Economic Outlook

espite a slowdown in housing, the U.S. economy remains fundamentally sound.

The Consumer Confidence index was close to an all-time high in October.

Indicators remain strong, despite stock-market jitters.

The economic indicator that Navico CEO Leif Ottosson watches first and foremost is consumer confidence, and The Conference Board’s measure of the American consumer’s mood delivered good news to Navico and the rest of the recreational marine industry at the end of August.

Consumer confidence remained strong in two surveys released in late July, and employers added 157,000 jobs during the month, indicating that the economy continues to expand despite fears about President Donald Trump’s tough trade policies.

Consumer confidence remained high in surveys released at the end of June, but there were signs that concern about the impact of President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies has begun to creep into consumers’ minds.

Consumer confidence is near an 18-year high and consumer spending is rising, leaving Imtra’s Eric Braitmayer, who puts both high on the list of indicators he watches, optimistic about the short-term outlook for the recreational boating industry.

At the start of May, Americans’ faith in the economy was strong and economic indicators pointed toward rising consumer activity, suggesting that the recreational boating industry could find continued success during the spring and summer selling seasons this year.

Helped by strong sales in California, Louisiana and Georgia, sales of new recreational boats rose 6 percent industrywide in November.