Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Amherst Pierpont said, "Aside from just the reality of a tough regulatory environment, I think there was a perception in the business community, that they were subject to what were considered arbitrary, adverse regulatory decisions. So I think there was a hunkering down."
Stanley said since the election, attitudes improved and now with tax law changes, he anticipates a pick up in business spending over the next several years.
"It certainly is the best economy of this cycle. It's the strongest we've seen. We had been averaging around 2 percent. It is unusual to get three [3 percent] in a row because typically you get big swings.
"I think what you're seeing for the first time in the expansion is growth that's being driven by all the key components," he said.
"My guess is the optimism is going to continue. My big fear is what the Fed is going to do in reaction to it," he said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/economic-growth-under-trump-has-been-strongest-in-13-years/ar-AAuBVYc?li=AA4Zjn&ocid=spartandhp