Tom Moeller

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304c.jpg" width="353">
Factory inventories jumped 1.3% in January led higher by broad based industry gains. Less petroleum which jumped 8.6% (18.3% y/y), inventories increased 1.0% (8.1% y/y).
Shipments out of the factory sector surged 1.4% but were notable for primary metals (32.0% y/y), machinery (20.6% y/y), computers &amp; electronics (11.1% y/y) and chemicals (11.7% y/y).
Orders to the factory sector rose 0.2%. The advance report of a 0.9% decline in durable goods was revised deeper to 1.3% (+11.4% y/y). Nondefense capital goods orders less aircraft was unrevised at +2.9% (17.1% y/y).<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304b.jpg" width="353">
Unfilled orders fell 0.2% for the first decline in a year. Fewer supply bottlenecks were indicated as the ratio of unfilled orders to shipments for durables fell sharply for the second month. 

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
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<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@ED/@ED01/@ED0101/@ED01016/@ED01016.HTM">Factory Survey</a> (NAICS)</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Dec</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Inventories</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
<td>8.5%</td>
<td>7.5%</td>
<td>-1.3%</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">New Orders</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>11.3%</td>
<td>10.9%</td>
<td>3.7%</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Shipments</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
<td>11.7%</td>
<td>10.5%</td>
<td>2.6%</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Unfilled Orders</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>8.9%</td>
<td>9.1%</td>
<td>4.2%</td>
<td>-6.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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Factory inventories jumped 1.3% in January led higher by broad based industry gains. Less petroleum which jumped 8.6% (18.3% y/y), inventories increased 1.0% (8.1% y/y). Shipments out of the factory sector surged 1.4% but were notable [...]

U.S. Factory Inventories Jumped in January

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304d.jpg" width="353">
The February index of consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan fell to 94.1 versus the preliminary reading of 94.2 and 95.5 in January. Consensus expectations had been for 94.2. During the last ten years there has been a 74% correlation between the level of consumer sentiment and the y/y change in real PCE.
Consumer expectations fell 1.5% m/m but the decline was slightly less than initially estimated.
The reading of current conditions fell 1.5% m/m versus the preliminary read of no change. Sentiment regarding personal finances fell m/m but surged 9.0% vs. a year ago. During the last ten years there has been an 81% correlation between the current conditions index and y/y growth in payroll employment. Buying conditions for large household goods fell m/m but rose last quarter versus 4Q04.
The University of Michigan survey is not seasonally adjusted.The mid-month survey is based on telephone interviews with 250 households nationwide on personal finances and business and buying conditions. The survey is expanded to a total of 500 interviews at month end.

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<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EF/@EF14/@EF1402/@EF1402.HTM">University of Michigan</a></th>
<th scope="col">Feb</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Consumer Sentiment</td>
<td>94.1</td>
<td>95.5</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>95.2</td>
<td>87.6</td>
<td>89.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;&nbsp; Current Conditions</td>
<td>109.2</td>
<td>110.9</td>
<td>5.4%</td>
<td>105.6</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>97.5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;&nbsp; Consumer Expectations</td>
<td>84.4</td>
<td>85.7</td>
<td>-4.6%</td>
<td>88.5</td>
<td>81.4</td>
<td>84.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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The February index of consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan fell to 94.1 versus the preliminary reading of 94.2 and 95.5 in January. Consensus expectations had been for 94.2. During the last ten years there has been a 74% [...]

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Declined

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304a.jpg" width="353">
Non-farm payrolls rose 262,000 in February, doubling the prior month&#39;s increase which was downwardly revised. Consensus expectations had been for a 225,000 rise.
From the separate household survey the unemployment rate rose to 5.4%. Employment fell 97,000 (+1.3% y/y) while the labor force expanded 153,000 (1.1% y/y). The labor force participation rate remained stable m/m at 65.8% versus a high in 2000 of 67.3%.
Factory sector payrolls recovered all of the lessened 20,000 January decline. The breadth of hiring gain narrowed, however, as indicated by a decline in the one month diffusion index to 43.5%. That index rose above 60% early in 2004.
Construction jobs rose 30,000 (4.0% y/y) versus a revised no change in January.
Private service producing payrolls rose 174,000 (2.1% y/y) led by a strong 81,000 (3.9% y/y) gain in professional &amp; business services. Education &amp; health services jobs rose 18,000 (2.4% y/y) and financial jobs rose 12,000 (2.1% y/y). Government employment increased 33,000 (0.9% y/y) though federal government jobs rose just 2,000 (-0.4% y/y).
The index of aggregate hours worked (employment times hours worked) rose 0.2% (+2.2% y/y) after an upwardly revised 0.2% January gain. In 1Q the index is 0.6% (AR) ahead of 4Q04.
Average hourly earnings rose were unchanged reflecting a 0.1% (+2.6% y/y) in private service producing earnings. Manufacturing earnings rose 0.2% (2.6% y/y).
Yesterday&#39;s speech by Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan on the tax system can be found <a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/testimony/2005/20050303/default.htm"> here</a>.

