Tag Archives: retail sales

Slower Q4 Growth, (But) Higher Consumer Confidence

Financial FAQs The growth in the U.S. economy in the final quarter of Barack Obama’s presidency was left at 1.9 percent, held down by a bigger trade deficit even as consumer spending rebounded strongly. In fact, Q4 GDP growth slowed … Continue reading

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Retail Sales and Consumer Prices Show Real Life

Financial FAQs Retail sales rose 0.4 percent last month following a much bigger gain in December than originally reported, the government said Wednesday. Economists polled had forecast a 0.2 percent increase. Retail sales are now up more than 5 percent … Continue reading

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Strong Retail Sales, Job Growth in 2017?

Financial FAQs The prospects for 2017 growth are confusing, to say the least. For instance, will Prez-Elect Trump initiate multiple trade wars by pushing through tariffs on foreign imports to bring manufacturing jobs home to the U.S.? And/or will this … Continue reading

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Boom Times In 2017 For Consumers?

Popular Economics Weekly Here are more signs that economic growth will increase in 2017. There’s a large increase in revolving credit, one of the largest of the cycle, reports the Federal Reserve, a sign that retail sales are booming (with … Continue reading

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4.6% Unemployment–178,000 Payroll Jobs in November

Popular Economics Weekly Nonfarm payrolls rose 178,000 in November to just beat out expectations with revisions no factor, says Econoday. A sharp downward revision to October, now at 142,000, was offset by a nearly as sharp upward revision to September, … Continue reading

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Record Retail Sales, Higher Growth Ahead?

Financial FAQs It looks like Q4 GDP could be higher than the Third Quarter’s initial estimate of 2.9 percent growth. That’s because retail sales and wholesale inventories, both major contributors to growth, are surging. Retail sales jumped 0.8 percent in … Continue reading

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A Recovery In Retail Sales?

Financial FAQs September retail sales rose: total up 0.6 percent, ex-auto up 0.5 percent, ex-auto ex-gas up 0.3 percent, which indicates a good holiday season for retail. But this is bucking the downward trend that has sales sinking to the … Continue reading

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Retail Sales Augur Better Economic Growth Ahead

Popular Economics Weekly Many signs are pointing to better growth ahead, led by consumer, or retail spending. Ex-auto ex-gas offers a gauge on underlying trends in consumer spending, as non-store retailers popped a 1.1 percent surge in the month which … Continue reading

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Consumer Finances Much Healthier

Financial FAQs Consumers’ financial health has substantially improved in 2015, and their net worth has now surpassed that of pre-recession 2006, according to the Fed’s 2015 Q4 Flow of Funds report. That is the main reason economic growth prospects have … Continue reading

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Inflation Is Bringing Back Higher Growth!

Popular Economics Weekly Consumer prices are on the rise and the Fed’s December rate hike doesn’t look misplaced at all, says Econoday. Year-on-year core prices (without food and energy prices) rose 1 tenth to plus 2.2 percent for the highest … Continue reading

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