ECONOMIC UPDATES

Last Week in the News

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Retail sales fell 0.7% for the week ending September 3, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index. On a year-over-year basis, retailers saw sales increase 2.7%.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the monthly composite index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 53.3 in August from 52.7 in July. A reading above 50 signals expansion. It was the 21st straight month of expansion in the services sector.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted composite index of mortgage applications for the week ending September 2 fell 4.9%. Refinancing applications decreased 6.3%. Purchase volume rose 0.2%.

The trade deficit decreased to $44.8 billion in July from a revised $51.6 billion in June. Exports rose 3.6% to $178 billion. Imports decreased 0.2% to $222.8 billion.

According to the Federal Reserve, consumer credit debt rose in July by $12 billion for a total credit level of $2.45 trillion. Revolving debt, which includes credit cards, fell by $3.4 billion. Non-revolving debt, including loans for cars, rose by $15.4 billion.

Wholesalers increased their inventories 0.8% to $462.4 billion in July. This followed a revised 0.6% rise in June. Sales at the wholesale level were little changed in July at $396.01 billion. On a year-over-year basis, sales were 15.1% higher since July 2010.

Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by 2,000 to 414,000 for the week ending September 3. Continuing claims for the week ending August 27 fell by 30,000 to 3.7 million.

Upcoming on the economic calendar are reports on retail sales on September 14 and consumer inflation on September 15.

Provided by:
Judy Haller
Prospect Mortgage
3985 Prince William Co. Pkwy., Suite 104
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Office: (703) 590-7132