United States
Domestic demand in 2015 was supported by
robust consumption and dynamic investment
outside the oil sector. In contrast, net exports
remained a drag on growth and industrial activity
continued to be subdued in the second half of
2015 (Figure 1.3). For 2015 as a whole, growth is
estimated at 2.5 percent—the highest annual rate
in the post-crisis period. Solid labor market
conditions continued to support a consumptionled
recovery, with job creation averaging more
than 200,000 per month in 2015 and the
unemployment rate falling to 5 percent in the
final quarter of 2015. However, labor
participation has continued to trend down, and is
unlikely to recover much as the number of babyboomers
approaching retirement age increases.
Labor productivity has moved downward in recent
years, constraining potential output growth
(Gordon 2014, Hall 2014, Fernald and Wang
2015). Household real disposable income has been
boosted by employment gains, declining oil prices
and moderate wage growth. This led to rising
personal consumption growth in 2015, despite an
increase in the savings ratio. A recovery in housing
markets and prospects of strengthening wage
growth amid tight labor market conditions
support a positive outlook in 2016.