Economy in Brief: 2004

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate for federal funds by 25 basis points to 1.50%. The discount rate also was raised to 2.50%. The decision was unanimous. Perhaps suggesting that rates will be raised even further, [...]

Chain store sales inched 0.1% higher in the opening week of August according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)-UBS. Sales began the month 0.4% above the July average which rose 0.3% versus June. During the last [...]

Non-farm labor productivity grew 2.9% last quarter, a slowdown from 3.7% growth in 1Q but firmer than Consensus expectations for 2.0% growth. Part of the upside surprise was due to a 3.8% (5.9% y/y) gain in non-farm output versus the [...]

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate for federal funds by 25 basis points to 1.50%. The discount rate also was raised to 2.50%. The decision was unanimous. Perhaps suggesting that rates will be raised even further, [...]

June machinery orders point to continued expansion in the Japanese economy. Machinery orders rose sharply in June. Foreign and public orders, taken together, were up 8.20% and core private orders, excluding ships and utilities were up [...]

Last Thursday, August 5th, British monetary authorities raised the base rate by 25 basis points, the fifth such increase since last November, bringing the rate to 4.75%. The release today of the producer price indexes for input and [...]

June machinery orders point to continued expansion in the Japanese economy. Machinery orders rose sharply in June. Foreign and public orders, taken together, were up 8.20% and core private orders, excluding ships and utilities were up [...]

June machinery orders point to continued expansion in the Japanese economy. Machinery orders rose sharply in June. Foreign and public orders, taken together, were up 8.20% and core private orders, excluding ships and utilities were up [...]