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<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EB/@EB01/@EB01.HTM">Employment</a></th>
<th scope="col">Feb</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Payroll Employment</td>
<td>262,000</td>
<td>132,000</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>-1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Manufacturing</td>
<td>20,000</td>
<td>-20,000</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
<td>-1.2%</td>
<td>-4.9%</td>
<td>-7.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Average Weekly Hours</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.8</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Average Hourly Earnings</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Unemployment Rate</td>
<td>5.4%</td>
<td>5.2%</td>
<td>5.6%</td>
<td>5.5%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
<td>5.8%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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</body>
</html>

Non-farm payrolls rose 262,000 in February, doubling the prior month's increase which was downwardly revised. Consensus expectations had been for a 225,000 rise. From the separate household survey the unemployment rate rose to 5.4%. [...]

U.S. Payrolls Firm

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304a.jpg" width="353">
Non-farm payrolls rose 262,000 in February, doubling the prior month&#39;s increase which was downwardly revised. Consensus expectations had been for a 225,000 rise.
From the separate household survey the unemployment rate rose to 5.4%. Employment fell 97,000 (+1.3% y/y) while the labor force expanded 153,000 (1.1% y/y). The labor force participation rate remained stable m/m at 65.8% versus a high in 2000 of 67.3%.
Factory sector payrolls recovered all of the lessened 20,000 January decline. The breadth of hiring gain narrowed, however, as indicated by a decline in the one month diffusion index to 43.5%. That index rose above 60% early in 2004.
Construction jobs rose 30,000 (4.0% y/y) versus a revised no change in January.
Private service producing payrolls rose 174,000 (2.1% y/y) led by a strong 81,000 (3.9% y/y) gain in professional &amp; business services. Education &amp; health services jobs rose 18,000 (2.4% y/y) and financial jobs rose 12,000 (2.1% y/y). Government employment increased 33,000 (0.9% y/y) though federal government jobs rose just 2,000 (-0.4% y/y).
The index of aggregate hours worked (employment times hours worked) rose 0.2% (+2.2% y/y) after an upwardly revised 0.2% January gain. In 1Q the index is 0.6% (AR) ahead of 4Q04.
Average hourly earnings rose were unchanged reflecting a 0.1% (+2.6% y/y) in private service producing earnings. Manufacturing earnings rose 0.2% (2.6% y/y).
Yesterday&#39;s speech by Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan on the tax system can be found <a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/testimony/2005/20050303/default.htm"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EB/@EB01/@EB01.HTM">Employment</a></th>
<th scope="col">Feb</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Payroll Employment</td>
<td>262,000</td>
<td>132,000</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>-1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Manufacturing</td>
<td>20,000</td>
<td>-20,000</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
<td>-1.2%</td>
<td>-4.9%</td>
<td>-7.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Average Weekly Hours</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.8</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>33.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Average Hourly Earnings</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Unemployment Rate</td>
<td>5.4%</td>
<td>5.2%</td>
<td>5.6%</td>
<td>5.5%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
<td>5.8%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Declined 
by <a href="/comment/Moeller.html">Tom Moeller</a> March 4, 2005


