Oil Prices Increase On High Fuel Demand (08/31)
"Oil prices rose further Thursday as Asian markets continued the trend of a day earlier, reacting to concerns of possible supply disruptions in Iran a U.N. deadline on its nuclear program arrived and Nigeria." Examine the current world oil supply estimates and demand projections from the International Energy Agency (Supply & Demand). Dicuss why the continued rising oil consumption or demand may push up the oil prices further in the coming months (Prices).

The Economy Slows - GDP Up 2.9% (08/30)
"The economy lost momentum in the spring, the government reported yesterday, and somewhat sluggish growth lies ahead, according to some analysts' projections." Review the second quarter "preliminary" estimate of GDP reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Estimate). Identify key components of GDP and assess their relative share or part of GDP (Components). Discuss why personal consumption expenditure or consumer spending is the main driver of GDP.

Fed Helped Fuel Own Inflation (08/26)
"The Federal Reserve must act to head off high inflation that is 'a present danger' to the U.S. economy, the White House's former top economic adviser said on Saturday, as he blamed the central bank for failing to act aggressively enough so far." Review quarterly CPI data and discuss if inflation is indeed picking up (Data). Utilize an inflationary calculator to demonstrate how purchasing or buying power of money can be eroded with inflation (Calculator). Review how major monies or currencies held up since 1980 (Chart).

Bernanke Warns Policymakers To Resist Protectionist Measures (08/25)
"Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke urged policymakers Friday to resist pushing for protectionist measures that would crimp globalization and the increased trade and higher living standards it could spur." Discuss how the increased trade may help spur higher rates of economic growth and living standards around the world (GDP). Examine how U.S. "annual incomes are $1 trillion higher due to increased trade liberalization since 1945 -- that's $9,000 per year for the average American household" (Analysis).

Unemployment Increases To 4.8% (08/04)
"Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 113,000 in July, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.8 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today." Assess the current employment condition in the US (Historical Data). Review how the official unemployment rate is estimated each month (FAQs). Discuss why many economy watchers who are concerned about emerging inflation may want to see a higher level of unemployment.

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