Economy in Brief

Sales of existing single family homes edged lower last month from a November level that was revised slightly higher. The slight December decline had been expected Home sales, which reflect closings on past sales, were mixed across the [...]

Initial claims for unemployment insurance again fell unexpectedly in the latest week. The prior week's level was revised up slightly. The decline in weekly claims pulled the four-week moving average to 404,250, its lowest level since [...]

The US budget balance improved to surplus in December due to a seasonal surge in revenues. The fiscal year-to-date budget deficit nevertheless remained at it's deepest since 1998. Receipts rose sharply in most major categories with [...]

The Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose quite a bit more than the expected 0.7% last month. November's rise was revised up. Eight of the ten component series contributed to the increase with large contributions coming [...]

The US foreign trade deficit fell as expected versus October that was little revised. Exports rose moderately, but remained down 14.8% from their peak in August 2000.Exports of goods fell moderately and were down 16.6% from their [...]

Housing starts fell more than expected last month despite moderate weather. November starts were revised down mostly because of a lowered estimate of single-family building. The decline in the total was due to a sharp 26.5% decline [...]

Consumer prices were weaker than expected last month, declining rather than remaining unchanged as expected. Core inflation at 0.1% was slightly below expectations for a 0.2% rise. Again, energy prices led the weakness in the CPI with [...]

Retail sales fell less than expected last month and November sales were revised up to show less of a decline. Less autos, sales fell about as expected. November results were revised up. Strength in sales of furniture, home furnishings [...]