Economic News, Trends, Research and Data

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From the Chief Economist

Bart van Ark

The Global Inflationary Spurt May Leave Lasting Legacy
Inflation forecasts suggest that the recent spikes in energy, commodity and food prices may ease during this year. But prices and even the global inflation rate itself may remain significantly higher than before — with poorer individuals and poorer countries paying the price. ... more

Also:
More Negatives than Positives in Recent U.S. Economic Signals
GDP Positive Sign, But No Quick Recovery in Sight
Taking the Measure of the U.S. Economy
The U.S. Economy: Getting the Diagnosis Right

Listen to Bart van Ark's interview on NOVA TV.

The U.S. Economic Forecast

Updated: July 1, 2008

		2008				2009	2007	2008	2009
	IQ*	II Q	III Q	IV Q	IQ	II Q	Annual	Annual	Annual
Real GDP	1.0	1.2	0.4	1.2	1.7	2.6	2.2	1.5	1.8
CPI Inflation	4.3	5.1	6.2	3.0	3.5	3.5	2.9	4.6	3.8
Real Consumer Spending	1.1	2.2	0.5	0.7	1.9	2.7	2.9	1.7	1.8
Unemployment Rate (%)	4.9	5.3	5.5	5.6	5.7	5.6	4.6	5.3	5.6
90 Day T-Bills (%)	2.15	1.62	1.96	2.09	2.34	2.59	4.38	1.96	2.67
10 Yr Treas Bonds (%)	3.66	3.88	4.22	4.32	4.57	4.82	4.63	4.02	4.94

* Actual data