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Budget Talks Cloud Outlook

Wall Street Journal (12/26/12) Sudeep Reddy

The current deadlock in budget negotiations is unsettling consumers and businesses, increasing the risks that economic growth will be hurt next year no matter what Congress does in the coming days. Lawmakers returning to town this week will see whether they can agree on a plan to avoid the combined $500 billion in tax increases and spending cuts set to begin next week. Aides in both parties say they expect a potential solution to start taking shape by the end of the week, but with so little time, hopes are dimming for anything other than a partial agreement, which would prolong the uncertainty and leave in place some tax or spending measures that act as a serious drag on the weak recovery.

Potential scenarios include a partial agreement that defers several key decisions; a January agreement that could avoid unsettling investors and consumers by signaling their intentions but giving the economy a hit from the expiration of the payroll-tax cut and some other tax breaks; or no agreement soon. If the battle continues beyond early January, the odds of a new recession rise dramatically. Each scenario involves prolonged uncertainty. Government agencies could start cutting back, hurting employees and suppliers. Many other employers likely would slow hiring or cut jobs.

U.S. Holiday Sales Rise 0.7% as Washington Hurts Confidence

Bloomberg (12/26/12) Cotton Timberlake

U.S. holiday sales growth slowed by more than half this year after gridlock in Washington soured consumers’ moods and Hurricane Sandy disrupted shopping, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse. Retail sales grew by 0.7% from Oct. 28 through Dec. 24, the Purchase, NY, research firm said yesterday. Sales grew at a 2% pace in the same period a year ago.

“You are looking at modest to marginal growth from a year ago,” says Michael McNamara, a SpendingPulse vice president. “Weather events and the fiscal debate both anchored the season in terms of growth. The media coverage, which did a good job of explaining the negative consequences of the fiscal cliff, created this negative trend in consumer confidence and spending.” The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index slid to 72.9, the weakest since July, from 82.7 in November.

Pursue Your Professional Development in 2013

Plan ahead for valuable education from ASA in 2013. These upcoming ASAPro Webinars can help you attract new clients, improve placements, and increase profits for your firm.

Jan. 22
—”How a Staffing Firm Becomes a Contagious Social Brand

How a Staffing Firm Becomes a Contagious Social Brand

Simon Mainwaring—award-winning branding consultant, best-selling author, influential blogger, and international speaker—will share strategies staffing firms can use to reach more clients and convert them into loyal brand evangelists.

Jan. 29
—”Reaching the Decision Maker—Successful Sales Techniques for 2013

John A. Thomas, CTS, CSP, vice president of partner development for Nextaff, discusses which sales methods work best and how to educate buyers on how to buy staffing services.

Feb. 7
—”Unlock the Secrets to Effective Negotiating

Joy Baldridge, CPC, CSP, founder of Baldridge Seminars International, teaches you how to negotiate more effectively—and achieve better outcomes for your firm, your client, and your candidate—with more confidence and less stress.

Feb. 19
—”The Art of Behavioral-Based Interviewing

John A. Thomas, CTS, CSP, vice president of partner development for Nextaff, explains how knowing your candidates’ technical and interpersonal skills can make the difference between a hire and just another company interview.

ASAPro Webinars are $295 for nonmembers. Join ASA and enjoy ASAPro Webinars for FREE.