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Private Sector is Doing Fine – 19 Nov 12 Edition

“The private sector is doing fine” ~ President Obama

“I think he’s really defining what it means to be out of touch with reality.” ~ Willard Mitt Romney, Republican Tea Party (GOTP) presidential footnote

Since the above exchange between the President and the footnote the following indicators show the private sector is indeed “doing fine”, info comes from FOX Business:

First Quarter reported earnings: FedEx posted $10.79 billion, Microsoft reported $16 billion, and Procter & Gamble reported $20.7 billion, Cisco reported $11.9 billion …

In the second quarter the following earnings were reported by the private sector: Yahoo reported $1.08 billion, Facebook reported $1.2 billion, EBay reported $3.4 billion, Macy’s reported $6.12 billion, Travelers reported $6.36 billion, McDonald’s reported $6.92 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7 billion, Best Buy reported $10.55 billion, Amazon.com reported $12.8 billion, Google reported $12.21 billion, United Parcel Service (UPS) reported $13.4 billion, Coca-Cola reported $13.09 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Dell reported $14.5 billion, Pfizer reported $15.1 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $16.5 billion, Microsoft reported $18.06 billion, Citigroup reported $18.4 billion, Procter & Gamble reported $20.2 billion, Bank of America reported $22.2 billion, IBM reported $25.8 billion, Verizon reported $28.6 billion and AT&T reported $31.6 billion …

Following are third quarter earnings: Hewlett-Packard reported $29.7 billion, Wells Fargo reported $21.2 billion, J.P. Morgan Chase reported $25.9 billion, Citigroup reported $19.4 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $17.1 billion, Goldman Sachs reported $8.35 billion, Coca-Cola reported $12.34 billion, IBM reported $24.7 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Bank of America reported $20.4 billion, American Express reported $7.9 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7.6 billion, Travelers reported $6.51, Google reported $11.3 billion, McDonald’s reported $7.2 billion, Caterpillar reported $16.45 billion, Yahoo! Reported $1.09 billion, Texas Instruments reported $3.39 billion, United Parcel Service reported $13.07 billion, 3M reported $7.5 billion, AT&T reported $31.5 billion, Boeing reported $20 billion, Merck reported $11.49 billion, Pfizer’s reported $14 billion, Wal-Mart reported $113.2 billion, Dell reported $13.7 billion,

Following are fourth quarter earnings: News Corp. reported $8.4 billion, Cisco reported $11.7 billion, Apple reported $36 billion, Walt Disney reported $10.78 billion …

The private sector added 163,000 jobs in July, according to the ADP report. Analysts had been expecting an increase of 120,000.

The ADP National Employment Report shows the U.S. private sector added 158,000 jobs in October, more than the 135,000 expected.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls rose by 96,000 in August from July, less than the 125,000 expected. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 8.1% from 8.3.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls increased by 114,000 in September from August, slightly ahead of estimates of 113,000. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 7.8%, the lowest rate since January 2009, from 8.1% the month prior.

The Conference Board’s gauge of consumer confidence rose to 65.9 in July from 62.7 in June, better than the 61.5 economists expected.

The Conference Board’s reading on consumer confidence rose to 70.3 in September from an upwardly revised 61.3 in August, topping estimates for a reading of 63. The reading was the highest since February.

The Conference Board’s index of U.S. consumer confidence rose to 72.2 in October from a downwardly revised 68.4 in September. The results missed estimates of a reading of 72.5, but marked the index’s highest level since February 2008.

The manufacturing sector in the U.S. Midwest expanded at a slightly swifter pace in July than it did the month before. The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago’s PMI gauge came in at 53.7, higher than expectations of 52.5 and a reading of 52.9 in June.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas climbed 2.2% in May from the month before on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, according the S&P/Case-Shiller report. That came in stronger than the 1.5% gain economists expected.

Sales of existing homes rose 2.3% in July from June to an annualized rate of 4.47 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Existing home sales rose 7.8% in August from July to an annualized rate of 4.82 million units, topping estimates of a 4.55-million unit rate and marking the fastest pace since May 2010.

Existing home sales rose 2.1% in October from September to a 4.79-million unit annualized rate, coming in slightly ahead of estimates of a 4.75-million unit annualized rate, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose 5.7% in September to a 389,000-unit annualized rate, topping estimates of a 385,000-unit rate and marking the highest reading since April 2010.

U.S. pending home sales rose 2.4% in July from June, topping the 1% expected and hitting the highest level since April 2010. Sales were up 12.4% from a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors reported its index of pending home sales rose 0.3% in September from August, the index climbing 14.5% from a year ago.

U.S. housing starts jumped 6.9% in June from May to a 760,000-unit rate, topping estimates of a 745,000-unit rate and marking the highest rate since October 2008.

Housing starts rose 2.3% in August from July to a 750,000-unit rate, missing estimates of a 765,000-unit rate. Permits fell 1% to an 803,000-unit rate, but topped estimates of a 796,000-unit rate.

Sales of new single-family homes rose 3.6% in July from June to an annualized rate of 372,000 units. Analysts were expecting an annualized rate of 365,000 units.

The Commerce Department reported that building permits rose 6.8% to a rate of 812,000, the highest level in four years.

