Spending by colleges, their employees and students holds up well during economic downturns. The economic activity isn’t recession-proof, but it is recession resistant.

An increasing number of blacks starting and expanding their own businesses is one factor powering the growth of black buying power. A rising level of educational achievement is another.

Growth In Columbus

Healthcare providers will benefit from fast-paced growth in the population of older consumers who tend to spend larger proportions of their incomes on wellness

High prices for gasoline, home heating oil, natural gas and electricity will reduce low- and middle-income households’ retail spending ability. Discretionary goods and aspirational luxury goods will be hit the hardest by the energy shock.

Too many airlines still don’t make a profit on too many passengers. Essentially, low fares are filling up planes, but at a price that barely generates a profit, much less a normal rate of return.

Although most policyholders will see flat or lower premiums this year, property owners in coastal areas will continue to experience premium increases.

The state’s strong economic sectors include life sciences, healthcare, defense, transportation and logistics, exporters, business services and hospitality.

Slower growth in consumer spending lies immediately ahead. Households’ inflation- adjusted spending will advance by only 2.2 percent in 2008.

Investors have been keen to purchase Atlanta’s higher quality office buildings, but their overall appetite for these properties may be sated.