Economy in Brief: December 2019

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.2% (-0.1% y/y) to 104.7 during November. It was the highest level since July. Despite the increase, the reading remained [...]

In the week ended December 9, retail gasoline prices edged down to $2.56 per gallon (+5.8% y/y) from $2.58 per gallon the previous week. Typically, gasoline prices weaken at this time of year. Haver Analytics adjusts these price [...]

Germany's October trade report is better than expected. The surplus is up on the month, above its 12-month average and above its year-ago value. Exports are rising for the second month in a row and for the fifth time in six months. [...]

The National Association for Business Economics expectations of 1.8% growth in real GDP during 2020 and 2.3% in 2019 were unchanged from the forecast published early in October. These growth rates are below the 2.9% gain in 2018. [...]

Wholesale inventories edged up 0.1% m/m (+3.8% y/y) in October after a downwardly revised 0.7% m/m drop in September (originally -0.4%). The Informa Global Markets Survey had looked for a 0.2% m/m increase. Wholesale sales [...]

Consumer Credit Outstanding increased $18.90 billion (4.8% y/y during October following a $9.60 billion September gain, revised from $9.52 billion. It was the strongest rise in three months. A $15.8 billion increase had been expected [...]

The labor market firmed during November. Nonfarm payroll employment increased 266,000 (1.5% y/y) after rising 156,000 in October, revised from 128,000. September employment rose 193,000, revised from 180,000. A 184,000 November [...]

Wholesale inventories edged up 0.1% m/m (+3.8% y/y) in October after a downwardly revised 0.7% m/m drop in September (originally -0.4%). The Informa Global Markets Survey had looked for a 0.2% m/m increase. Wholesale sales [...]