2014: Private Forces Move to the Fore, According to Fannie Mae

Waning Fiscal Drag and Easing Policy Concerns Expected to Boost Economic Growth this Year

Housing's Contribution to GDP Expected to Improve from 2013

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Jan 13, 2014, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- An abatement in economic policy uncertainty surrounding fiscal and monetary issues is expected to lay the foundation for improved private sector activity and accelerated economic growth in 2014, according to Fannie Mae's (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) Economic & Strategic Research Group. With growing momentum in economic activity, including a notable rebound in consumer sentiment following a dip associated with the government shutdown in the fall, as well as expected labor market improvements that are likely to support income growth, the group forecasts an increase in consumer and business spending that will serve to boost economic growth throughout the year. For all of 2014, growth is expected to accelerate to 2.9 percent from an estimated 2.6 percent in 2013.

"Our full-year 2014 economic forecast accounts for three key growth drivers: an acceleration in spending activity from private sector forces, waning fiscal drag from the federal government, and continued improvement in the housing market," said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. "Much of the policy uncertainty we saw in 2013 has cleared to some degree, which raises the possibility for a pick-up in growth as consumers and businesses, who held back on their spending amid those policy concerns, might loosen their purse strings this year. We expect the contribution from consumer spending to rise to about 2.0 percentage points, up from an estimated 1.6 percentage points last year. In addition, as consumer demand climbs, business confidence should improve and add to growth in the form of stronger hiring and capital investment."

"The continued housing recovery also is expected to contribute to GDP, doubling from 0.3 percentage points in 2013 to 0.6 percentage points in 2014, due in large part to new homebuilding activity," said Duncan. "Despite the rise in mortgage rates since the spring, many housing indicators posted strong gains at the end of 2013 and consumer housing attitudes are strengthening, all of which bodes well for continued but measured housing recovery in 2014. Overall, although we don't expect growth to break the 3 percent barrier this year, we believe the economy is on a sustainable path for continued growth with upside potential."

For an audio synopsis of the January 2014 Economic Outlook, listen to the podcast on the Economic & Strategic Research site at www.fanniemae.com. Visit the site to read the full January 2014 Economic Outlook, including the Economic Developments Commentary, Economic Forecast, and Housing Forecast.

Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.

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SOURCE Fannie Mae