Sunday, May 3, 2020

Mediocre Cyclical United States Economic Growth with GDP Three Trillion Dollars Below Trend in the Lost Economic Cycle of the Global Recession with Economic Growth Underperforming Below Trend Worldwide, Probable Global Recession in the Lockdown of Economic Activity in the COVID-19 Event with United States GDP Contracting Sharply at 4.8 Percent SA Annual Equivalent Rate in First Quarter 2020, Contraction of Real Private Fixed Investment, United States Terms of International Trade, IMF View of World Economy and Finance, Probable Global Recession, World Cyclical Slow Growth, and Government Intervention in Globalization: Part V


Mediocre Cyclical United States Economic Growth with GDP Three Trillion Dollars Below Trend in the Lost Economic Cycle of the Global Recession with Economic Growth Underperforming Below Trend Worldwide, Probable Global Recession in the Lockdown of Economic Activity in the COVID-19 Event with United States GDP Contracting Sharply at 4.8 Percent SA Annual Equivalent Rate in First Quarter 2020, Contraction of Real Private Fixed Investment, United States Terms of International Trade, IMF View of World Economy and Finance, Probable Global Recession, World Cyclical Slow Growth, and Government Intervention in Globalization

Carlos M. Pelaez

© Carlos M. Pelaez, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.

I Mediocre Cyclical United States Economic Growth with GDP Three Trillion Dollars Below Trend in the Lost Economic Cycle of the Global Recession with Economic Growth Underperforming Below Trend Worldwide

IA Mediocre Cyclical United States Economic Growth

IA1 Stagnating Real Private Fixed Investment

IID United States Terms of International Trade

II IMF View of World Economy and Finance

III World Financial Turbulence

IV Global Inflation

V World Economic Slowdown

VA United States

VB Japan

VC China

VD Euro Area

VE Germany

VF France

VG Italy

VH United Kingdom

VI Valuation of Risk Financial Assets

VII Economic Indicators

VIII Interest Rates

IX Conclusion

References

Appendixes

Appendix I The Great Inflation

IIIB Appendix on Safe Haven Currencies

IIIC Appendix on Fiscal Compact

IIID Appendix on European Central Bank Large Scale Lender of Last Resort

IIIG Appendix on Deficit Financing of Growth and the Debt Crisis

Foreword A. IMF View of World Economy and Finance. Table I-1 is constructed with the database of the IMF (https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx) to show GDP in dollars in 2018 and the growth rate of real GDP of the world and selected regional countries from 2018 to 2021. The data illustrate the concept often repeated of “two-speed recovery” of the world economy from the recession of 2007 to 2009. There is a major change in the sharp contraction of world real GDP of 3.1 percent in 2020 in the probable global recession originating in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. The IMF has changed its measurement of growth of the world economy to 3.6 percent in 2018 and reducing the forecast rate of growth to 2.9 percent in 2019, minus 3.1 percent in 2020 and 5.8 percent in 2021. Slow-speed recovery occurs in the “major advanced economies” of the G7 that are projected to grow at much lower rates than world output, 0.4 percent on average from 2018 to 2021, in contrast with 2.2 percent for the world as a whole. While the world would grow 9.3 percent in the four years from 2018 to 2021, the G7 as a whole would grow 1.6 percent. The “two speed” concept is in reference to the growth of the 150 countries labeled as emerging and developing economies (EMDE). The EMDEs would grow cumulatively 14.2 percent or at the average yearly rate of 3.4 percent.

