crashed as oil prices started to rise, terrorism warnings grew increasingly dire, and the U.S. edged closer to war with Iraq. Leading economic indicators dropped precipitously as stock prices remained weak and employment failed to recover. U.S. b...