1.   And while that might give the Fed pause, Flanagan said, other economists pointed to the housing numbers as signs growth has moderated.

2.   Economists point to low unemployment rates as one of the culprits for the lack of good help.

3.   Economists point to several forces in the U.S. economy that will prevent it from slowing too abruptly.

4.   Economists had pointed to the negative savings number as as a key factor that could yet cause the consumer sector to tank.

5.   Economists point to job insecurity caused by high unemployment and the increase in temporary contracts instead of permanent ones as one of the reasons people are spending less.

6.   Economists now point to three big reasons.

7.   Economists point to the auto industry as an example of how sluggish consumer spending has hurt the economy.

8.   In addition, traditional economists point to studies that show increases in the minimum wage precede increases in crime when potential workers cannot find jobs.

9.   Instead, economists point to a relatively quick rebound.

10.   Other economists pointed to the pickup in export orders in the first quarter as a sign that a recovery is around the corner.