MarketWatch (04/12/15) Jeffry Bartash
Although retail sales, new home construction, and consumer sentiment are high, manufacturing has been hurt by a strong dollar that is slowing U.S. exports. Industrial production is expected to fall by 0.3% in March, and gross domestic product likely will grow only 1.5% during the first quarter of 2015. This was the second year in a row that a harsh winter has chilled the economy during the first quarter, and it is unclear whether this slowdown will be temporary.