Table I-1, IMF World Economic Outlook Database Projections of Real GDP Growth

GDP USD Billions 2018

Real GDP ∆%
2018

Real GDP ∆%
2019

Real GDP ∆%
2020

Real GDP ∆%
2021

World

135,762

3.6

2.9

-3.1

5.8

G7

40,783

2.0

1.6

-6.2

4.5

Canada

1,842

2.0

1.6

-6.2

4.3

France

2,970

1.7

1.3

-7.2

4.5

DE

4,343

1.5

0.6

-7.0

5.2

Italy

2,406

0.8

0.3

-9.1

4.8

Japan

5,578

0.3

0.7

-5.2

3.0

UK

3,065

1.3

1.4

-6.5

4.0

US

20,580

2.9

2.3

-5.9

4.7

Euro Area

NA

1.9

1.2

-7.5

4.7

DE

4,343

1.5

0.6

-7.0

5.2

France

2,970

1.7

1.3

7.2

4.5

Italy

2,406

0.8

0.3

-9.1

4.8

POT

334

2.6

2.2

-8.0

5.0

Ireland

389

8.3

5.5

-6.8

6.3

Greece

312

1.9

1.9

-10.0

5.1

Spain

1,854

2.4

2.0

-8.0

4.3

EMDE

80,401

4.5

3.7

-1.1

6.6

Brazil

3,383

1.3

1.1

-5.3

2.9

Russia

4,258

2.5

1.3

-5.5

3.5

India

10,413

6.1

4.2

1.9

7.4

China

25,294

6.8

6.1

1.2

9.2

Notes; DE: Germany; EMDE: Emerging and Developing Economies (150 countries); POT: Portugal

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook databank

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx

Continuing high rates of unemployment in advanced economies constitute another characteristic of the database of the WEO (Continuing high rates of unemployment in advanced economies constitute another characteristic of the database of the WEO (https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/02/weodata/index.aspx). Table I-2 is constructed with the WEO database to provide rates of unemployment from 2017 to 2021 for major countries and regions. In fact, unemployment rates for 2017 in Table I-2 are high for all countries: unusually high for countries with high rates most of the time and unusually high for countries with low rates most of the time. The rates of unemployment are particularly high in 2017 for the countries with sovereign debt difficulties in Europe: 8.9 percent for Portugal (POT), 6.7 percent for Ireland, 21.5 percent for Greece, 17.2 percent for Spain and 11.3 percent for Italy, which is lower but still high. The G7 rate of unemployment is 5.0 percent. Unemployment rates are not likely to decrease substantially if relative slow cyclical growth persists in advanced economies. There are sharp increases in the rates of unemployment in 2020 in the probable global recession originating in the lockdown of economy activity in the COVID-19 event. The rate of unemployment increases to 7.8 percent for the G7 countries and 10.4 percent for the euro area.

Table I-2, IMF World Economic Outlook Database Projections of Unemployment Rate as Percent of Labor Force

% Labor Force 2017

% Labor Force 2018

% Labor Force 2019

% Labor Force 2020

% Labor Force 2021

World

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

G7

5.0

4.5

4.3

7.8

6.9

Canada

6.3

5.8

5.7

7.5

7.2

France

9.4

9.0

8.5

10.4

10.4

DE

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.9

3.5

Italy

11.3

10.6

10.0

12.7

10.5

Japan

2.8

2.4

2.4

3.0

2.3

UK

4.4

4.1

3.8

4.8

4.4

US

4.3

3.9

3.7

10.4

9.1

Euro Area

9.1

8.2

7.6

10.4

8.9

DE

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.9

3.5

France

9.4

9.0

8.5

10.4

10.4

Italy

11.3

10.6

10.0

12.7

10.5

POT

8.9

7.0

6.5

13.9

8.7

Ireland

6.7

5.8

5.0

12.1

7.9

Greece

21.5

19.3

17.3

22.3

19.0

Spain

17.2

15.3

14.1

20.8

17.5

EMDE

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Brazil

12.8

12.3

11.9

14.7

13.5

Russia

5.2

4.8

4.6

4.9

4.8

India

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

China

3.9

3.8

3.6

4.3

3.8

Notes; DE: Germany; EMDE: Emerging and Developing Economies (150 countries)

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx

Foreword B. There is typically significant difference between initial claims for unemployment insurance adjusted and not adjusted for seasonality provided in Table VII-2. Seasonally adjusted claims decreased 603,000 from 4,442,000 on Apr 18, 2020 to 3,839,000 on Apr 25, 2020 in the COVID-19 event. Claims not adjusted for seasonality decreased 792,387 from 4,281,648 on Apr 18, 2020 to 3,489,261 on Apr 25, 2020.