<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304d.jpg" width="353">
The February index of consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan fell to 94.1 versus the preliminary reading of 94.2 and 95.5 in January. Consensus expectations had been for 94.2. During the last ten years there has been a 74% correlation between the level of consumer sentiment and the y/y change in real PCE.
Consumer expectations fell 1.5% m/m but the decline was slightly less than initially estimated.
The reading of current conditions fell 1.5% m/m versus the preliminary read of no change. Sentiment regarding personal finances fell m/m but surged 9.0% vs. a year ago. During the last ten years there has been an 81% correlation between the current conditions index and y/y growth in payroll employment. Buying conditions for large household goods fell m/m but rose last quarter versus 4Q04.
The University of Michigan survey is not seasonally adjusted.The mid-month survey is based on telephone interviews with 250 households nationwide on personal finances and business and buying conditions. The survey is expanded to a total of 500 interviews at month end.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EF/@EF14/@EF1402/@EF1402.HTM">University of Michigan</a></th>
<th scope="col">Feb</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Consumer Sentiment</td>
<td>94.1</td>
<td>95.5</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>95.2</td>
<td>87.6</td>
<td>89.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;&nbsp; Current Conditions</td>
<td>109.2</td>
<td>110.9</td>
<td>5.4%</td>
<td>105.6</td>
<td>97.2</td>
<td>97.5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;&nbsp; Consumer Expectations</td>
<td>84.4</td>
<td>85.7</td>
<td>-4.6%</td>
<td>88.5</td>
<td>81.4</td>
<td>84.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
US Factory Inventories Jumped in January 
by <a href="/comment/Moeller.html">Tom Moeller</a> March 4, 2005


<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304c.jpg" width="353">
Factory inventories jumped 1.3% in January led higher by broad based industry gains. Less petroleum which jumped 8.6% (18.3% y/y), inventories increased 1.0% (8.1% y/y).
Shipments out of the factory sector surged 1.4% but were notable for primary metals (32.0% y/y), machinery (20.6% y/y), computers &amp; electronics (11.1% y/y) and chemicals (11.7% y/y).
Orders to the factory sector rose 0.2%. The advance report of a 0.9% decline in durable goods was revised deeper to 1.3% (+11.4% y/y). Nondefense capital goods orders less aircraft was unrevised at +2.9% (17.1% y/y).<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050304b.jpg" width="353">
Unfilled orders fell 0.2% for the first decline in a year. Fewer supply bottlenecks were indicated as the ratio of unfilled orders to shipments for durables fell sharply for the second month. 

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@ED/@ED01/@ED0101/@ED01016/@ED01016.HTM">Factory Survey</a> (NAICS)</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Dec</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Inventories</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
<td>8.5%</td>
<td>7.5%</td>
<td>-1.3%</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">New Orders</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>11.3%</td>
<td>10.9%</td>
<td>3.7%</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Shipments</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
<td>11.7%</td>
<td>10.5%</td>
<td>2.6%</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Unfilled Orders</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>8.9%</td>
<td>9.1%</td>
<td>4.2%</td>
<td>-6.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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Carol Stone, CBE

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050303e.jpg" width="353">
China&#39;s inflation is slowing further. In January, the 12-month change in the CPI was 1.9%, the third consecutive weaker pace and the slowest since October 2003. As noted in the table below, a slowdown in food prices accounts for a significant portion of the moderation in overall inflation.
The last couple of months have also seen less rapid increases in fuel prices. These are actually included in the separate group of data, &quot;retail prices&quot;, that is, the prices for merchandise sold in stores. The broader consumer price data, as those for other countries, also includes services, such as health care, recreation and so on. However, fuel prices are definitely related to trends in the broad CPI. A quick correlation analysis reveals that fuel price inflation with a one-month lead, has a 50% correlation with the movement of the CPI. Thus, while the Chinese government was concerned about rapid demand growth in China pressuring inflation, it seems more that food and fuel prices have greater force. At the same time, one can also argue that particularly in China, food and fuel prices might in fact be demand-driven as Chinese consumers are able to afford better diets and more fuel-using activities, such as heating and driving.
In the accompanying graph, we examine another facet of the Chinese consumer economy. Retail sales data, as in most countries, are quoted in nominal terms. For many years, then, retail sales and consumer prices moved in tandem, as the value of consumer purchases paralleled consumer prices. The correlation between the two for some periods was more than 90%. However, since 2002, this relationship has broken down. In 2002, retail sales sustained strong growth even as inflation was low. Last year, sales sagged in the summer and autumn in the face of higher consumer price inflation. This new pattern suggests a more demand-oriented response, in which slower prices encourage more buying and stronger prices send value-minded consumers away from the stores. Such a broad interpretation of a brief cycle of these monthly statistics is probably not warranted, but it&#39;s a phenomenon worth further scrutiny as the Chinese economy becomes more open and liberal in general.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/EMERGEPR/@P1/@P1.HTM">China: CPI</a>&nbsp; 12-Mo % Changes</th>
<th scope="col">Jan 2005</th>
<th scope="col">Dec 2004</th>
<th scope="col">Nov 2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
<th scope="col">2001</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Overall CPI</td>
<td>1.9</td>
<td>2.4</td>
<td>2.8</td>
<td>3.2</td>
<td>-0.4</td>
<td>-0.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Food</td>
<td>4.0</td>
<td>4.9</td>
<td>5.0</td>
<td>8.6</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>-0.8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Clothing</td>
<td>-1.6</td>
<td>-1.7</td>
<td>-1.8</td>
<td>-1.8</td>
<td>-2.9</td>
<td>-1.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Housing</td>
<td>5.5</td>
<td>5.6</td>
<td>6.3</td>
<td>3.5</td>
<td>0.2</td>
<td>0.7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Fuel*</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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China's inflation is slowing further. In January, the 12-month change in the CPI was 1.9%, the third consecutive weaker pace and the slowest since October 2003. As noted in the table below, a slowdown in food prices accounts for a [...]

