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                 Report: Skills Gap Halting US Economic Growth

   by Jim Randle

   Economists who help manage companies across the United States say the
   economy will continue growing at a moderate pace, and some companies
   are having difficulty finding and hiring people with key skills.

   The information comes from a survey published Monday by the [1]National
   Association for Business Economics.

   NABE member, economist Ken Simonson said 80 of these experts expected
   economic growth to continue between two and four percent during the
   next few quarters. He said while none of his colleagues expected growth
   to decline, they did not expect growth to exceed four percent either.

   Simonson also said some companies in the construction industry and
   elsewhere said there was a shortage of workers with certain key skills.
   He said companies were adapting by introducing labor-saving equipment,
   and boosting training programs.

   Survey respondents also predict inflation will continue at a moderate
   pace, as falling gasoline prices are somewhat offset by rising wages
   and food costs.

   The survey shows sales grew more slowly in recent months, which could
   be evidence that overall economic growth was a bit slower over the past
   three months than earlier thought.

   In the meantime, the strengthening dollar is hurting companies, such as
   manufacturers, who depend on exports. A more expensive dollars means
   U.S.-made goods have higher prices on global markets, making products
   from other nations more appealing.

   Later this week, other experts will publish reports on the health of
   the housing market and the rate of job layoffs.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/report-skills-gap-halting-us-economic
   -growth/2870780.html

References

   1. http://www.nabe.com/
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/report-skills-gap-halting-us-economic-growth/2870780.html