The Commerce Department reports housing starts rose 15% to an annualized rate of 872,000 units in September from August. Housing permits jumped 11.6% to an annualized rate of 894,000 units.

The Labor Department reported producer prices climbed 0.3% in July from June, the fastest pace in five months. Analysts expected an increase of 0.2%. Excluding the food and energy components, prices were up 0.4%, also more than the 0.2% increase forecast.

Retail sales climbed 0.8% in July from June, the largest increase since February and a bigger gain than the 0.3% economists expected.

U.S. retail sales rose 1.1% in September from August, more than the 0.8% expected. Excluding the auto component, sales were up 1.1%, the biggest rise since January and topping estimates of 0.6%.

The consumer sentiment reading of the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 73.6 in early August from July’s final reading of 72.3. The August preliminary reading topped forecasts for an increase to 72.4 and marked the highest level since May.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in August from July, more than the 0.7% expected and the largest rise since February. Excluding the auto segment, sales were up 0.8%, topping estimates of 0.6%.

The broad S&P 500 struck its highest level since May 2008 on 21 Aug 12, while the Dow is sitting less than 60 points beneath its highest point since the end of 2007. Meanwhile, oil futures are jumping 1.5% as the U.S. dollar sinks to its lowest level since early July.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in August from 51.4 in July, the first monthly increase in five months. Readings over 50 point to expansion while readings below 50 indicate contraction.

Orders for long-lasting U.S. goods rose 4.2% in July from June, blowing past estimates of a 2.4% increase. Excluding the transportation segment, orders were down 0.4%, missing estimates of a 0.5% gain.

The Commerce Department reported orders for long-lasting goods climbed 9.9% in September from August, topping estimates of a 7.1% increase.

A second reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.7% in the second quarter, in line with economists’ estimates and faster than an initial estimate of 1.5%.

The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 2.3% in June from May on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, a bigger gain than the 1.6% expected. Prices were up 0.5% from the same period a year earlier in the first increase since September 2010.

The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 1.6% in July from June on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Prices were up 1.2% from a year ago, more than the 1% expected.

Personal spending rose 0.4% in July from June, as expected, to the highest level since February. Personal income rose 0.3%, also as expected.

A final reading on consumer sentiment for the month of August checked in at 74.3, higher than a preliminary reading of 73.6, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 53.7 in August, the highest level since May, from 52.6 in July; the index was expected to fall slightly to 52.5.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 55.1 in September from 53.7 in August, suggesting the sector is expanding at a faster rate. Economists expected a reading of 53.1.

The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI gauge rose to 51.5 in September from 49.6 in August, topping expectations for a reading of 49.7 and marking the first time the index rose above 50 since May. Readings above 50 point to expansion while those below indicate contraction.

The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI gauge rose to 51.7 in October from 51.5 in September, the highest reading since May. The index was expected to fall to 51.2. Readings above 50 indicate expansion while those below indicate contraction.
The unemployment rate in the U.S. unexpectedly fell to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest since President Barack Obama took office in January 2009. In spite of the Republican majority ‘do nothing congress’ that didn’t pass Obama’s Job’s Bill – (5 Oct 12)

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 339,000 during the third week of October from an upwardly revised 369,000 the week prior. Claims were expected to rise to 370,000 from an initially reported 367,000.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 369,000 during the fourth week of October from an upwardly revised 392,000 the week prior.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 355,000 last week – week ending 3 Nov 12 – from 363,000 the week prior. Claims were expected to rise to 370,000. A Labor Department analyst says superstorm Sandy depressed claims in at least one state and resulted in an increase in claims in others.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls rose by 171,000 in October from September, surpassing the 125,000 expected, for 32 straight months of positive job growth. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 7.9% from 7.8%, as expected.

U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September from August, topping estimates of 0.7%. Export prices rose 0.8%, coming in ahead of estimates of 0.4%.

Producer prices rose 1.1% in September from August, a bigger jump than the 0.7% expected.

A preliminary reading on consumer sentiment for the month of October checked in at 83.1, up from a September reading of 78.3 and marking the highest reading since September 2007, according to a report from Reuters and the University of Michigan. Economists were expecting sentiment to decrease to 78.

A preliminary reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2% in the third quarter, up from 1.3% in the second quarter and slightly above estimates of 1.9%.

Stock Market was 8077.56 on 19 Jan 09 and 12,596.56 on 16 Nov 12 …

 
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Posted by on November 19, 2012 in Economics

 

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Oh Look, the “Private Sector” really “is doing fine” – 10 Nov 12 Edition

“The private sector is doing fine” ~ President Obama

Since the above statement by the President the following indicators show the private sector is indeed “doing fine”; the info comes from FOX Business:

First Quarter reported earnings: FedEx posted $10.79 billion, Microsoft reported $16 billion, and Procter & Gamble reported $20.7 billion

