Economy to stay strong, Evansville professor says

University of Evansville emeritus economist Ray Arensman believes the national economy could remain sturdy for as long as four more years.

Speaking to the Evansville Rotary Club yesterday, Arensman said robust consumer spending and corporate earnings as well as high employment rates show the economy is solid, according to the Courier & Press. Factory capacity is running at 83 percent, which should spark demand for equipment.

Two of the following would need to occur to upset the momentum, he said: Oil prices climbing to $100 a barrel from current levels near $50; the prime interest rate rising to 11 percent from 6.5 percent; inflation escalating to 6 percent from 3 percent; and home prices falling 10 percent.