Table VII-2, US, Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance

SA

NSA

4-week MA SA

Apr 25, 2020

3,839,000

3,489,261

5,033,250

Apr 18, 2020

4,442,000

4,281,648

5,790,250

Change

-603,000

-792,387

-757,00

Apr 11, 2020

5,237,000

4,965,046

5,506,500

Prior Year

230,000

204,755

215,500

Note: SA: seasonally adjusted; NSA: not seasonally adjusted; MA: moving average

Source: https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf

Table VII-2A provides the SA and NSA number of uninsured that jumped 1,498,784 NSA from 16,277,222 on Apr 11, 2020 to 17,776,006 on Apr 18, 2020.

Table VII-2A, US, Insured Unemployment

SA

NSA

4-week MA SA

Apr 18 2020

17,992,000

17,776,006

13,292,500

Apr 11, 2020

15,818,000

16,277,222

9,559,250

Change

+2,174,000

+1,498,784

+3,733,250

Apr 04, 2020

11,914,000

12,461,658

6,050,750

Prior Year

1,682,000

1,647,874

1,678,250

Note: SA: seasonally adjusted; NSA: not seasonally adjusted; MA: moving average

Source: https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf

V World Economic Slowdown. Table V-1 is constructed with the database of the IMF (https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx) to show GDP in dollars in 2018 and the growth rate of real GDP of the world and selected regional countries from 2018 to 2021. The data illustrate the concept often repeated of “two-speed recovery” of the world economy from the recession of 2007 to 2009. There is a major change in the sharp contraction of world real GDP of 3.1 percent in 2020 in the probable global recession originating in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. The IMF has changed its measurement of growth of the world economy to 3.6 percent in 2018 and reducing the forecast rate of growth to 2.9 percent in 2019, minus 3.1 percent in 2020 and 5.8 percent in 2021. Slow-speed recovery occurs in the “major advanced economies” of the G7 that are projected to grow at much lower rates than world output, 0.4 percent on average from 2018 to 2021, in contrast with 2.2 percent for the world as a whole. While the world would grow 9.3 percent in the four years from 2018 to 2021, the G7 as a whole would grow 1.6 percent. The “two speed” concept is in reference to the growth of the 150 countries labeled as emerging and developing economies (EMDE). The EMDEs would grow cumulatively 14.2 percent or at the average yearly rate of 3.4 percent.

Table V-1, IMF World Economic Outlook Database Projections of Real GDP Growth

GDP USD Billions 2018

Real GDP ∆%
2018

Real GDP ∆%
2019

Real GDP ∆%
2020

Real GDP ∆%
2021

World

135,762

3.6

2.9

-3.1

5.8

G7

40,783

2.0

1.6

-6.2

4.5

Canada

1,842

2.0

1.6

-6.2

4.3

France

2,970

1.7

1.3

-7.2

4.5

DE

4,343

1.5

0.6

-7.0

5.2

Italy

2,406

0.8

0.3

-9.1

4.8

Japan

5,578

0.3

0.7

-5.2

3.0

UK

3,065

1.3

1.4

-6.5

4.0

US

20,580

2.9

2.3

-5.9

4.7

Euro Area

NA

1.9

1.2

-7.5

4.7

DE

4,343

1.5

0.6

-7.0

5.2

France

2,970

1.7

1.3

7.2

4.5

Italy

2,406

0.8

0.3

-9.1

4.8

POT

334

2.6

2.2

-8.0

5.0

Ireland

389

8.3

5.5

-6.8

6.3

Greece

312

1.9

1.9

-10.0

5.1

Spain

1,854

2.4

2.0

-8.0

4.3

EMDE

80,401

4.5

3.7

-1.1

6.6

Brazil

3,383

1.3

1.1

-5.3

2.9

Russia

4,258

2.5

1.3

-5.5

3.5

India

10,413

6.1

4.2

1.9

7.4

China

25,294

6.8

6.1

1.2

9.2

Notes; DE: Germany; EMDE: Emerging and Developing Economies (150 countries); POT: Portugal