Chinese Inflation Falls Below 2% in January; Economy Becoming More Demand-Oriented?

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050303b.jpg" width="353">
Initial claims for unemployment insurance slipped 1,000 to 310,000 last week and the prior week&#39;s moderate rise was lessened. Consensus expectations had been for 315,000 claims.
The four week moving average of initial claims fell to 307,0000 (-13.6% y/y).
Continuing claims for unemployment insurance rose 12,000 and the prior week&#39;s decline was lessened to 52,000.
During the last ten years there has been a (negative) 75% correlation between the level of initial claims for unemployment insurance and the monthly change in payroll employment. There has been a (negative) 66% correlation with the level of continuing claims.
The insured rate of unemployment remained at 2.1%.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/WEEKLY/@W5/@W507/@W507.HTM">Unemployment Insurance (000s)</a></th>
<th scope="col">02/26/05</th>
<th scope="col">02/19/05</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Initial Claims</td>
<td>310</td>
<td>311</td>
<td>-9.4%</td>
<td>343</td>
<td>402</td>
<td>404</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Continuing Claims</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>2,650</td>
<td>-15.8%</td>
<td>2,926</td>
<td>3,531</td>
<td>3,570</td>
</tr>
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Initial claims for unemployment insurance slipped 1,000 to 310,000 last week and the prior week's moderate rise was lessened. Consensus expectations had been for 315,000 claims. The four week moving average of initial claims fell to [...]

Initial Jobless Insurance Claims Slipped

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050303a.jpg" width="353">
Non-farm labor productivity growth for 4Q04 was revised upward to 2.1%, reflecting an upward revision to output growth. Nevertheless, productivity growth for the full year of 4.0% was the lowest since 2001. The late year slowdown reduced 4Q/4Q growth to 2.8%. Consensus expectations had been for a revision to 1.4% growth for 4Q. Figures were revised back to 2000.
Output growth was revised up as expected to 3.7% (4.4% y/y) from 2.8% and reflected an accounting for higher exports to Canada. Growth in hours worked was revised down to 1.6% from 1.9%.
The upward revision to productivity lowered the estimate of unit labor cost growth to 1.3% from 2.3%. Annual growth of 0.4% followed two years of decline. Compensation growth was revised up to 3.4% (4.2% y/y) from 3.1%.
Productivity in the manufacturing sector was revised slightly higher to 5.8% (5.2% y/y) from 5.6%. Unit labor cost growth in the factory sector held at 0.4% (-0.5% y/y) but compensation growth was revised up.
International Risk-Sharing and the Transmission of Productivity Shocks from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is available <a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/ifdp/2005/826/default.htm"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EC/@EC02/@EC02.HTM">Non-farm Business Sector</a> (SAAR)</th>
<th scope="col">4Q &#39;04 (Revised)</th>
<th scope="col">4Q &#39;04 (Prelim.)</th>
<th scope="col">3Q &#39;04</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Output per Hour</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>0.8%</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>4.4%</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Compensation</td>
<td>3.4%</td>
<td>3.1%</td>
<td>5.4%</td>
<td>4.2%</td>
<td>4.4%</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>3.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Unit Labor Costs</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
<td>-1.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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Non-farm labor productivity growth for 4Q04 was revised upward to 2.1%, reflecting an upward revision to output growth. Nevertheless, productivity growth for the full year of 4.0% was the lowest since 2001. The late year slowdown [...]