In the second quarter the following earnings were reported by the private sector: Yahoo reported $1.08 billion, Facebook reported $1.2 billion, EBay reported $3.4 billion, Macy’s reported $6.12 billion, Travelers reported $6.36 billion, McDonald’s reported $6.92 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7 billion, Best Buy reported $10.55 billion, Amazon.com reported $12.8 billion, Google reported $12.21 billion, United Parcel Service (UPS) reported $13.4 billion, Coca-Cola reported $13.09 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Dell reported $14.5 billion, Pfizer reported $15.1 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $16.5 billion, Microsoft reported $18.06 billion, Citigroup reported $18.4 billion, Procter & Gamble reported $20.2 billion, Bank of America reported $22.2 billion, IBM reported $25.8 billion, Verizon reported $28.6 billion and AT&T reported $31.6 billion …

Following are third quarter earnings: Hewlett-Packard reported $29.7 billion, Wells Fargo reported $21.2 billion, J.P. Morgan Chase reported $25.9 billion, Citigroup reported $19.4 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $17.1 billion, Goldman Sachs reported $8.35 billion, Coca-Cola reported $12.34 billion, IBM reported $24.7 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Bank of America reported $20.4 billion, American Express reported $7.9 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7.6 billion, Travelers reported $6.51, Google reported $11.3 billion, McDonald’s reported $7.2 billion, Caterpillar reported $16.45 billion, Yahoo! Reported $1.09 billion, Texas Instruments reported $3.39 billion, United Parcel Service reported $13.07 billion, 3M reported $7.5 billion, AT&T reported $31.5 billion, Boeing reported $20 billion, Merck reported $11.49 billion, Pfizer’s reported $14 billion,

Following are fourth quarter earnings: News Corp. reported $8.4 billion, Cisco reported $11.7 billion, Apple reported $36 billion, Walt Disney reported $10.78 billion,

The private sector added 163,000 jobs in July, according to the ADP report. Analysts had been expecting an increase of 120,000.

The ADP National Employment Report shows the U.S. private sector added 158,000 jobs in October, more than the 135,000 expected.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls rose by 96,000 in August from July, less than the 125,000 expected. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 8.1% from 8.3.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls increased by 114,000 in September from August, slightly ahead of estimates of 113,000. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 7.8%, the lowest rate since January 2009, from 8.1% the month prior.

The Conference Board’s gauge of consumer confidence rose to 65.9 in July from 62.7 in June, better than the 61.5 economists expected.

The Conference Board’s reading on consumer confidence rose to 70.3 in September from an upwardly revised 61.3 in August, topping estimates for a reading of 63. The reading was the highest since February.

The Conference Board’s index of U.S. consumer confidence rose to 72.2 in October from a downwardly revised 68.4 in September. The results missed estimates of a reading of 72.5, but marked the index’s highest level since February 2008.

The manufacturing sector in the U.S. Midwest expanded at a slightly swifter pace in July than it did the month before. The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago’s PMI gauge came in at 53.7, higher than expectations of 52.5 and a reading of 52.9 in June.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas climbed 2.2% in May from the month before on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, according the S&P/Case-Shiller report. That came in stronger than the 1.5% gain economists expected.

Sales of existing homes rose 2.3% in July from June to an annualized rate of 4.47 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Existing home sales rose 7.8% in August from July to an annualized rate of 4.82 million units, topping estimates of a 4.55-million unit rate and marking the fastest pace since May 2010.

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose 5.7% in September to a 389,000-unit annualized rate, topping estimates of a 385,000-unit rate and marking the highest reading since April 2010.

U.S. pending home sales rose 2.4% in July from June, topping the 1% expected and hitting the highest level since April 2010. Sales were up 12.4% from a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors reported its index of pending home sales rose 0.3% in September from August, the index climbing 14.5% from a year ago.

U.S. housing starts jumped 6.9% in June from May to a 760,000-unit rate, topping estimates of a 745,000-unit rate and marking the highest rate since October 2008.

Housing starts rose 2.3% in August from July to a 750,000-unit rate, missing estimates of a 765,000-unit rate. Permits fell 1% to an 803,000-unit rate, but topped estimates of a 796,000-unit rate.

Sales of new single-family homes rose 3.6% in July from June to an annualized rate of 372,000 units. Analysts were expecting an annualized rate of 365,000 units.

The Commerce Department reported that building permits rose 6.8% to a rate of 812,000, the highest level in four years.

The Commerce Department reports housing starts rose 15% to an annualized rate of 872,000 units in September from August. Housing permits jumped 11.6% to an annualized rate of 894,000 units.

The Labor Department reported producer prices climbed 0.3% in July from June, the fastest pace in five months. Analysts expected an increase of 0.2%. Excluding the food and energy components, prices were up 0.4%, also more than the 0.2% increase forecast.

Retail sales climbed 0.8% in July from June, the largest increase since February and a bigger gain than the 0.3% economists expected.

U.S. retail sales rose 1.1% in September from August, more than the 0.8% expected. Excluding the auto component, sales were up 1.1%, the biggest rise since January and topping estimates of 0.6%.

The consumer sentiment reading of the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 73.6 in early August from July’s final reading of 72.3. The August preliminary reading topped forecasts for an increase to 72.4 and marked the highest level since May.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in August from July, more than the 0.7% expected and the largest rise since February. Excluding the auto segment, sales were up 0.8%, topping estimates of 0.6%.

