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Subject: trends Mon, Jun 8 1992
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 92 05:19:51 EDT
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06-08 0000
DECISIONLINE: Trends & Marketing
USA TODAY Update
June 8, 1992
Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network
    
FACTORY JOBS COULD SEE BOOST:
   There were more jobs for waitresses, accountants and caterers 
last month, although another round of layoffs hit factories. But 
the surge in service jobs and drop in factory jobs last month is a 
trend that may not be repeated in coming months. Instead, a large 
boost in factory jobs could occur as the recovery strengthens, 
economists say.
    
BUSINESSES WILL MOVE TO HIRING:
   Manufacturers "are increasing production by increasing 
overtime. That's going to change," says M. Kathryn Eickhoff, head 
of Eickhoff Economics. She predicts those businesses will soon be 
hiring. Employment tends to be more responsive to economic 
conditions in service industries than in manufacturing. Service 
companies respond quickly to a pickup in business.
    
CABLE GROWTH WILL SLOW:
   The growth rate of the U.S. cable market will slow down 
noticeably, predicts cable big shot Ted Turner. His TBS had a 
record year in 1991 with $1.5 billion in revenues and $86 million 
in profits. But revenues outside the USA declined to $78 million, 
compared with $97 million. The drop is being blamed on the 
recession and lower syndication rates.
    
TEEN JOB MARKET IS BLEAK:
   The teen job market may be the worst in eight years, say some. 
Last summer was the worst for teen-age employment since 1985, but 
this year may be harder yet. "It doesn't look good, based on the 
first five months of the year," says economist John Stinson of 
Northwestern University. About one in five 16- to 19-year-olds who 
wanted to work were unemployed in May, says the Labor Department.
    
COMPAQ AIMS FOR LOW-COST MARKET:
   Compaq Computer has shot an arrow into the low-cost computer 
market that's been eroding its profits. Next Monday, the company 
plans to introduce four low-cost personal computers. Two will cost 
less than $1,000. Last year, Compaq had roughly 6% of the $20 
billion-a-year U.S. personal computer market. Analyst Charles Wolf 
predicts the machines will down some smaller rivals.
    
SIDES TALK ON ABORTION:
   Traditionally, opposing sides of the abortion issue communicate 
with emotion-laden slogans and at top volume. But there's a new 
development in the fight: Establishing common ground. Many say 
it's an idea whose time has come. "What's been happening for the 
last 20 years ... has not worked," says Jean Cavender of 
Reproductive Health Services. Small groups have been meeting in 
several cities.
    
IPO ACTIVITY COOLS:
   After a year of white-hot activity in the area of initial 
public offerings, stock investors - may of whom have taken a 
beating on recent IPO investments - appear to have had enough. 
Many companies were hoping to use IPOs to pay down debts built up 
in the 1980s and now may get stung. Some were poised to build more 
stores or factories and hire workers, actions necessary to a 
recovery.
    
HALF ARE BELOW OFFER:
   Half of the 268 initial public offerings the first five months 
of this year now are trading below offer prices, according to 
Securities Data. The average loss is 20%. About 40% trade above 
that price, with an average gain of 18%; the remaining 10% are 
even. Biotechnology companies so far have been the hardest hit in 
the fizzling market.
    
IN PARIS, THEY'RE LONG:
   The debate over skirt length continues. But the word from Paris 
is that the length of choice is very long, reports the June issue 
of Vogue. The young and sexy wear them ankle-length even for day, 
the magazine says, and seriously hip women wear them over pants. 
Supermodels have been seen topping them with tight twin sets and 
cropped jean jackets.
    
TURN TO POOL FOR HIP FUN:
   The hippest recreation these days is pool, according to the 
June issue of Mademoiselle. "What makes this the scene to be seen 
in now," according to the magazine, is the outfits. The right 
style includes plenty of denim and leather, and cropped tops with 
short shorts are seen too.
    
Trends & Marketing Editor: Beth Mann. (1-919-855-3491) Making 
copies of USA TODAY Update (Copyright, 1992) for further 
distribution violates federal law.
    

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