U.S. Economy Grew at 2.7% Rate, More Than First Estimated
Source: Bloomberg
By Shobhana Chandra - Nov 29, 2012
The economy in the U.S. expanded more than previously estimated in the third quarter as a narrower trade deficit and gains in inventory overshadowed a smaller gain in consumer spending.
Gross domestic product grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate, up from a 2 percent prior estimate, revised figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 82 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a 2.8 percent gain. Household purchases climbed at a 1.4 percent rate, the least in more than a year and down from a previously reported 2 percent rate, and income gains were also cut.
Were just muddling through, said Brian Jones, a senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale in New York. The mix between final demand and inventories was far less favorable. The consumer spending numbers are a reflection of the fact that job growth remains sluggish.
The report helps explain why Federal Reserve policy makers have said theyll continue to pump money into the economy to spur growth and reduce joblessness. At the same time, an improvement in housing, employment gains and healthier household finances may help underpin consumer purchases, the biggest part of the economy.
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-29/economy-in-u-s-grew-at-2-7-rate-more-than-first-estimated.html
plethoro
(594 posts)their children don't have to move to under a freeway overpass.
Javaman
(62,534 posts)FBaggins
(26,775 posts)Lower consumer spending combined with outsized inventory growth is a troubling combination.
And, of course, these things are always compared to expectations (which were actually higher).
coalition_unwilling
(14,180 posts)recovery, so long as Rape-publi-scum control one house of Congress.
FBaggins
(26,775 posts)That ship sailed a couple years ago.
The question now is whether we're able to stay out of a second recession.
coalition_unwilling
(14,180 posts)weakening consumer demand does not bode well, especially when Rape-publi-scum demagoguery is factored in.
"Lower consumer spending" does not equal smaller gain in consumer spending. The latter is the truth. Inventory growth is also of variable import depending on whether it is gains from unconsumed expected demand or prebuilding for increasing demand. Is it inventory from lead or lag planning? No way I know of to tell from these data.
FBaggins
(26,775 posts)This doesn't compare one quarter to a previous one... it's an adjustment to an already-reported figure.
I haven't reviewed the release, but reportedly consumer spending was lower than previously reported.
Inventory growth is also of variable import depending on whether it is gains from unconsumed expected demand or prebuilding for increasing demand.
True... but one way to tell the difference is how spending compares to projections. It's only evidence, not proof... but that's what we've got.
muriel_volestrangler
(101,390 posts)because it's embarrassing that a thread on a nobody removing a tattoo has more replies and recs than real news like this.
CabalPowered
(12,690 posts)K&R