Economic trends.

• Position: News & Numbers - Table

Many people are paying more attention to economic trends than they did before the credit meltdown. Government Finance Review presents a bimonthly summary of relevant statistics to help GFOA members keep track of the overall economic picture.

Inflation Indicator Result Source Consumer Price Index Increased 0.6 percent Bureau of in August Labor Statistics Producer Price Index Increased 1.7 percent Bureau of in August, seasonally Labor Statistics adjusted Confidence Indicator Result Source Consumer Confidence At 60.6 in August Conference Board (1985= 100), down from 65.4 in July Conference Board Lynn Franco, director of Economic Indicators Commentary at The Conference Board, said: "The Consumer Confidence Index is now at its lowest level since late last year (November 2011, 55.2). A more pessimistic outlook was the primary reason for this month's decline in confidence. Consumers were more apprehensive about business and employment prospects, but more optimistic about their financial prospects, despite rising inflation expectations. Consumers' assessment of current conditions was virtually unchanged, suggesting no significant pickup or deterioration in the pace of growth." Housing and Real Estate Indicator Result Source Housing Starts Down 1.1 percent US Census Bureau from June to July Existing Home Sales Up 2.3 percent National Association from June to July . of Realtors Case-Shiller Data through June 2012 showed that all three Commentary from S&P headline composites ended the second quarter of 2012 with positive annual growth rates for the first time since the summer of 2010. The national composite was up 1.2 percent in the second quarter of 2012 versus the second quarter of 2011, and was up 6.9 percent versus the first quarter of 2012. Month-over-month, average home prices in the 10-City Composite were up 2.2 percent and in the 20-City Composite were up 2.3 percent versus May. For the second consecutive month, all 20 cities and both Composites recorded positive monthly gains. Eighteen of the 20 MSAs and both Composites posted better annual returns in June as compared to May 2012--only Charlotte and Dallas saw a deceleration in their annual rates. Foreclosures According to RealtyTrac, new foreclosures are up .82 percent from July to August Employment Indicator Result Source Unemployment Rate 8.1 percent...