The broad S&P 500 struck its highest level since May 2008 on 21 Aug 12, while the Dow is sitting less than 60 points beneath its highest point since the end of 2007. Meanwhile, oil futures are jumping 1.5% as the U.S. dollar sinks to its lowest level since early July.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in August from 51.4 in July, the first monthly increase in five months. Readings over 50 point to expansion while readings below 50 indicate contraction.

Orders for long-lasting U.S. goods rose 4.2% in July from June, blowing past estimates of a 2.4% increase. Excluding the transportation segment, orders were down 0.4%, missing estimates of a 0.5% gain.

The Commerce Department reported orders for long-lasting goods climbed 9.9% in September from August, topping estimates of a 7.1% increase.

A second reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.7% in the second quarter, in line with economists’ estimates and faster than an initial estimate of 1.5%.

The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 2.3% in June from May on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, a bigger gain than the 1.6% expected. Prices were up 0.5% from the same period a year earlier in the first increase since September 2010.

The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 1.6% in July from June on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Prices were up 1.2% from a year ago, more than the 1% expected.

Personal spending rose 0.4% in July from June, as expected, to the highest level since February. Personal income rose 0.3%, also as expected.

A final reading on consumer sentiment for the month of August checked in at 74.3, higher than a preliminary reading of 73.6, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 53.7 in August, the highest level since May, from 52.6 in July; the index was expected to fall slightly to 52.5.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 55.1 in September from 53.7 in August, suggesting the sector is expanding at a faster rate. Economists expected a reading of 53.1.

The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI gauge rose to 51.5 in September from 49.6 in August, topping expectations for a reading of 49.7 and marking the first time the index rose above 50 since May. Readings above 50 point to expansion while those below indicate contraction.

The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI gauge rose to 51.7 in October from 51.5 in September, the highest reading since May. The index was expected to fall to 51.2. Readings above 50 indicate expansion while those below indicate contraction.
The unemployment rate in the U.S. unexpectedly fell to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest since President Barack Obama took office in January 2009. In spite of the Republican majority ‘do nothing congress’ that didn’t pass Obama’s Job’s Bill – (5 Oct 12)

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 339,000 during the third week of October from an upwardly revised 369,000 the week prior. Claims were expected to rise to 370,000 from an initially reported 367,000.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 369,000 during the fourth week of October from an upwardly revised 392,000 the week prior.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 355,000 last week – week ending 3 Nov 12 – from 363,000 the week prior. Claims were expected to rise to 370,000. A Labor Department analyst says superstorm Sandy depressed claims in at least one state and resulted in an increase in claims in others.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls rose by 171,000 in October from September, surpassing the 125,000 expected, for 32 straight months of positive job growth. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 7.9% from 7.8%, as expected.

U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September from August, topping estimates of 0.7%. Export prices rose 0.8%, coming in ahead of estimates of 0.4%.

Producer prices rose 1.1% in September from August, a bigger jump than the 0.7% expected.

A preliminary reading on consumer sentiment for the month of October checked in at 83.1, up from a September reading of 78.3 and marking the highest reading since September 2007, according to a report from Reuters and the University of Michigan. Economists were expecting sentiment to decrease to 78.

A preliminary reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2% in the third quarter, up from 1.3% in the second quarter and slightly above estimates of 1.9%.

Stock Market was 8077.56 on 19 Jan 09 and 12,815.39 on 9 Nov 12

 

 
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Posted by on November 10, 2012 in Economics

 

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Private Sector is Doing Fine – 26 Oct 12 Edition

“The private sector is doing fine” ~ President Obama

“I think he’s really defining what it means to be out of touch with reality.” ~ Willard Mitt Romney

Since the above exchange between the President and Willard the following indicators the private sector is indeed “doing fine”, info comes from FOX Business:

First Quarter reported earnings: FedEx posted $10.79 billion, Microsoft reported $16 billion, Procter & Gamble reported $20.7 billion …

In the second quarter the following earnings were reported by the private sector: Yahoo reported $1.08 billion, Facebook reported $1.2 billion, EBay reported $3.4 billion, Macy’s reported $6.12 billion, Travelers reported $6.36 billion, McDonald’s reported $6.92 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7 billion, Best Buy reported $10.55 billion, Amazon.com reported $12.8 billion, Google reported $12.21 billion, United Parcel Service (UPS) reported $13.4 billion, Coca-Cola reported $13.09 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Dell reported $14.5 billion, Pfizer reported $15.1 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $16.5 billion, Microsoft reported $18.06 billion, Citigroup reported $18.4 billion, Procter & Gamble reported $20.2 billion, Bank of America reported $22.2 billion, IBM reported $25.8 billion, Verizon reported $28.6 billion and AT&T reported $31.6 billion

Following are third quarter earnings: Hewlett-Packard reported $29.7 billion; Wells Fargo reported $21.2 billion; J.P. Morgan Chase reported $25.9 billion; Citigroup reported $19.4 billion, Johnson & Johnson reported $17.1 billion, Goldman Sachs reported $8.35 billion, Coca-Cola reported $12.34 billion, IBM reported $24.7 billion, Intel reported $13.5 billion, Bank of America reported $20.4 billion, American Express reported $7.9 billion, Morgan Stanley reported $7.6 billion, Travelers reported $6.51, Google reported $11.3 billion, McDonald’s reported $7.2 billion, Caterpillar reported $16.45 billion, Yahoo! Reported $1.09 billion, Texas Instruments reported $3.39 billion, United Parcel Service reported $13.07 billion, 3M reported $7.5 billion, AT&T reported $31.5 billion, Boeing reported $20 billion, Merck reported $11.49 billion,

Following are fourth quarter earnings: News Corp. reported $8.4 billion, Cisco reported $11.7 billion, Apple reported $36 billion,

The private sector added 163,000 jobs in July, according to the ADP report. Analysts had been expecting an increase of 120,000.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls rose by 96,000 in August from July, less than the 125,000 expected. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 8.1% from 8.3.