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook databank

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx

Continuing high rates of unemployment in advanced economies constitute another characteristic of the database of the WEO (Continuing high rates of unemployment in advanced economies constitute another characteristic of the database of the WEO (https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/02/weodata/index.aspx). Table V-2 is constructed with the WEO database to provide rates of unemployment from 2017 to 2021 for major countries and regions. In fact, unemployment rates for 2017 in Table V-2 are high for all countries: unusually high for countries with high rates most of the time and unusually high for countries with low rates most of the time. The rates of unemployment are particularly high in 2017 for the countries with sovereign debt difficulties in Europe: 8.9 percent for Portugal (POT), 6.7 percent for Ireland, 21.5 percent for Greece, 17.2 percent for Spain and 11.3 percent for Italy, which is lower but still high. The G7 rate of unemployment is 5.0 percent. Unemployment rates are not likely to decrease substantially if relative slow cyclical growth persists in advanced economies. There are sharp increases in the rates of unemployment in 2020 in the probable global recession originating in the lockdown of economy activity in the COVID-19 event. The rate of unemployment increases to 7.8 percent for the G7 countries and 10.4 percent for the euro area.

Table V-2, IMF World Economic Outlook Database Projections of Unemployment Rate as Percent of Labor Force

% Labor Force 2017

% Labor Force 2018

% Labor Force 2019

% Labor Force 2020

% Labor Force 2021

World

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

G7

5.0

4.5

4.3

7.8

6.9

Canada

6.3

5.8

5.7

7.5

7.2

France

9.4

9.0

8.5

10.4

10.4

DE

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.9

3.5

Italy

11.3

10.6

10.0

12.7

10.5

Japan

2.8

2.4

2.4

3.0

2.3

UK

4.4

4.1

3.8

4.8

4.4

US

4.3

3.9

3.7

10.4

9.1

Euro Area

9.1

8.2

7.6

10.4

8.9

DE

3.8

3.4

3.2

3.9

3.5

France

9.4

9.0

8.5

10.4

10.4

Italy

11.3

10.6

10.0

12.7

10.5

POT

8.9

7.0

6.5

13.9

8.7

Ireland

6.7

5.8

5.0

12.1

7.9

Greece

21.5

19.3

17.3

22.3

19.0

Spain

17.2

15.3

14.1

20.8

17.5

EMDE

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Brazil

12.8

12.3

11.9

14.7

13.5

Russia

5.2

4.8

4.6

4.9

4.8

India

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

China

3.9

3.8

3.6

4.3

3.8

Notes; DE: Germany; EMDE: Emerging and Developing Economies (150 countries)

