Global Industry Forecasts > Quarterly Industry Forecasts > Construction

The financial markets, especially equities, have begun the year on a veritable tear, indicative of burgeoning confidence. Often a disconnect arises between Wall Street and Main Street; however at this juncture households are also benefiting. Lowered oil prices, only 6.5% above the lows, have bolstered real household spending power. In macroeconomic terms the drop in the oil price has served as a quasi-tax cut in many countries, imbuing households with additional spending power.