The Labor Department reports nonfarm payrolls increased by 114,000 in September from August, slightly ahead of estimates of 113,000. The unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 7.8%, the lowest rate since January 2009, from 8.1% the month prior.

The Conference Board’s gauge of consumer confidence rose to 65.9 in July from 62.7 in June, better than the 61.5 economists expected.

The Conference Board’s reading on consumer confidence rose to 70.3 in September from an upwardly revised 61.3 in August, topping estimates for a reading of 63. The reading was the highest since February.

The manufacturing sector in the U.S. Midwest expanded at a slightly swifter pace in July than it did the month before. The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago’s PMI gauge came in at 53.7, higher than expectations of 52.5 and a reading of 52.9 in June.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas climbed 2.2% in May from the month before on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, according the S&P/Case-Shiller report. That came in stronger than the 1.5% gain economists expected.

Sales of existing homes rose 2.3% in July from June to an annualized rate of 4.47 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Existing home sales rose 7.8% in August from July to an annualized rate of 4.82 million units, topping estimates of a 4.55-million unit rate and marking the fastest pace since May 2010.

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose 5.7% in September to a 389,000-unit annualized rate, topping estimates of a 385,000-unit rate and marking the highest reading since April 2010.

U.S. pending home sales rose 2.4% in July from June, topping the 1% expected and hitting the highest level since April 2010. Sales were up 12.4% from a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors reported its index of pending home sales rose 0.3% in September from August, the index climbing 14.5% from a year ago.

U.S. housing starts jumped 6.9% in June from May to a 760,000-unit rate, topping estimates of a 745,000-unit rate and marking the highest rate since October 2008.

Housing starts rose 2.3% in August from July to a 750,000-unit rate, missing estimates of a 765,000-unit rate. Permits fell 1% to an 803,000-unit rate, but topped estimates of a 796,000-unit rate.

Sales of new single-family homes rose 3.6% in July from June to an annualized rate of 372,000 units. Analysts were expecting an annualized rate of 365,000 units.

The Commerce Department reported that building permits rose 6.8% to a rate of 812,000, the highest level in four years.

The Commerce Department reports housing starts rose 15% to an annualized rate of 872,000 units in September from August. Housing permits jumped 11.6% to an annualized rate of 894,000 units.

The Labor Department reported producer prices climbed 0.3% in July from June, the fastest pace in five months. Analysts expected an increase of 0.2%. Excluding the food and energy components, prices were up 0.4%, also more than the 0.2% increase forecast.

Retail sales climbed 0.8% in July from June, the largest increase since February and a bigger gain than the 0.3% economists expected.

U.S. retail sales rose 1.1% in September from August, more than the 0.8% expected. Excluding the auto component, sales were up 1.1%, the biggest rise since January and topping estimates of 0.6%.

The consumer sentiment reading of the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment increased to 73.6 in early August from July’s final reading of 72.3. The August preliminary reading topped forecasts for an increase to 72.4 and marked the highest level since May.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in August from July, more than the 0.7% expected and the largest rise since February. Excluding the auto segment, sales were up 0.8%, topping estimates of 0.6%.

The broad S&P 500 struck its highest level since May 2008 on 21 Aug 12, while the Dow is sitting less than 60 points beneath its highest point since the end of 2007. Meanwhile, oil futures are jumping 1.5% as the U.S. dollar sinks to its lowest level since early July.

The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 in August from 51.4 in July, the first monthly increase in five months. Readings over 50 point to expansion while readings below 50 indicate contraction.

Orders for long-lasting U.S. goods rose 4.2% in July from June, blowing past estimates of a 2.4% increase. Excluding the transportation segment, orders were down 0.4%, missing estimates of a 0.5% gain.

The Commerce Department reported orders for long-lasting goods climbed 9.9% in September from August, topping estimates of a 7.1% increase.

A second reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.7% in the second quarter, in line with economists’ estimates and faster than an initial estimate of 1.5%.

The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 2.3% in June from May on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, a bigger gain than the 1.6% expected. Prices were up 0.5% from the same period a year earlier in the first increase since September 2010.

The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices rose 1.6% in July from June on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Prices were up 1.2% from a year ago, more than the 1% expected.

Personal spending rose 0.4% in July from June, as expected, to the highest level since February. Personal income rose 0.3%, also as expected.

A final reading on consumer sentiment for the month of August checked in at 74.3, higher than a preliminary reading of 73.6, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 53.7 in August, the highest level since May, from 52.6 in July; the index was expected to fall slightly to 52.5.