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2020/01/weodata/index.aspx

There are references to adverse periods as “lost decades.” There is a more prolonged and adverse period in Table V-3A: the lost economic cycle of the Global Recession with economic growth underperforming below trend worldwide. Economic contractions were relatively high but not comparable to the decline of GDP during the Great Depression. In fact, during the Great Depression in the four years of 1930 to 1933, US GDP in constant dollars fell 26.3 percent cumulatively and fell 45.3 percent in current dollars (Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession (2009a), 150-2, Pelaez and Pelaez, Globalization and the State, Vol. II (2009b), 205-7 and revisions in http://bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm). Data are available for the 1930s only on a yearly basis. The contraction of GDP in the current cycle of the Global Recession was much lower, 4.0 percent (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). Contractions were deeper in Japan, 8.6 percent, the euro area (19 members), 5.7 percent, Germany 6.9 percent and the UK 6.0 percent. The contraction in France was 3.9 percent. There is adversity in low rates of growth during the expansion that did not compensate for the contraction such that for the whole cycle performance is disappointingly low. As a result, GDP is substantially below what it would have been in trend growth in all countries and regions in the world. Long-term economic performance in the United States consisted of trend growth of GDP at 3 percent per year and of per capita GDP at 2 percent per year as measured for 1870 to 2010 by Robert E Lucas (2011May). The economy returned to trend growth after adverse events such as wars and recessions. The key characteristic of adversities such as recessions was much higher rates of growth in expansion periods that permitted the economy to recover output, income and employment losses that occurred during the contractions. Over the business cycle, the economy compensated the losses of contractions with higher growth in expansions to maintain trend growth of GDP of 3 percent and of GDP per capita of 2 percent. The US maintained growth at 3.0 percent on average over entire cycles with expansions at higher rates compensating for contractions. US economic growth has been at only 2.3 percent on average in the cyclical expansion in the 42 quarters from IIIQ2009 to IVQ2019. Boskin (2010Sep) measures that the US economy grew at 6.2 percent in the first four quarters and 4.5 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the second quarter of 1975; and at 7.7 percent in the first four quarters and 5.8 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the first quarter of 1983 (Professor Michael J. Boskin, Summer of Discontent, Wall Street Journal, Sep 2, 2010 http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882304575465462926649950.html). There are new calculations using the revision of US GDP and personal income data since 1929 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) (http://bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm) and the first estimate of GDP for IQ2020 (https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2020-04/gdp1q20_adv.pdf). The average of 7.7 percent in the first four quarters of major cyclical expansions is in contrast with the rate of growth in the first four quarters of the expansion from IIIQ2009 to IIQ2010 of only 2.8 percent obtained by dividing GDP of $15,557.3 billion in IIQ2010 by GDP of $15,134.1 billion in IIQ2009 {[($15,557.3/$15,134.1) -1]100 = 2.8%], or accumulating the quarter on quarter growth rates (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The expansion from IQ1983 to IQ1986 was at the average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent, 5.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1986, 5.1 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1986, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1989, 4.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1989, 4.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1989, 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1989. 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1990, 4.4 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1990, 4.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1990, 4.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1990, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ2019, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1993 and at 7.9 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1983 (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) dates a contraction of the US from IQ1990 (Jul) to IQ1991 (Mar) (https://www.nber.org/cycles.html). The expansion lasted until another contraction beginning in IQ2001 (Mar). US GDP contracted 1.3 percent from the pre-recession peak of $8983.9 billion of chained 2009 dollars in IIIQ1990 to the trough of $8865.6 billion in IQ1991 (https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm). The US maintained growth at 3.0 percent on average over entire cycles with expansions at higher rates compensating for contractions. Growth at trend in the entire cycle from IVQ2007 to IQ2020 and the lockdown of economic activity in COVID-19 would have accumulated to 43.6 percent. GDP in IQ2020 would be $22,634.2 billion (in constant dollars of 2012) if the US had grown at trend, which is higher by $3646.3 billion than actual $18,987.9 billion. There are more than three trillion dollars of GDP less than at trend, explaining the 24.1 million unemployed or underemployed equivalent to actual unemployment/underemployment of 14.0 percent of the effective labor force (https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html). Unemployment is increasing sharply while employment is declining rapidly because of the lockdown of economic activity in the probable global recession resulting from the COVID-19 event (https://www.bls.gov/cps/employment-situation-covid19-faq-march-2020.pdf). US GDP in IQ2020 is 16.1 percent lower than at trend. US GDP grew from $15,762.0 billion in IVQ2007 in constant dollars to $18,987.9 billion in IQ2020 or 20.5 percent at the average annual equivalent rate of 1.5 percent. Professor John H. Cochrane (2014Jul2) estimates US GDP at more than 10 percent below trend. Cochrane (2016May02) measures GDP growth in the US at average 3.5 percent per year from 1950 to 2000 and only at 1.76 percent per year from 2000 to 2015 with only at 2.0 percent annual equivalent in the current expansion. Cochrane (2016May02) proposes drastic changes in regulation and legal obstacles to private economic activity. The US missed the opportunity to grow at higher rates during the expansion and it is difficult to catch up because growth rates in the final periods of expansions tend to decline. The US missed the opportunity for recovery of output and employment always afforded in the first four quarters of expansion from recessions. Zero interest rates and quantitative easing were not required or present in successful cyclical expansions and in secular economic growth at 3.0 percent per year and 2.0 percent per capita as measured by Lucas (2011May). There is cyclical uncommonly slow growth in the US instead of allegations of secular stagnation. There is similar behavior in manufacturing. There is classic research on analyzing deviations of output from trend (see for example Schumpeter 1939, Hicks 1950, Lucas 1975, Sargent and Sims 1977). The long-term trend is growth of manufacturing at average 3.1 percent per year from Mar 1919 to Mar 2020. Growth at 3.1 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 157.4135 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511 which is 37.4 percent below trend. The deterioration of manufacturing in Mar 2020 originates in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. Manufacturing grew at the average annual rate of 3.3 percent between Dec 1986 and Dec 2006. Growth at 3.3 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 161.1952 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511, which is 38.9 percent below trend. Manufacturing output grew at average 1.7 percent between Dec 1986 and Mar 2020. Using trend growth of 1.7 percent per year, the index would increase to 133.1389 in Mar 2020. The output of manufacturing at 98.5511 in Mar 2020 is 26.0 percent below trend under this alternative calculation. Using the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), manufacturing output fell from the high of 110.5147 in Jun 2007 to the low of 86.3800 in Apr 2009 or 21.8 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased from 86.3800 in Apr 2009 to 99.9350 in Mar 2020 or 15.7 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased at the annual equivalent rate of 3.5 percent from Dec 1986 to Dec 2006. Growth at 3.5 percent would increase the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 162.5897 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 38.5 below trend. The NAICS manufacturing output index grew at 1.7 percent annual equivalent from Dec 1999 to Dec 2006. Growth at 1.7 percent would raise the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 131.1461 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 23.8 percent below trend under this alternative calculation.

