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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