THE SITUATION IN APRIL

Logistics costs are no longer an issue, in fact shippers now have the upper hand again.  And inventory stockpiles are practically back to normal levels. Even materials prices have retreated – at least for now.

Thus the looming concern is consumer sentiment – around inflation, higher interest rates and global tensions.  

Although it could be argued that many consumers are not directly impacted by any of the above, the constant media coverage amplifies them and makes them seem even more ominous than they might be.