The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of service-sector activity rose to 55.1 in September from 53.7 in August, suggesting the sector is expanding at a faster rate. Economists expected a reading of 53.1.

The Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI gauge rose to 51.5 in September from 49.6 in August, topping expectations for a reading of 49.7 and marking the first time the index rose above 50 since May. Readings above 50 point to expansion while those below indicate contraction.

The unemployment rate in the U.S. unexpectedly fell to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest since President Barack Obama took office in January 2009. In spite of the Republican majority ‘do nothing congress’ that didn’t pass Obama’s Job’s Bill – (5 Oct 12)

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 339,000 during the third week of October from an upwardly revised 369,000 the week prior. Claims were expected to rise to 370,000 from an initially reported 367,000.

New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 369,000 during the fourth week of October from an upwardly revised 392,000 the week prior.

U.S. import prices rose 1.1% in September from August, topping estimates of 0.7%. Export prices rose 0.8%, coming in ahead of estimates of 0.4%.

Producer prices rose 1.1% in September from August, a bigger jump than the 0.7% expected.

A preliminary reading on consumer sentiment for the month of October checked in at 83.1, up from a September reading of 78.3 and marking the highest reading since September 2007, according to a report from Reuters and the University of Michigan. Economists were expecting sentiment to decrease to 78.

A preliminary reading on U.S. gross domestic product showed the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2% in the third quarter, up from 1.3% in the second quarter and slightly above estimates of 1.9%.

Stock Market was 8077.56 on 19 Jan 09 and 13,103.68 on 25 Oct 12

Who’s out of touch Mitt?

 
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Posted by on October 26, 2012 in 2012 Election

 

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Top 10 Worst Things about the Republican Budget?

The GOTP is not, repeat NOT, a friend to students, teachers, woman, the poor, or most especially to our country’s veterans … cutting in half the vouchers being given to vets to prevent homelessness. Once again they send soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen to fight, and then stab them in the back! This is a disgrace! But everyone who voted for the GOTP in November, you go ahead and continue to sleep warm and comfy in your beds while vets are under bridges, they didn’t do anything for you.


This is the hypocrisy of the right, plain, simple and out in the open. Our nation spends $2 BILLION DOLLARS per week in Iraq and Afghanistan! $2 BILLION DOLLARS! They – the GOTP – continue to cater to the upper 2% of the population providing them with tax cuts which would have provided billions of dollars to the nation’s coffers, all while cutting education programs, gutting NPR and Public television, taking away food and medical help from millions of woman and children – including prenatal care – and screwing our vets!

Notice, however, there are no defense cuts. We don’t want to upset the military industrial complex, we’ll pay them their billions and then screw the troops for serving their country. This is a disgrace!

NEVER again will I vote for a Republican! NEVER AGAIN! Not if this is what the party of Reagan has become.

The Republican budget would:

1. Destroy 700,000 jobs, according to an independent economic analysis.

So, this is what the GOTP meant about jobs bills, and taking care of jobs in America …

2. Zero out federal funding for National Public Radio and public television.

Yeah, here’s the GOTPs version of the fairness doctrine. They – the GOTP – only want the country hearing Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck. No more programming questioning what they’re doing …

3. Cut $1.3 billion from community health centers–which will deprive more than three million low-income people of health care over the next few months.

I can hear Ebenezer whispering in Boehner’s ear now, “If they had rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population!” This is the GOTP health care plan for America, only the strong and rich will survive in their new America. Can’t afford health care? Too bad!

4. Cut nearly a billion dollars in food and health care assistance to pregnant women, new moms, and children.

As Reagan – the GOTP hero of heroes would no doubt intone – All those welfare queens in their caddies suckling from the nation’s breasts. You’re done! Go get jobs! Go beg! But we’re not helping you anymore!

I’m confused? Isn’t this the party that prides itself on America being a “Christian” nation? Wasn’t there something about taking care of the poor, and how it would easier to put a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven?

5. Kick more than 200,000 children out of pre-school by cutting funds for Head Start.

The GOTP is tired of taking care of your snot nosed kids. If you can’t afford pre-school then too bad! Your kids aren’t worth it! You’re poor! Send your kids out to beg, like in other countries!

6. Force states to fire 65,000 teachers and aides, dramatically increasing class sizes, thanks to education cuts.

The GOTP hates teachers, and it hates public education. The Governor of Wisconsin, Limbaugh, Hannity et al, have been screaming about the lousy teachers getting rich doing nothing all day! No more!

7. Cut some or all financial aid for 9.4 million low- and middle-income college students.

According to Boehner and friends, if you can’t afford college you shouldn’t be there! Why should the rest of us pay for your college education! Go dig ditches, or beg or something. Who are you to think you could better yourself?

8. Slash $1.6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, a cut that experts say would “send shockwaves” through cancer research, likely result in cuts to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research, and cause job losses.

Once again Scrooge is speaking from the pages of literature through the GOTP, “If they’d rather die …” If you’re not wealthy enough to afford health care in Boehner’s America then you should just die. It’s a very simple health care plan. Those who can afford it survive. Those who cannot afford it? Too bad.

9. End the only federal family planning program, including cutting all federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood to support cancer screenings and other woman’s health care.

