Economy in Brief: December 2004

In December, the Empire State Index of General Business Conditions in New York's manufacturing industries jumped 11.1 points to 29.93, the highest level since July. The new orders component more than doubled to a record 40.15 while [...]

In October, the Index of Leading Indicators for the Major Seven OECD Countries fell slightly for the third straight month. The declines pulled the six-month growth rate down to 0.4%, its lowest since May 2003. During the last ten [...]

In October, the Index of Leading Indicators for the Major Seven OECD Countries fell slightly for the third straight month. The declines pulled the six-month growth rate down to 0.4%, its lowest since May 2003. During the last ten [...]

The Federal Open Market Committee raised the target rate for federal funds by 25 basis points to 2.25%, as expected. The discount rate also was raised 25 basis points to 3.25%. The decision was unanimous. Today's press release from [...]

The Small Business Optimism Index for November published by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) surged 3.7% to 107.7 in November, the highest level in twenty years. During the last ten years there has been a 68% [...]

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey indicated continued improvement in U.S. hiring intentions in 1Q05. A seasonally adjusted net 21% of 16,000 employers expect to increase hiring activity and that was the highest level in four [...]

Chain store sales recovered 1.2% during the first full week of December following two weeks of sharp decline, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)-UBS. Despite the rise, sales so far in December are 1.9% [...]

Industrial production rose 0.3% in November following a downwardly revised 0.6% rise the prior month. Consensus expectations had been for a 0.2% rise. Production in the factory sector rose 0.3% (4.7% y/y). Slower increases recently [...]