Economic trends.

• Position: Statistical 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 September Labor Statistics Producer Price Index Increased 1.1 percent Bureau of in September, Labor Statistics seasonally adjusted Confidence Indicator Result Source Consumer Confidence At 70.3 in September Conference Board (1985=100), up from 61.3 in August Economic Growth Indicator Result Source ISM Manufacturing Up to 51.5 percent Institute of Supply Index in September from Management 49.6 percent in August ISM Non-Manufacturing Up to 55.1 percent Institute of Supply Index in September from Management 53.7 percent in August Consumer Economy Indicator Result Source Personal Consumption Increased 0.4 percent Bureau of Economic Expenditures Analysis Housing and Real Estate Indicator Result Source Housing Starts Up 15 percent US Census Bureau from August New Residential Home Fell 1.7 percent from US Census Bureau Sales August Existing Home Sales Fell 1.7 percent National Association from August of Realtors Median Home Prices Up 1.6 percent from S&P/Case Shiller August Foreclosures According to foreclosures are RealtyTrac, new down 6.72 Employment Indicator Result Source Unemployment Rate 7.8 percent in Bureau of Labor (U3)...