The GOTP doesn’t care about poor woman, just about their own wives, mistresses and daughters. If you die giving birth to your welfare child, who cares? Not Boehner and company.

10. Send 10,000 low-income veterans into homelessness by cutting in half the number of veterans who get housing vouchers this year.

Boehner – who washed out of Navy basic training – could care less. Typical GOTP attitude. Claim to love America, drive around with your “support the soldiers” magnetic yellow ribbon on your car, and then knife them in the back once they’ve fought, and bled for you.

This is a disgrace …

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2011 in Federal Budget

 

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Over the last two years since President Obama has taken office, the federal government has added 200,000 new federal jobs?

During a 15 February 2011, press conference, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said that “over the last two years since President Barack Obama has taken office, the federal government has added 200,000 new federal jobs. And if some of those jobs are lost in this, so be it.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official statistician for the United States labor force, the overall net rise in federal employees between January 2009 and January 2011 was 58,000. Additionally, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s on-line federal workforce data source, “FedScope,” reports the net increase of positions filled between the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, was only 59,995. Either figure is well below the 200,000 claimed by Speaker Boehner.

There’s one of two things going on here; either the Speaker is completely incompetent when it comes to rounding up numbers (not entirely impossible), or he’s a liar pulling numbers out of any number of orifices to try to back up a bogus political agenda supported by only the narrowest of far right wing Tea Party members of the GOP (extremely possible).

Far more troubling than his probable lying in order to curry favor with the great intellectually unwashed masses of the far right, is his cavalier attitude towards an additional 200,000 Americans becoming unemployed, “if some of those jobs are lost in this, so be it,” the Speaker crowed. You can almost hear – mirrored in Boehner’s words – Ebenezer Scrooge’s famous cant “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” One can only hope that some night soon, Boehner will find himself being visited by the Ghosts of Speakers Past, Present (no doubt the scariest of all) and future.

 
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Posted by on February 18, 2011 in 2012 Election

 

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GOTP invites business to vent about regulations?

“America’s business, is business.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

Not really surprised, but, I’m trying to see how repealing laws regulating business, like clean air, water and noise reduction are going to play anywhere outside the Republican Tea Partista’s (GOTP’s) base? Obvious answer is they’re not. These are repeals set up to repay the heavy contributions from the newly granted corporate-citizens of “Citizens United” acclaim. The case where at least one Associate Justice should have reclused himself – but more on that soon.

‎It’s been said GOTP Congressional committee chairmen are already under instructions from the Tea Partista leadership to get rid of – or modify – rules  businesses don’t like. So, in effect, these “new corporate-citizens” get to decide what is right for the rest of the 99.9% of us.

My biggest question would be, when does the GOP start having hearings where it begins to listen to other groups who don’t like those pesky government regulations. You know the ones? Can’t wait for the upcoming news story of how the GOP is holding hearings compiling info from various southern school districts which don’t like Brown v. Board of Ed?

 
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Posted by on February 12, 2011 in Economics

 

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Taxes at Lowest Level Since 1950?!

According to a 7 Feb 11 Associated Press article, American families and businesses will pay less in federal taxes for the third straight year in a row, and will pay far less than they did under former President George W. Bush (R), thanks to a combination of a weak economy and a growing number of tax breaks for both the wealthy and the poor.


“Income tax payments this year will be nearly 13 percent lower than they were in 2008, the last full year of the Bush presidency. Corporate taxes will be lower by a third, according to projections by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office,” the article said.

The current tax rates are actually the lowest Americans have paid since Harry S. Truman was President. So, if tax rates are the lowest since Harry Truman, which means they’re lower than when Ronald Reagan was President, where’s the boom to the economy that should be overflowing from trickle down?

The only trickle down is something I refuse to write about here, truth is there is no trickle down! Reaganomics is all smoke and mirrors, his higher revenues didn’t show up until after he enacted the highest corporate tax increases in U.S. history. Sorry Sarah Palin, Hannity and Rush, but facts are facts.

So, please Tea Party and Republicans enough with the boo hoo hoo we’re taxed too high already. Find something worthy to protest, like, oh I don’t know? Maybe, the fact we’re still losing young men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan? Or how about (in spite of what Billo the Clown O’Reilly claims) we have homeless veterans freezing to death? But really, just because the 1st Amendment gives you the right to protest, doesn’t mean you should; protesting you’re being taxed too high when you’re paying far less than your parents or grandparents paid is not only obscene, it’s dull-witted, simple-minded and obtuse.

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2011 in Economics

 

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What Are the Nine Most Terrifying Words?

As we approach the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan many conservatives are quoting him, and playing back his famous speeches, and swooning in awe at how much they think Sarah Palin is like him. Really, I’m not making that last part up, they are really swooning over how much they think Palin is like Reagan.

President Reagan famously said that the “nine most terrifying words” in his opinion were, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

I hate to dispute that, but, those aren’t the nine most terrifying words, the nine most terrifying words are, “I am Sarah Palin, and I want your vote.”


A conservative recently said, “What is it about Sarah Palin that scares liberals to death? That she will take away their abortions? Promote freedom? Lower taxes? Get government out of our lives? Oh ya, those are some scary things alright!”

What “scares liberals” about Palin? It’s plain and simple, she’s an idiot; nothing else, just that. I can very easily tell you one thing (as someone who knew and worked for him) she isn’t Ronald Reagan.

