US Drops To Sixth Place In World Competitive Index (09/26)
"The United States fell to sixth place in the World Economic Forum's 2006 global competitiveness rankings, ceding the top place to Switzerland as macroeconomic concerns eroded prospects for the world's largest economy.” Review the latest global competitive rankings (Rankings). Discuss what specific macroeconomic factors threathen the overall US standing (Highlights). Assess the current US account deficit and examine its potential affects on the economy (Deficit).

The Fed Holds Short Term Rates (09/20)
"The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 percent. The moderation in economic growth appears to be continuing, partly reflecting a cooling of the housing market." Examine if economc growth is moderating (Indicators). Discuss how "open market operations" help to maintain the federal fund rates at their target (Operations).

Wholesale Prices Ease In August (09/19)
"Prices at the wholesale level edged up modestly in August, providing further evidence that inflation pressures are easing.” Review how Producer Price Index (PPI) is estimated each month to help gauge the level of inflation in the economy (Estimate). Discuss how commodity prices affect PPI (Commodity Prices).

Another Day Of Pain At Ford (09/15)
"Ford Motor Co. unveiled new plant close closing and staff cut plans Friday, admitting it can no longer hang onto its position as the nation's No. 2 car company or return its core auto unit to profitability as soon as previously promised. ”Discuss why firms exist. Explain why firms must minimize their production costs when operating in a competive market or industry (Auto Industry). Review what cost cutting steps are taken by Ford and assess if they will help in the long run (Plan).

Retail Sales Slow In August (09/14)
"Retail sales rose moderately in August versus forecasts for a decline, the government said Thursday, but the gain was tempered by a slowdown in auto sales. The Commerce Department said that sales last month edged up 0.2 percent after rising a much stronger 1.4 percent in July. ”Discuss why a cooling housing market (News) may lessen consumer spending in areas like electronics and furniture (Data). Explain why consumer spending or expenditure is a main driver of the overall economic performance (Drivers).

Realtors Forecast: Home Sales This Year Will Tumble (09/07)
"Home sales will be a good deal weaker this year than earlier thought as potential buyers remain on the sidelines waiting for better deals, a national real estate group said Thursday. The National Association of Realtors said sales of existing homes were likely to drop 7.6% this year to 6.54 million.” Examine how the recent declining demand relative to also the declining supply of homes is expected to decrease the number of home sales in the market and correspondingly, their market prices (Analysis). Discuss how an “analysis of economic indicators” may provide tools to interpret the home market conditions (Economic Indicators).

US Trade Deficit Is A Threat To Global Growth (09/05)
" Large economic imbalances caused in part by America’s trade deficit with China and other countries are threatening prospects for continued global growth, the head of the international agency that monitors the world’s economy warned on Tuesday.” Review the current nation’s international deficit in goods and services (Deficit). Discuss why deficits matter to the US economy particularly if the dollar depreciates and the interest rates rise (Analysis).

128,000 New Jobs In August (09/01)
" Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 128,000 in August, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 4.7 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.” Define civilian “participation rate” and assess its trend during the past 12 months (Trend). Discuss how declining civilian participation rates may not affect the official unemployment rate (Hint. Not in labor force…) (Data). Review the monthly civilian participation rates since 1948 and determine if more or less Americans are currently participating in the labor force in comparison to the previous decades (Historical Data).

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