For the week of June 18 – 22, a summary of key indicators shows that the economy is still getting weaker. The hope is that the slowdown we are experiencing will be temporary. However, key indicators continue to point to a downward trend in growth.
The cyclical pattern that has characterized the recovery is currently showing a downward trajectory and the bottom is not yet in sight. However, the search for the bottom continues. Conditions are even more tenuous because of the turmoil in Europe.
Slowing growth in the US, a slowdown of growth in China and the continuing debt crisis in Europe are combining to dampen investor outlook in the US. As a result, corporate investment is down significantly.
Recent data also indicates that consumer spending is cooling off and local governments are still cutting spending, even though their tax revenues have increased.
Combined, these developments suggest tough times are ahead. Fed Chair Bernanke acknowledged as much today in his press conference. His response to the pessimistic economic news is to keep all of his options open and continue the current “operation twist” at least through the end of this year.
In this program, the Fed sells short-term securities and buys long-term securities. This pushes long term rates lower. The hope is that lower rates will encourage more business investment.
Listed below are the major trends in key economic indicators
New Monthly Payroll Employment
- May 69,000
- April 77,000
- March 143,000
February was the last month of strong job creation, 259,000. The number of jobs created in May was less than one-half of what was expected.
Civilian Unemployment Rate
- May 8.2%
- April 8.1%
- March 8.2%
As the economy slows down, declines in the unemployment rate stall. Unemployment declined from an average of 8.6% over the last 12 months, but the decline has stalled and last month the rate increased by .1 percentage point.
Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance
- June 382,000
- May 377,000
- April 384,000
Percent Change in Consumer retail spending
- May .4%
- April -.2%
- March -.2%
Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of GDP. Until recently, this was one of the brightest spots in the economy. However, recent data indicates consumers have cut back on spending. This makes it harder to create new jobs.
Auto and Truck Sales
- May 13.7 million
- April 14.4 million
- March 14.3 million
This has been one of the brightest spots in the economy over the last several months. Unfortunately, the pace of auto sales tapered off between April and May.
Total Housing Starts
- May 708,000
- April 744,000
- March 706,000
The increase in housing starts between March and April was a bright spot in the economy. However, this has tapered off recently. The housing market has a long way to go to fully recover, but it is beginning to show signs of life.
New-Home Sales
Consumer Confidence
- May 79.3
- April 76.4
- March 76.2
Consumers will spend in accordance with their confidence in the economy. Fortunately, they have remained confident despite the slowdown in economic activity.
Durable Goods Orders
- April -.6%
- March -2.1%
- February 1.5%
One of the best indicators of the strength of the recovery is durable goods orders. When consumers purchase durable goods, businesses must build up inventories. Durable goods expenditures are a sign that consumers feel secure about their income. Lately, durable goods orders have declined.