U.S. Productivity Growth Revised Up

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050303c.jpg" width="353">
The Institute for Supply Management reported that the February Business Activity Index for the non-manufacturing sector rose to 59.8 from 59.2 the prior month. Consensus expectations had been for a decline to 57.0.
Since the series&#39; inception in 1997 there has been a 50% correlation between the Business Activity Index and the q/q change in real GDP for services plus construction.
The employment sub index jumped 7.4 points to a record high. Since the series&#39; inception in 1997 there has been a 60% correlation between the level of the ISM non-manufacturing employment index and the m/m change in payroll employment in the service producing plus the construction industries.
The new orders index rose to 61.6, the high end of a tight range held for the last year.
Pricing power eased a bit m/m to the lowest level in nearly a year.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/050303d.jpg" width="353">
ISM surveys more than 370 purchasing managers in more than 62 industries including construction, law firms, hospitals, government and retailers. The non-manufacturing survey dates only to July 1997, therefore its seasonal adjustment should be viewed tentatively.
Business Activity Index for the non-manufacturing sector reflects a question separate from the subgroups mentioned above. In contrast, the NAPM manufacturing sector composite index is a weighted average five components.
Financial Market Developments and Economic Activity during Current Account Adjustments in Industrial Economies from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is available <a href="http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/ifdp/2005/827/ifdp827.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@EF/@EF03/@EF03.HTM">ISM Nonmanufacturing Survey</a></th>
<th scope="col">Feb</th>
<th scope="col">Jan</th>
<th scope="col">Feb &#39;04</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
<th scope="col">2002</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Business Activity Index</td>
<td>59.8</td>
<td>59.2</td>
<td>60.8</td>
<td>62.4</td>
<td>58.2</td>
<td>55.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Prices Index</td>
<td>66.4</td>
<td>66.6</td>
<td>58.0</td>
<td>69.0</td>
<td>56.8</td>
<td>54.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


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The Institute for Supply Management reported that the February Business Activity Index for the non-manufacturing sector rose to 59.8 from 59.2 the prior month. Consensus expectations had been for a decline to 57.0. Since the series' [...]

ISM Non-Manufacturing Index Higher

Global freight costs are on the rise while supply chain pressures are contained

Accelerating positive economic surprises in the G10 are boosting the global economy

Considerably more monetary ease expected from US and UK as Japan tightens

Tighter US immigration enforcement adversely impacting labor force

Economic policy uncertainty, while still elevated, is declining

Gradual disinflation and easier monetary policies across advanced economies

Largest October layoffs since 2003, led by technology

Subdued global shipping costs not yet pointing to supply chain problems

PMIs show still-elevated but slowing US inflation

AI boosting US investment in data centers

US productivity growth has been significantly faster than in other major economies

Consumers' short-term US inflation expectations still elevated while longer-term expectations of financial markets are steady

US financial markets have gotten used to elevated policy uncertainty

FOMC now expects more rate cuts going forward than in June

China gaining ASEAN exports while US exports slump

Job openings less than the number unemployed in July for first time since 2021

Reaccelerating goods price inflation along with sticky services inflation clouds the outlook

Falling oil prices aren't pulling down inflation expectations, pointing to a boost from increased tariffs

Equity market exuberance outpacing macroeconomic data

Apart from Japan, Blue Chip forecasters expect further sizable monetary easing

US production rebounded in Q2, but demand continued to slow

US leader, Germany trailer for real GDP growth over past 3 years

Negative US inflation surprises leading G10 down

Deflation continues in China

Incoming data surprising on downside in US; positive surprises elsewhere

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Winnie Tapasanun

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General business activity in Texas declined further in December, according to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The overall measure, the general business activity index, fell to -10.9 in December, the lowest level since June, from -10.4 in November and -5.0 in October. The index, while above a low of -35.8 in April, was well below a high of +14.1 in January and +4.5 in December 2024. The index had been in negative territory from February through December 2025, except for a one-month positive reading of +0.9 in July. In December, 12.7% of respondents reported improved business activity, down from 18.9% in November, while 23.6% of respondents reported worsened business conditions, down from November's 29.3%. The company outlook index dropped to -11.9 in December, the fourth consecutive negative reading and the lowest since April, from -6.3 in November. Just 10.8% of respondents expected improved company outlook this month while 22.7% expected deterioration. Data were collected between December 15 and 23 from 74 Texas manufacturers.

