WASHINGTON, DC – May 17, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Improving labor market conditions and a strong increase in consumer spending led to solid economic growth according to the May 2010 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae’s (FNM/NYSE) Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. The economy is expected to grow at a 3.5 percent pace for the year but concerns over European sovereign debt and possible long-term effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill bring uncertainty to the overall 2010 forecast. A welcome surge in home sales points to the positive impact of the homebuyer tax credit, although the increase will likely be temporary as incentives wind down. “Strong momentum coming out of the first quarter puts us in the direction of a self-sustaining economic recovery,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. “Consumer spending grew at the fastest pace in three years and the job market posted gains across the board. Home sales grew in March, and will likely increase further in coming months, presumably from buyers rushing to sign contracts before the tax credit deadline at the end of April. We continue to project a pullback in home sales starting in July as the tax credit will likely pull sales forward into the second quarter,” said Duncan. “The pace of employment growth and confidence in the labor market will be key factors for a pick up in home sales by the end of the year.”
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