The general consensus is a positive market for 2004 with strong numbers in retail, office and warehouse construction.
Predictions can be troublesome even with sophisticated tools and analysis in every sector. The roofing industry's past is littered with fads that became commodities and sustainable markets that dried up. Like the weather, the market has to be something, so attempts are made to at least justify a capital expense or wave of hiring.
After discussing the coming year with industry observers, the general consensus is a positive market for 2004 with strong numbers in retail, office and warehouse construction. The last recession was mild compared to 1990-91 (the GDP increased 0.3 percent overall in 2001) and many expect future growth similar to 2003's increase of 2.4 percent in the GDP. While there are pessimists and super optimists, there are many factors in place for a healthy economy for the next few years. However, like the mutual fund managers like to say, "Past performance is no indicator of future returns."