The production index, a key measure of state manufacturing conditions, plunged to -3.2 in December after a 15.3-point jump to 20.5 in November, indicating production contracted for the first time since February. A lessened 17.2% of respondents reported higher production this month while an increased 20.4% reported a decline. The capacity utilization index plummeted to -4.5 in December, the lowest reading since February, following a four-year-high 19.4 in November; it was up from a low of -15.0 in January 2024 but well below a record-high 46.3 in March 2021.

The growth rate of orders index declined steeply to -16.0 in December from -1.3 in November, marking the weakest of four successive negative readings and the lowest level since June. The index was above a low of -22.0 in April and a low of -24.3 in November 2023 but significantly below a peak of 29.6 in April 2021. The new orders index fell to -6.4 this month after rising to 4.8 in November, indicating a decline in demand for the third time in four months and the lowest level since June. The index was above a low of -20.0 in April and a low of -21.8 in November 2022 but well below a high of 22.6 in February 2022 and a record-high 38.6 in April 2021. The shipments index plunged to -10.6 this month after jumping to 15.1 in November, marking its first negative reading since June and the lowest since July 2024. The unfilled orders index dropped to -13.5 in December from -6.6 in November, registering the 16th straight negative reading and the lowest since November 2024. The index was below a high of 1.4 in August 2024 but above a low of -26.3 in July 2024. Meanwhile, the delivery time index increased to 3.3 this month, the highest reading since March, from -8.4 in November.

Labor market indexes showed flat employment conditions and shorter workweeks in December. The employment index slipped to -1.1 this month from 1.2 in November, marking its first negative reading since September, with the near-zero level indicating little change in employment. The latest reading, while up from a low of -9.7 in January 2024, was far below a high of 17.9 in January 2023 and a record-high 31.8 in April 2021. A lessened 12.3% of respondents reported net hiring in December while 13.4% reported net layoffs. The hours worked index fell sharply to -7.5 this month, the lowest reading since June, after rising to 9.9 in November. Meanwhile, the wages & benefits index climbed to 21.8 in December, the highest level since October 2024 and near its series average of 21.0, up from 15.4 in November; nevertheless, having been trending downward since a peak of 55.0 in March 2022.

Inflationary pressures were little changed this month. The index for prices received for finished goods declined to 8.2 in December following a 3.1-point rise to 10.8 in November; it was up from a low of -7.0 in November 2023 but meaningfully below a high of 47.4 in March 2022 and a peak of 51.4 in October 2021. In December, 13.1% of respondents reported raising prices while only 4.9% reported lowering prices. The index of prices paid for raw materials rose to 36.0 this month, the highest reading since September, after a 1.9-point increase to 35.3 in November. The index was well above a low of 1.0 in June 2023 but significantly below 73.2 in March 2022 and a record-high 83.8 in November 2021.

Expectations on future manufacturing activity remained positive this month. The future general business activity index dipped to 10.8 in December after rising to 11.0 in November, registering the eighth straight positive reading. The future production index rose to a four-month-high 34.2 from November’s 33.7. Other indexes of future manufacturing activity also rose in December (vs. November), signaling increased activity six months ahead: company outlook (16.5 vs. 16.2), shipments (33.9 vs. 27.0), wages & benefits (42.5 vs. 39.1), and capital expenditures (17.7 vs. 12.9). Meanwhile, future indexes for capacity utilization (28.9 vs. 34.0), new orders (30.5 vs. 39.2), growth rate of new orders (24.9 vs. 27.8), and employment (20.9 vs. 22.3) declined in December (vs. November), but they remained in positive territory.

Each index is calculated by subtracting the percentage reporting a decrease in activity from the percentage reporting an increase. When all firms report rising activity, an index will register 100. An index will register -100 when all firms report a decrease. An index will be zero when the number of firms reporting an increase equals the number reporting a decrease. Data for the Texas Manufacturing Outlook, conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, can be found in Haver's **SURVEYS** database.

