Monthly Economic Numbers

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Monthly Economic Numbers
3
Tue, 12-08-2009 - 2:15pm

Yes, it looks like we are slowly pulling out of a recession:


U.S. Economic Indicators


+ GDP


The economy grew 2.8% in the third quarter, according to revised estimates from the Commerce Department. This reflected an upward revision to imports. Consumer spending turned up, boosted by the Cash for Clunkers program in July and August. Housing rose for the first time in 15 quarters, while inventory investment and exports continued to post gains.


(Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis)


+ CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDEX

Consumer confidence improved slightly in November to 49.5, as fewer consumers expect business and labor market conditions to worsen. The Present Situation Index was unchanged.


(Source: Conference Board)


+ CEO CONFIDENCE INDEX


The CEO Confidence Index increased again for the third consecutive month to 63 in the third quarter. CEOs’ assessment of current economic conditions, as well as their short term outlook, improved considerably.


(Source: Conference Board)


+ UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Unemployment edged down to 10% in November, beating forecasts. Job losses in November totaled 11,000. In the three months prior, payroll job losses averaged 135,000 a month.


(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)


 


+ RETAIL SALES


U.S. retail sales rebounded in October, up 1.4%, primarily reflecting an increase in auto sales in October (as a result of the Cash for Clunkers program). Total sales for August through October 2009 were up 1.5% from a year ago. Excluding auto, total retail sales were unchanged.


(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)


+ PURCHASING MANAGERS' INDEX

Growth in the manufacturing sector moderated in November to 53.6. A reading above 50 indicates the manufacturing economy is generally expanding. New orders continued to increase while growth in production moderated.


(Source: Institute for Supply Management)


+ FEDERAL FUNDS RATE


During its November meeting, the Fed decided to keep the target range for the Federal Funds rate at zero to 0.25%. The Fed noted that "economic activity has continued to pick up" and "activity in the housing sector has increased." Economists expect rates to remain at this level through the first quarter of 2010 to entice spending.


(Source: Federal Reserve)


+ HOUSING

Existing U.S. single-family home sales jumped 10% in October, while new housing starts unexpectedly fell 11%, likely reflecting scale-backs from cautious builders. The pending home sales index rose for the ninth consecutive month, up 3.7% in October.


(Source: National Association of Realtors)




iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Tue, 12-08-2009 - 5:23pm
Interesting information but what gets me is that just that they aren't laying off people at the same rate doesn't mean that they
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2008
Tue, 12-08-2009 - 10:37pm
Hopefully it continues. I have a few close friends out of work, or extremely under employed right now. It's hard to feel confident that things are getting better until the people in your life are employed and working in jobs that they are capable of.





iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Wed, 12-09-2009 - 10:14pm

I think what bothers me right now with the places laying off, closing down and relocating is it still seems to be happening more with the higher paying jobs in the state! It is especially frightening when it happens in a smaller city or town and that employer is basically employing a very high percentage of the people living there. That so quickly trickles down to the other businesses then also having to cut back. Am grateful its not getting worse as fast as it was before, but there are too many people who are stuck on unemployment for