However, manufacturers continue to characterize markets for technically oriented professionals as tight, and most have seen no softening of overall wage and salary trends. Residential Real Estate Residential real estate markets in New England are fairly quiet. Activity has slowed in most areas, reflecting the usual seasonal pattern plus changing economic conditions. The stock market downturn and more generally perceived economic slowdown have generated uncertainty. Anticipated declines in interest rates are said to have caused potential buyers to delay house purchases.
Inventory is stable.
Most contacts anticipate that activity will remain slow through the winter, but are hopeful that sales will pick up in the spring. Insurance Most contacts in the insurance industry report increases in sales in the last quarter of 2000. They indicate that reduced price competition has allowed them to raise some insurance rates to more profitable levels. On the down side, a couple of respondents mention that claims rose at the end of the year. Among the companies contacted, employment is generally flat.