High-tech investment is reportedly still rising in the region, but that increase has slowed in recent months. Some contacts are concerned that low gasoline prices and market trends toward larger vehicles will continue to hurt the region's economy car manufacturers. Two pulp producers in Alabama shut down for two weeks because of a fall-off in exports to Asia. The tourism and hospitality sector continues to perform well. Airline traffic in and out of Florida remains very strong.
Cruise lines out of Miami report the best advance booking patterns in their history.
Travel and tourism executives in south Florida continue to have a very positive outlook. Heavy investment by hotel operators restoring flagship properties in the Miami area is another indicator of strength. Although bad weather is blamed for slumping hotel occupancy rates in central Florida, new attractions at several theme parks should boost tourism this summer. Mississippi casino revenues were up significantly from a year ago. Financial Banking contacts report continued moderate growth in loan demand throughout the Southeast.