“Positive economic growth in 2017 would represent the eighth consecutive year of economic growth for the North Carolina economy. While this is an impressive string of growth, the size of that economic growth has been somewhat lacking. In fact, for most of the 21st Century, both the U.S. and North Carolina economies have been unable to achieve an average 3.0 percent real GDP growth rate that had been fairly consistent since WWII,” Connaughton said. Connaughton emphasized during his quarterly talk that productivity growth should be the focus of the state in 2017.
“There are only two sources of potential GDP growth. The first is labor force growth and the second is productivity growth. During the past five years, we have seen both sources decline substantially. Between 2000 and 2009, the U.S. labor force grew on average by 1.02 percent annually, while productivity grew on average by 2.65 percent annually. This would allow for an average annual potential GDP to grow at 3.67 percent,” he said.
Connaughton said North Carolina’s labor productivity has been flat, indicating that the growth in state GDP has originated from labor force growth.In 2017, the North Carolina economy is expected to increase by an inflation-adjusted rate of 2.3 percent over the 2016 level. This growth in 2017 would follow last year’s projected 2.5 percent real growth in North Carolina GSP. Connaughton said that GDP growth above 3.0 percent will only be possible through productivity growth measures. Productivity growth could be accomplished by increasing investment spending and reducing regulations, he said.
Connaughton presented his quarterly forecast to members of the Charlotte business community and the media at a luncheon held at UNC Charlotte Center City. The Forecast is supported by Barings.
About BaringsBarings is a $271+billion* global asset management firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients. We build lasting partnerships that leverage our distinctive expertise across traditional and alternative asset classes to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service. A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Barings maintains a strong global presence with over 1,700 associates and offices in 17 countries. Learn more at www.barings.com.*As of December 31, 2016.
About the Belk College of BusinessAccredited by AACSB International, the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte offers outstanding business education programs at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and executive levels, including the nationally-ranked MBA and Mathematical Finance programs offered at UNC Charlotte Center City. The Belk College is committed to building strong partnerships in the greater Charlotte region and beyond as a vital part of our mission as North Carolina's urban research business school. Find the Belk College of Business online at
The full Forecast report is available at .Connaughton will release his next Forecast report in June 2017.
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