Economic trends.

• Position: Table

Many people are paying more attention to economic trends than they did before the credit meltdown. The GFOAS Long-Term Financial Planning blog provides frequent updates on important issues and topics of interest, including a monthly summary of relevant statistics. Government Finance Review is reprinting an excerpt of those statistics to help GFOA members keep track of the overall economic picture. To access the Long-Term Financial Planning blog,go to ltfp.gfoa.org.

Confidence Indictor Result Source Trend/Significance Consumer Up to 50.2 in Confidence A reading above Confidence October, from Board 90 would signal 48.6 in a stabilized September consumer Economic Growth Indictor Result Source Trend/Significance Gross Domestic Q3 GDP grew at Commerce Due to rising Product an annualized Department consumer spending 2.0 percent and business building inventory ISM Rose to 56.9 in Institute for Below 50 is Manufacturing October from Supply contraction Index 54.4 in Management September ISM Service Rose to 54.3 in Institute for Below 50 is Index October from Supply contraction 53.2 in Management September Consumer Economy Indictor Result Source Trend/Significance Consumer Credit Decreased at an Federal Resreve Increase in annual rate of September at a 1 1.5 percent in percent annual Q3 rate Housing & Real...