the desired economic stimulation and job growth!
Posted on 01/09/2004 3:05:21 PM PST by Whatodo
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
Recent figures
Dec.* 91.3 Nov. 92.5 Oct. 81.7 Sept. 77.0 Aug. 81.7 July 77.0 June 83.5 May 83.6 April 81.0 March 61.4 Feb. 64.8 Jan. 03 78.8
What is it?
Consumer confidence is considered important because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. The monthly Conference Board survey is one of the two most closely watched indicators of sentiment. Based on a mail-in survey sent to about 5,000 households. Results are converted to an index and expressed in comparison to the 1985 average of 100.
Source: The Conference Board
RETAIL SALES
Recent figures Nov.* 0.9% Oct. 0.0% Sept. -0.3% Aug. 1.0% July 1.4% June 0.9% May 0.5% April -0.3% March 2.3% Feb. -1.4% Jan. 03 0.4% Dec. 1.4%
What is it?
A broad measure of consumer spending trends. Includes sales of motor vehicles, clothing, food at both grocery stores and restaurants, electronics, building materials drugs and other items. Expressed as a percent change from previous month, adjusted for seasonal variations but not price changes.
Source: Census Bureau
GDP
Q3* 8.2% Q2 3.3% Q1 2003 1.4% Q4 1.4% Q3 4.0% Q2 1.3% Q1 2002 5.0% Q4 2.7% Q3 -0.3% Q2 -1.6% Q1 2001 -0.6% Q4 1.1%
What is it?
The gross domestic product is the broadest measure of the economy, comprising the value of all goods and services produced in the United States. It is reported quarterly with frequent revisions. Generally expressed as a percentage change from the previous quarter in "real" or inflation-adjusted terms. Economists presume real GDP is capable of growing at an annual rate of about 3.5 percent over the long term. When GDP declines over a sustained period of time the economy is considered to be in recession.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Dec.* 66.2 Nov. 62.8 Oct. 57.0 Sept. 53.7 Aug. 54.7 July 51.8 June 49.8 May 49.4 April 45.4 March 46.2 Feb. 50.5 Jan. 03 53.9
What is it?
The first major indicator reported each month, considered a reliable assessment of how the manufacturing sector is performing. Based on a survey of executives done by the Institute for Supply Management, formerly known as the National Association of Purchasing Management. Responses are compiled and reported as an index number. A reading above 50 percent indicates the manufacturing sector is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates it is shrinking.
Source: Institute for Supply Management
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Recent figures
Dec. 5.7% Nov. 5.9% Oct. 6.0% Sept. 6.1% Aug. 6.1% July 6.2% June 6.4% May 6.1% April 6.0% March 5.8% Feb. 5.8% Jan. 03 5.7%
What is it?
One of the best known and most politically powerful economic indicators, the rate is calculated from a monthly survey among a sample of about 60,000 households. The rate is adjusted for seasonal variations, but unlike most economic statistics it is never revised.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
EMPLOYMENT SITUATION
Recent figures
Dec.* 1,000 Nov. 43,000 Oct. 100,000 Sept. 99,000 Aug. 35,000 July -57,000 June -83,000 May -76,000 April -22,000 March -151,000 Feb. -121,000 Jan. 03 158,000
What is it?
Represents the month-to-month change in jobs on payrolls of the nation's business, government and non-profit establishments. Generally considered a more accurate indicator of labor market health than the unemployment rate. Analysts estimate the economy should add about 150,000 jobs monthly to keep up with the nation's growing work force. Based on a sample of 300,000 establishments employing nearly a third of the nation's workers, the figure is adjusted for seasonal variations and frequently revised.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
HOUSING STARTS
(seasonally adjusted annual rate)
Recent figures
Nov.* 2,070,000 Oct. 1,980,000 Sept. 1,931,000 Aug. 1,831,000 July 1,890,000 June 1,844,000 May 1,745,000 April 1,627,000 March 1,742,000 Feb. 1,640,000 Jan. 03 1,828,000 Dec. 1,815,000
What is it?
A good indicator to assess demand for housing and construction industry health. Represents the number of new residential buildings, including single-family and multifamily homes, where construction was started. Expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate. Construction was started on 1.7 million new residential structures in 2002, the highest level since 1986.
Source: Census Bureau.
HOME SALES
(seasonally adjusted annual rate)
Recent figures
Nov.* 7,142,000 Oct. 7,459,000 Sept. 7,817,000 Aug. 7,650,000 July 7,275,000 June 7,030,000 May 6,931,000 April 6,854,000 March 6,538,000 Feb. 6,795,000 Jan. 03 7,029,000 Dec. 6,973,000
What is it?
One of the bright spots of the economy in recent years, driven at least in part by historically low mortgage rates. Figure represents the sum of new and existing single-family home sales, expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate. In 2002, a record 6.5 million homes were sold.
Sources: National Association of Realtors, Census Bureau
Hello and welcome. From my observations, almost all who get zotted are repeat offenders, and the moderaters have a good idea who they are. I've been quite critical of the Bush administration, but I've been here a few years and have never had a problem with the moderators. I also give the Bush administration credit where it's due.
We often do both, and sometimes simultaneously. ;^)
Welcome to FreeRepublic.
I've been here for years, but I'm still trying to figure out if it was spoonfork2000 or WhattoDo that got the zot.
Gee thanx!
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