Table V-3A, Cycle 2007-2020, Percentage Contraction, Average Growth Rate in Expansion, Average Growth Rate in Whole Cycle and GDP Percent Below Trend

Contraction

∆%

Expansion

Average ∆%

Whole Cycle

Average ∆%

Below Trend

Percent

USA

4.0

2.1

1.5

16.1

Japan

8.6

1.3

0.4

NA

Euro Area 19

5.7

1.4

0.7

16.7

France

3.9

1.3

0.8

10.5

Germany

7.0

1.9

1.1

NA

UK

6.0

1.8

1.1

18.0

Note: AV: Average. Expansion and Whole Cycle AV ∆% calculated with quarterly growth, seasonally adjusted and quarterly adjusted when applicable, rates and converted into annual equivalent.

Data reported periodically in this blog.

Source: Country Statistical Agencies https://www.bls.gov/bls/other.htm https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/international-programs/about/related-sites.html

Manufacturing is underperforming in the lost cycle of the global recession. Manufacturing (NAICS) in Mar 2020 is lower by 9.6 percent relative to the peak in Jun 2007, as shown in Chart V-3A. Manufacturing (SIC) in Mar 2020 at 98.5511 is lower by 12.3 percent relative to the peak at 112.3113 in Jun 2007. There is cyclical uncommonly slow growth in the US instead of allegations of secular stagnation. There is similar behavior in manufacturing. There is classic research on analyzing deviations of output from trend (see for example Schumpeter 1939, Hicks 1950, Lucas 1975, Sargent and Sims 1977). The long-term trend is growth of manufacturing at average 3.1 percent per year from Mar 1919 to Mar 2020. Growth at 3.1 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 157.4135 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511 which is 37.4 percent below trend. The deterioration of manufacturing in Mar 2020 originates in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. Manufacturing grew at the average annual rate of 3.3 percent between Dec 1986 and Dec 2006. Growth at 3.3 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 161.1952 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511, which is 38.9 percent below trend. Manufacturing output grew at average 1.7 percent between Dec 1986 and Mar 2020. Using trend growth of 1.7 percent per year, the index would increase to 133.1389 in Mar 2020. The output of manufacturing at 98.5511 in Mar 2020 is 26.0 percent below trend under this alternative calculation. Using the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), manufacturing output fell from the high of 110.5147 in Jun 2007 to the low of 86.3800 in Apr 2009 or 21.8 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased from 86.3800 in Apr 2009 to 99.9350 in Mar 2020 or 15.7 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased at the annual equivalent rate of 3.5 percent from Dec 1986 to Dec 2006. Growth at 3.5 percent would increase the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 162.5897 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 38.5 below trend. The NAICS manufacturing output index grew at 1.7 percent annual equivalent from Dec 1999 to Dec 2006. Growth at 1.7 percent would raise the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 131.1461 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 23.8 percent below trend under this alternative calculation.