On Palin and all the wonderful things she’ll allegedly do.

First, Roe – v – Wade is pretty well established law in the country, and if someone runs for President claiming they’re going to overturn it they’re one of two things, either a fool, or a liar, and possibly both.

Second, how will supporting the policies of the previous administration – which is what she has said she’d do – promote freedom? Through the unconstitutional suspension of habeas corpus (constitutionally a president can only suspend habeas corpus under two circumstances; against individuals who are in rebellion – as Lincoln did during the Civil War – and against foreign invaders), torturing of prisoners, sending the country into a war with anyone who seems to oppose the U.S.? And yes, she’s said she’d attack Iran. Where is it written, previous to the Bush Doctrine – which Palin didn’t know what was – that the U.S, can do whatever it pleases anywhere in the world?

Third, she’ll lower taxes? Hey Tea Party people, and Republicans, stop whining about your huge tax burden, we currently have the lowest tax rates in a long time; much lower than your parents or grandparents lived under. We have – for a very large part – a huge debt because Bush/Cheney ignored a fundamental economic maxim and conducted wars without raising taxes. Blame the President for the country’s debt, because I know conservatives will, but don’t be obtuse about it, admit where it came from in the first place, along with the crippling economy.

And last, how will Sarah get the government out of our lives? Oh yeah, by abolishing the Dept of Ed, and the EPA, and any other government agency or regulation limiting the newly acquired constitutional liberties of big business. So, you like polluted streams and rivers, and you like that minorities, women and children with special needs would have no protections in the classroom? You don’t want federal dollars going to the infrastructure of the country? Because it doesn’t say anywhere in the Constitution that the federal government can do those things. It also doesn’t say the President can send the country off to war, that’s a power enumerated to the Congress, not the President. Why? So, we don’t get into the mess we’re currently in.

So, that’s why liberals are “scared of” Palin. And, here’s a little secret. We’re not scared of her. In the world of political reality, she’s a 10 second sound bite. I hope she runs, I really do, because if she does, she will be exposed for the moronic fraud she really is. She won’t have to worry about the President illuminating just how unprepared she is, her fellow Republicans will take care of that. Oh, and here’s another little secret, when she doesn’t win the GOP nomination, or if it looks like she might not be able to get it in the first place, she’ll probably run as the Tea Party candidate, which will take votes from which party? So, please let’s see those Palin 2012 bumper stickers, let’s see those yard signs.

 
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Posted by on February 3, 2011 in 2012 Election

 

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The U.S. is Sending “Another Trillion Dollars, Your Tax Dollars” Over To Europe?

Really? We’re sending another $1,000,000,000 to Europe? Well, that’s what professor Beck is claiming.

“Now we find out through the Fed that we are going to do almost another trillion dollars, your tax dollars, over to Europe,” Beck claimed while discussing efforts by the International Monetary Fund to stabilize European economies on his FOX PAC program this week.

Unfortunately, as we’ve discovered before, Professor Beck doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s just making it up as he goes along.

The Wall Street Journal Reported, in its 1 Dec 10 edition the exact opposite of what the Beckster said.

“The U.S. isn’t discussing a larger International Monetary Fund contribution to the European rescue package, a U.S. official said Wednesday.

“U.S. Undersecretary of Treasury Lael Brainard is now in Germany discussing the Europe’s plans to contain the euro zone’s sovereign debt woes. A U.S. official said those talks don’t now include a larger IMF contribution.”

Additionally the Associated Press reported on the December 1, 2010, “A U.S. official, who would speak only on condition of anonymity because discussions were still ongoing, said that an addition to the IMF support package was not something that was being discussed currently.

“Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner did dispatch Treasury Undersecretary Lael Brainard, Treasury’s top official on international matters, for talks with European officials. Brainard had meetings in Madrid with economic officials on Wednesday and was scheduled to be in Berlin on Thursday and Paris on Friday.

“The U.S. ‘can’t afford to let Europe implode,’ said David Gilmore of Foreign Exchange Analytics. But the reported statement by the U.S. official does not necessarily mean that the U.S. has already agreed to a deal allowing the IMF to contribute more money or that it will pony up more money for Europe itself.

“A spokesman for the EU’s monetary affairs chief Olli Rehn said he had not heard of talks about extending the EFSF fund.”

Listen please, “… had not heard of talks about extending the EFSF fund.” There are no talks, the U.S. is not sending any additional funds to Europe. Beck is a liar, or he’s delusional, or he’s both.

(Thanks to Media Matters for the information)

 
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Posted by on January 6, 2011 in Lunatics

 

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Ho, ho, ho … GOP Blocking Unemployment Insurance?

And to start this holiday season off right the GOP is blocking continuance of unemployment insurance! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Get a job! (cue GOP favorite Christmas jingle, Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way it Is”) I always suspected Mr. Potter, Scrooge and Marley belonged to that caucus.

I can hear my conservative friends now, “But, you know the deficit is way too high and the national debt is staggering”

And that my friends, is why Boehner and company are holding out to raise both by another $800 Billion to continue a tax break for the top 2% of Americans?

 
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Posted by on December 2, 2010 in Politics

 

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