U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2016 expanded at a 2.9 percent annualized growth rate based on the advanced estimate. This unusual and surprising jump after three quarters of sluggish growth reflects a surge in agricultural (soybean) exports and a rebound in business inventories, which bring doubt about continued strong growth in the fourth … [Read more...] about December 2016: Business Indicators
Jinju Lee
Business Indicators: November 2016
The U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 1.4 percent annual rate in the second quarter of 2016, revised up by 0.3 percentage point from the second estimate. The upward revisions mainly reflected an increase in nonresidential fixed investment, which decreased in the previous estimate. Large gains in consumer spending contributed to a rise in real GDP, while cutback … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: November 2016
Business Indicators: October 2016
The U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 1.1 annual rate in the second quarter of 2016, The increase in real GDP was mainly due to surprisingly large gains in consumer spending, while cutbacks in private business investment contributed to U.S. economic growth remaining stuck in the slow lane. In spite of lackluster business investment, U.S. nonfarm employment added … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: October 2016
Business Indicators: September 2016
The advanced estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2016 indicated a much weaker-than-expected growth of 1.2 percent. In addition, the first quarter’s real GDP growth was revised downward to 0.8 percent from 1.1 percent. Private investment, again, contributed negatively to U.S. economic expansion, falling by 9.7 percent from the previous … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: September 2016
Business Indicators: August 2016
The third estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2016 was revised upward to 1.1 percent annualized growth rate from the 0.8 percent second estimate. The revision occurred as more complete data showed that exports increased more than previously thought. Nevertheless, the stronger dollar, cheaper oil and a weaker global economy still … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: August 2016
Business Indicators: May 2016
The third estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2015 was revised upward again from the second estimate of 1.0 percent to a 1.4 percent annualized growth rate. This revision mainly reflects an increase in consumer spending, which is partly offset by a downward revision of private inventory investment. The stronger dollar, cheap oil and a … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: May 2016
Business Indicators: March 2016
The advance estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2015 reports a weak 0.7 percent annualized growth rate. Overall, the U.S. economy increased its size 1.8 percent year-over-year in 2015, down from 2.5 percent year-over-year in 2014. U.S. nonfarm employment continued to grow by adding a less-than-expected 151,000 jobs in January 2016. Even … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: March 2016
Business Indicators: February 2016
The third estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2015 reports a 2.0 percent annualized growth rate, revised down from the 2.1 percent rate for the second estimate. Strong consumer spending still remained a main contributor to U.S. economic growth in the third quarter. The continuing Chinese economic slowdown disrupted the U.S. stock market … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: February 2016
Business Indicators: December 2015
The first estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2015 reports a 1.5 percent annualized growth rate, a 61 percent decline from the second quarter. Despite modest growth, the Bureau of Economic Analysis stated that U.S. domestic consumption, which accounts for about two-thirds of real GDP, remained strong. More specifically, personal … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: December 2015