1/7/04 : Statistics are the first front in determining how the economy is doing and a good indicator of where we're headed. We at Real Estate Media and GlobeSt.com recently developed a statistical determination of our own with the creation of the Holiday Gift Index. This is based on the quantity, gross weight and number of senders of holiday gifts (Packages X Gross Weight/Senders). Using 2002 as the base year with an REM/GS HGI of 1560, 2003 came in at a resounding 1920! This is an increase of almost 25%. What could this be telling us? First, there is much more optimism in the marketplace based solely on the deluge of brownies, cookies, wine and champagne, calculators, stuffed animals and tote bags. Second, not only is 2004 looking positive, but 2003 ended much better than was expected earlier in the year. Based on our formulation, 2004 will show increased economic activity and--at last--positive absorption of office space, which translates into meaningful employment. That, of course, would be the best gift of all. Good luck in the coming year. It's going to be a fun ride. |