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- General Business Activity down in Dec. to -10.9, lowest level since June.
- Company Outlook (-11.9) negative for the fourth straight mth. and at an eight-month low; Production (-3.2) negative for the first time since Feb.
- New Orders Growth (-16.0) and New Orders (-6.4) at a six-month low.
- Employment (-1.1) negative for the first time since Sept.
- Prices Received down 2.6 pts. to 8.2; Prices Paid up 0.7 pts. to a three-month-high 36.0.
- Future General Business Activity down to 10.8, still positive for the eighth consecutive mth.

Texas General Business Activity Still Negative in December, But Expectations Remain Positive

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The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking measure of home sales based on contract signings, rose 3.3% m/m to 79.2 in November after increases of 2.4% in October (+1.9% initially) and 0.1% in September (unrevised), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The November reading registered the fourth consecutive m/m gain after declining in July and June. The year-on-year growth rate accelerated to 2.6% in November, the highest since August, from 0.1% in October, though still below +6.0% y/y in November 2024. Despite recent gains, the PHSI had fallen 36.7% since its October 2021 high of 125.1.

The m/m rise in November pending home sales coincided with a decline in the average 30-year mortgage rate to 6.24% in November, the lowest since September 2024, down from 6.25% in October and 6.35% in September. These rates, while below a peak of 7.62% in October 2023, had remained higher than a low of 5.22% in August 2022 and more than double a record-low 2.68% in December 2020.

Pending home sales rose m/m in November across all four major regions. Sales in the West recovered 9.2% (2.4% y/y) in November, the first m/m increase since August, following a 1.4% decline in October. Sales in the South rose 2.4% (3.3% y/y), the fourth straight m/m rise, on top of a 2.7% October advance. Sales in the Northeast grew 1.8% (1.8% y/y), the third successive m/m increase, after a 2.3% October gain. Sales in the Midwest rose 1.3% (2.2% y/y), up for the third time in four months, after a 5.3% November rebound.

The pending home sales index measures sales at the time the contract for the purchase of an existing home is signed, similar to the Census Bureau's new home sales data. In contrast, the National Association of Realtors' existing home sales data are recorded when the sale is closed, which is usually a couple of months after the sales contract has been signed. In developing the pending home sales index, the NAR found that the level of monthly sales contract activity leads the level of closed existing home sales by about two months.

The series dates back to 2001 and are available in Haver's **PREALTOR** database. Weekly mortgage interest rates from the Mortgage Bankers Association can be found in the **WEEKLY** database.

- PHSI +3.3% (+2.6% y/y) in Nov., driven by lower mortgage rates.
- Home sales m/m up in all four major regions, w/ the highest rate in the West (+9.2%).
- Home sales y/y up across all regions, w/ the highest rate in the South (+3.3%).

U.S. Pending Home Sales Rise for the Fourth Straight Month in November

Robert Brusca

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Swedish exports advanced month-to-month for the second month in a row while imports continued on a losing streak declining by 0.9% in November.

Exports have gradually been firming with exports falling by 6.1% over 12 months, rising at an annual rate of 4.8% over six months, and then rising at a 3.9% annual rate over three months. Exports are not on a steady acceleration path, but they have transitioned from a year-over-year growth rate that's negative to moderate positive short-term rates of growth.

Swedish imports, on the other hand, are weakening relatively sharply. Imports were down 4.4% over 12 months, down at a 1.2% annual rate over six months, and falling at a 17% annual rate over three months.

The global trade picture remains somewhat mixed. The Baltic Dry goods index, which is an indicator of global trade volume, has backed off of its highs but continues to post relatively steady volume indications. However, the S&P global manufacturing survey has been showing weakness; when manufacturing is weak, typically international trade is weak as well. Swedish trade may be picking up some of that weakness as well.

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On balance, Sweden's trade surplus has continued to recover and hold to a relatively high level over recent months as exports have maintained momentum better than imports.

Swedish domestic barometers of economic growth have remained relatively upbeat including orders and industrial production as well as employment growth and GDP. There is no reason there to expect weak imports based on the recent data we have seen. But then sometimes trade data show economic weakness first.   

At this time, the yearend weakness in Sweden’s imports is without a specific cause. Year-end flows can be surprising. Domestic demand, however, does not appear to be weak. But there is a good deal of weakness in Europe and the Ukraine-Russia war is still a nagging factor – a cloud that hangs over all of Europe with no certain end date or result in sight.

Sweden

Sweden’s Trade; Exports Surge as Imports Recede

Kathleen Stephansen, CBE

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Initial claims for unemployment insurance dropped 10,000 to 214,000 in the week of December 20, from 224,000 during the week of December 13. The four-week moving average of initial claims was 216,750, a decrease of 750 from the prior week’s unrevised 217,500.

