Category Archives: Gross Domestic Product

U.S. GDP Grew at 2.2% Annual Rate in 1Q 2012, Much Lower Than +3.0 in 4Q 2011

Posted on April 27, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported that real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2012, according to the bureau’s “advance estimate.” This follows a growth rate of 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The decline in GDP growth in the first quarter is attributable to a deceleration in private inventory investment and a downturn in nonresidential fixed investment—these were party offset by gains consumer spending and exports.  The bad durables goods orders figure certainly contributed to the decline.

Despite the decline in growth, price increases accelerated.  The price index rose 2.4 percent in the first quarter, compared to +1.1 percent in the previous quarter. Even excluding energy and food, the price index rose 2.2 percent.  Not a good number for a Federal Reserve looking to bolster the economy through easy monetary policy.  Slowing growth and rising prices are a deadly mix.

Personal income increased 3.7 percent, while personal spending rose 5.3 percent.  The savings rate naturally took a hit, dropping to 3.9 percent from 4.5 percent in the previous quarter.

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Third Estimate of 4Q 2011 U.S. GDP Shows 3.0% Growth Rate, No Change From Previous Estimate

Posted on March 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported that real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the bureau’s third estimate. This follows a growth rate of 1.8 percent in the third quarter of 2011. Real GDP increased 1.7 percent from 2010 to 2011 overall.

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Brazil’s GDP Grows at 2.7% Rate in 2011

Posted on March 6, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Brazil’s statistical bureau has reported that gross domestic product grew at a 2.7 percent rate in 2011, led mostly by agriculture.  The fourth quarter showed a very slight gain of 0.3 percent, compared to growth in the third quarter.

GDP at market prices relative to the fourth quarter of last year grew by 0.3%, in the seasonally-adjusted series, compared with the figure in third quarter. Agriculture (0.9%) and services (0.6%) recorded increase, whereas industry (-0.5%) fell.

In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2010, GDP grew by 1.4%, value added at basic prices, by 1.2%, and excise tax, by 2.0%.  Among the economic activities,there was increase in agriculture (8.4%) and services (1.4%), versus decrease in industry (-0.4%).

The comparison between 2011 and 2010 figures shows GDP grew by 2.7%, as a result of the increases observed in value added (2.5%) and taxes (4.3%).  In this comparison, agriculture (3.9%), services (2.7%) and industry (1.6%) recorded increase.  According to data presented in the National Accounts, GDP at current prices reached R$ 4,142 trillion in 2011.  GDP per capita was R$ 21,252, with a hike of 1.8%, in terms of volume, over the 2010 figure.  

The complete publication is available at www.ibge.gov.br/home/estatistica/indicadores/pib/defaultcnt.shtm

Hike of agriculture is a highlight compared with figures in Q3 2011

GDP grew by 0.3%, as seen in the comparison between Q4 and Q3 2011, in the seasonally-adjusted series. The changes observed by economic activity were: agriculture: 0.9%; services, 0.6% and industry, -0.5%.

All the components of internal demand recorded positive changes in the last quarter of 2011. Household Expenditure increased by 1.1%, whereas Government Expenditure and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF, or investments) recorded expansion of 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively.

Concerning the external demand, the Imports of Goods and Services grew at a higher rate than their Exports: 2.6% versus 1.9%.

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U.S. GDP Revised Higher to +3.0% in Fourth Quarter 2011

Posted on February 29, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported that real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the “second estimate.” The original estimate was +2.8 percent. This follows a growth rate of 1.8 percent in the third quarter of 2011. Real GDP increased 1.7 percent from 2010 to 2011 overall.

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U.S. GDP Grew at 2.8% Annual Rate in 4Q 2011; Growth Dragged Down By Reduced Government Spending and Increased Imports

Posted on January 27, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has reported that U.S. gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This was higher than the 1.8 percent growth seen in the third quarter, but disappointing, as many economists believed growth would top 3 percent in the quarter.

Positive contributions to GDP growth came from private inventory investment, consumer spending and residential fixed investment.  However, reductions in federal, state and local government spending continue to be a large drag on GDP growth.  Also, an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the GDP calculation, had a negative effect.

The price index increased 0.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to a 2 percent increase in the third quarter.  Lower energy prices were the main difference between quarters.

Consumer spending increased 2 percent in the fourth quarter, compared to a 1.7 percent gain in the third quarter.  Purchases of durable goods led the way with a 14.8 percent gain in the fourth quarter, compared to a 5.7 percent increase in the third quarter.

Government spending dropped 7.3 percent in the fourth quarter.  In the third quarter, government spending increased 2.1 percent.

For the full-year 2011, real GDP gained only 1.7 percent, compared with a 3.0 percent increase in 2010.  Despite the slower growth, however, prices accelerated at a faster pace.  The price index in 2011 rose 2.5 percent, compared to a 1.5 percent increase in 2010.

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