Economy in Brief: 2005

The U.S. foreign trade deficit in January reversed most of the prior month's improvement and deepened to $58.3B. The December deficit was revised shallower. Consensus expectations had been for a January deficit of $56.5B. Total [...]

In recent years, when we think of Japan's economy, we almost immediately think of deflation. But some prices have been turning around over the last several months, possibly bringing to a conclusion this unpleasant episode. Today in [...]

The net worth of the US household sector rose 8.8% last quarter versus 4Q03 to a record $48.5 trillion. The gain failed, however, to lift net worth to a new high versus income. In fact the increase lagged the 12.5% rise in net worth [...]

Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose 17,000 to 327,000 last week from an unrevised level the prior week. Consensus expectations had been for 310,000 claims. Claims may have reflected a rebound from the holiday shortened [...]

The net worth of the US household sector rose 8.8% last quarter versus 4Q03 to a record $48.5 trillion. The gain failed, however, to lift net worth to a new high versus income. In fact the increase lagged the 12.5% rise in net worth [...]

Industry in Europe is generally gaining ground. January industrial production reports for five countries indicate firming trends, particularly in manufacturing sectors. In the UK factory output rose 0.2% in January and is 1.3% ahead [...]

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that mortgage applications slipped 0.7% last week, the fourth consecutive week of decline. Applications to refinance declined 4.6% following the prior week's 9.9% w/w drop. Purchase [...]

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that mortgage applications slipped 0.7% last week, the fourth consecutive week of decline. Applications to refinance declined 4.6% following the prior week's 9.9% w/w drop. Purchase [...]