Federal government employees initially filed 805 (NSA) jobless insurance claims in the week ended December 13, after filing 1091 claims in the week ended December 6.

Continuing claims for unemployment insurance rose 38,000 to 1.923 million in the week ending December 13, after rising 55,000 to 1.885 million, revised from 1.897 million in the week ending December 6. The four-week moving average was 1.894 million in the week ending December 13, down 5,250 from 1.899 million, revised from 1,902,000 in the week ending December 6. The insured unemployment rate stood at 1.3% in the week of December 13, up from 1.2% in the week of December 6.

Federal government employees’ continuing benefits claims were 12,887 (NSA) in the week ending December 6, from 14,077 (NSA) in the week of November 29. 

The insured unemployment rate varied greatly across individual states and territories. In the week ending December 6, the highest unemployment rates were in New Jersey and Washington (both 2.40%), Massachusetts and Minnesota (both 2.10%), California and Rhode Island (both 2.00%). The lowest rates were in Florida (0.30%), and Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina (all 0.40%). Rates in other notable states include New York (1.80%), Illinois and Pennsylvania (both 1.70%), and Texas (1.10%). These state data are not seasonally adjusted.

Data on weekly unemployment claims are from the Department of Labor itself, not the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They begin in 1967 and are contained in Haver’s **WEEKLY** database and summarized monthly in **USECON**. Data for individual states are in **REGIONW** back to December 1986.


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- Initial claims declined from the prior week.
- Continuing claims rose from the prior week.
- The insured unemployment rate edged up.


U.S. Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance Dropped in Latest Week

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Mortgage applications dropped 5.0% w/w (+49.8% y/y) in the week of December 19, after a drop of 3.8% w/w (+40.9% y/y) in the week of December 12, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey. Applications for loans to purchase a house fell 3.7% w/w (+15.9% y/y) in the latest week, the third consecutive weekly decline, following a drop of 2.8% w/w (+12.3% y/y) in the December 12 week. Applications for loan refinancing dropped 5.6% w/w (+110.1% y/y) in the December 19 week after a decline of 3.6% w/w (+86.0% y/y) in the week of December 12. 

The effective interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan fell 8bps to 6.48% in the week ending December 19 from 6.56% in the week ending December 12. The rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped 5bps to 5.86% in the latest week from 5.91% in the prior week. The 30-year Jumbo rate rose 8bps to 6.63% in the December 19 week from 6.55% in the December 12 week. The rate on a 5-year ARM jumped 20bps to 5.96% in the latest week from 5.76% in the December 12 week.

The share of applications for refinancing an existing loan edged up to 59.1% of total applications in the December19 week from 59.0% in the week ending December 12. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity rose to 8.1% in the latest week from 7.2% in the December 12 week.

The average size of a mortgage loan edged down 0.1% w/w (+7.8% y/y) to $399,700 in the week ending December 19, following a rise of 1.5% w/w (6.4% y/y) to $400,000 in the December 12 week. The average size of a purchase loan rose 1.0% w/w (1.1% y/y) to $428,600 in the latest week, after rising 0.6% w/w (-0.3% y/y) to $424,200 in the prior week. The average size of a loan to refinance a mortgage declined 0.9% w/w (+24.9% y/y) to $379,700 in the December 19 week, following a rise of 2.3% w/w (19.8% y/y) to $383,300 in the week ending December 12.

The Mortgage Bankers Association Survey covers 75% of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications and has been conducted weekly since 1990. Respondents include mortgage bankers, commercial banks and thrifts. The base period and value for all indexes is March 16, 1990=100. The figures for weekly mortgage applications and interest rates are available in Haver’s **SURVEYS** database.


- Both purchase applications and refinancing loan applications fell in the latest week.
- Effective interest rate on 30-year fixed loans fell to 6.48%.
- Average loan size edged down.


Economy in Brief: 2005

Jump to:

U.S. Factory Inventories Jumped in January

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Declined

U.S. Payrolls Firm

U.S. Payrolls Firm

Chinese Inflation Falls Below 2% in January; Economy Becoming More Demand-Oriented?

Initial Jobless Insurance Claims Slipped

U.S. Productivity Growth Revised Up

ISM Non-Manufacturing Index Higher