Economy in Brief: 2004

US real GDP growth in 2Q slowed sharply to 3.0% from the upwardly revised estimate of 4.5% growth 1Q. Consensus estimates had been for 3.7% growth last quarter. Figures back to 1Q 2001 were revised. Price inflation at 3.2% was [...]

Initial claims for jobless insurance unexpectedly rose 4,000 to 345,000 following a 9,000 worker decline the prior week that was revised shallower from the initial report. The revision pulled initial claims in the July survey period [...]

The employment cost index for private industry workers rose 1.0% last quarter, about in line with Consensus expectations for a 0.9% gain. The rate of increase eased slightly from 1.1% in 1Q but the year to year rise of 4.0% was up [...]

The employment cost index for private industry workers rose 1.0% last quarter, about in line with Consensus expectations for a 0.9% gain. The rate of increase eased slightly from 1.1% in 1Q but the year to year rise of 4.0% was up [...]

The index of mortgage applications compiled by the Mortgage Bankers Association ticked 0.6% higher last week after falling 4.0% the prior week. Applications so far for July are 9.6% above the June average. Purchase applications rose [...]

Durable goods orders in June rose 0.7%. The rise was half the Consensus projection for a 1.5% gain. Part of the shortfall was made up for by an upward revision of the May figure to a 0.9% decline versus -1.6% reported initially. An [...]

Durable goods orders in June rose 0.7%. The rise was half the Consensus projection for a 1.5% gain. Part of the shortfall was made up for by an upward revision of the May figure to a 0.9% decline versus -1.6% reported initially. An [...]

Chain store sales rose another 0.2% last week, pulling the sales index to its highest level since early May according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)-UBS. Sales in July are 0.2% higher than the June average [...]