Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2013

Earlier this morning, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2013:

Predicted: +0.3%
Actual: +0.3%

Below is the CPI when food and energy are subtracted from the equation, also known as the "core CPI":

Predicted: +0.1%
Actual: +0.1%

The above numbers represent the seasonally adjusted, month-to-month change in prices for a specific group of goods and services that consumers buy, and is, therefore, a very important part of the overall inflation picture for the country.

The "predicted" figure is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

General categories that constitute the CPI are:

• Healthcare
• Housing
• Clothing
• Communications
• Education
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Recreation
• Miscellaneous Goods & Services (grooming expenses, etc.)

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of January 11, 2014

Earlier today, the Labor Department released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on January 11, 2014:

Predicted: 327,000
Actual: 326,000

Last Week (Revised): 328,000

The above figures represent the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "predicted" figure is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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Employment Situation Report for December 2013

The Employment Situation report for December 2013 was released by The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning:

Unemployment Rate
Predicted: 7.0%
Actual: 6.7%

Non-farm Payrolls (month-to-month change)
Predicted: +200,000
Actual: +74,000

Average Hourly Earnings (month-to-month change)
Predicted: +0.2%
Actual: +0.1%

Average Workweek
Predicted: 34.5 hrs
Actual: 34.4 hrs

Economist, academics, central bankers and investors pay very close attention to the monthly Employment Situation report as it offers penetrating insight as to the current and near-future state of the overall U.S. economy. If a) Americans are earning more money and b) the economy is creating new jobs, this typically translates to more money being pumped into the economy (and vice versa.)

The "predicted" figure is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

Click here to view the full Department of Labor report.

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ISM Manufacturing Index for December 2013

Earlier today, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released their Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) for December 2013:

Predicted: 57.0%
Actual: 57.0%

Every month, the ISM surveys purchasing and supply executives at hundreds of companies across the country who are involved in manufacturing in some form. The resulting index is watched closely by academics, economists and investors because manufacturing accounts for about 12% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The PMI is a reliable barometer of U.S. manufacturing: A PMI above 50% implies that U.S. manufacturing expanded during the month specified, while a reading below 50% implies that the factory sector contracted.

Last month, the PMI was 57.3%.

The following is a sampling of quotes from a diverse pool of U.S. manufacturers:

"...'Amazingly enough, we are seeing meaningful increases in our sales in nearly all segments and regions.' (Apparel, Leather & Allied Products)


    'Largest backlog ever. Most orders waiting on customer approvals.' (Fabricated Metal Products)



    'Orders and prices continue to be strong.' (Paper Products)



    'Continued government spending constraints keeping production volumes low.' (Transportation Equipment)



    'Good overall business conditions nationally and internationally.' (Computer & Electronic Products)



    'Markets are sound. We typically see a seasonal 4th quarter slowdown. However, this year … not so.' (Wood Products)



    'Very, very busy.' (Furniture & Related Products)



    'Sales are strong going into the holiday season.' (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)



    'Construction equipment market continues to be flat with some signs of improvement on the horizon.' (Machinery)



    'Business conditions remain stable to slightly improving.' (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)..."

Click here to view the complete ISM report.

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of December 28, 2013

Earlier today, the Labor Department released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on December 28, 2013:

Predicted: 338,500
Actual: 339,000

Last Week (Revised): 341,000

The above figures represent the number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "predicted" figure is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the true or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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