Economic trends.

Many people are paying more attention to economic trends than they did before the credit meltdown. The GFOA's 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.

Economic Growth Trend/ Indictor Result Source Significance Durable Goods Orders Commerce Transporation Orders excluding Department orders fell transportation 12.8 percent rose 0.5 in December percent in December following a 4.5 percent November increase ISM Up to 57 in Institute for Below 50 is Manufacturing December from Supply contraction Index 56.6 in Management November ISM Service Rose to 57.1 in Institute for Below 50 is Index December from Supply contraction 55 in November Management Housing & Real Estate Housing Starts Down 4.3 Census Bureau Down percent in 8.2 percent December from year over year November New Residential Up 17.5 percent Census Bureau Down Home Sales in December 7.6 percent from November year over year Existing Home Up 12.3 percent National According to Sales in...