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Chart V-3A, United States Manufacturing (NAICS) NSA, Jun 2007 to Mar 2020

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/Current/default.htm

Chart V-3B provides the civilian noninstitutional population of the United States, or those available for work. The civilian noninstitutional population increased from 231.713 million in Jun 2007 to 259.758 million in Mar 2020 or 28.045 million.

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Chart V-3B, United States, Civilian Noninstitutional Population, Million, NSA, Jan 2007 to Mar 2020

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/

Chart V-3C provides nonfarm payroll manufacturing jobs in the United States from Jan 2007 to Mar 2020. Nonfarm payroll manufacturing jobs fell from 13.987 million in Jun 2007 to 12.783 million in Mar 2020, or 1.204 million.

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Chart V-3C, United States, Payroll Manufacturing Jobs, NSA, Jan 2007 to Mar 2020, Thousands

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/

Chart V-3D provides the index of US manufacturing (NAICS) from Jan 1972 to Mar 2020. The index continued increasing during the decline of manufacturing jobs after the early 1980s. There are likely effects of changes in the composition of manufacturing with also changes in productivity and trade.

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Chart V-3D, United States Manufacturing (NAICS) NSA, Jan 1972 to Mar 2020

Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/Current/default.htm

Chart V-3E provides the US noninstitutional civilian population, or those in condition of working, from Jan 1948, when first available, to Mar 2020. The noninstitutional civilian population increased from 170.042 million in Jun 1981 to 259.758 million in Mar 2020, or 89.716 million.

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Chart V-3E, United States, Civilian Noninstitutional Population, Million, NSA, Jan 1948 to Mar 2020

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/

Chart V-3F provides manufacturing jobs in the United States from Jan 1939 to Mar 2020. Nonfarm payroll manufacturing jobs decreased from a peak of 18.890 million in Jun 1981 to 12.783 million in Mar 2020.

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Chart V-3C, United States, Payroll Manufacturing Jobs, NSA, Jan 1939 to Mar 2020, Thousands

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/

There is global stress in manufacturing. Table V-3B provides month and 12-month percentage changes of new orders in manufacturing and output of manufacturing in Germany.

Table V-3B, Germany, Manufacturing Orders and Manufacturing Output, ∆% Month and 12 Months

MFG New Orders

Month ∆%

MFG New Orders

12 Months ∆%

MFG Output

Month ∆%

MFG Output

12 Month ∆%

Feb 2020

-1.4

0.4

0.5

-3.5

Jan

4.8

-1.9

2.8

-3.6

Dec 2019

-1.5

-7.1

-2.0

-4.8

Nov

-1.2

-8.5

1.1

-7.3

Oct

-0.4

-5.4

-1.5

-5.9

Sep

1.2

-1.8

-1.2

-1.7

Aug

-0.4

-9.0

0.8

-7.6

Jul

-0.7

-1.8

-0.5

-1.1

Jun

1.4

-11.0

-1.1

-14.6

May

-1.6

-3.6

0.9

1.0

Apr

-0.7

-5.2

-2.5

-4.3

Mar

2.2

-6.2

0.8

-3.9

Feb

-3.8

-7.2

0.2

-0.2

Jan

-3.4

-3.6

-1.4

-3.8

Dec 2018

1.5

-8.2

0.7

-6.7

Dec 2017

2.5

3.9

-0.7

3.7

Dec 2016

4.4

11.2

-1.9

2.0

Source: Federal Statistical Agency of Germany, https://www.destatis.de/EN/Home/_node.html

Table V-3 provides the latest available estimates of GDP for the regions and countries followed in this blog from IQ2012 to IVQ2018 available now for all countries. There are estimates for all countries for IQ2019 and for IIQ2019 for most countries. There are preliminary estimates for most countries for IIIQ2019 and for IVQ2019. Growth is weak throughout most of the world.

  • Japan. The GDP of Japan increased 1.2 percent in IQ2012, 4.9 percent at SAAR (seasonally adjusted annual rate) and 3.1 percent relative to a year earlier but part of the jump could be the low level a year earlier because of the Tōhoku or Great East Earthquake and Tsunami of Mar 11, 2011. Japan is experiencing difficulties with the overvalued yen because of worldwide capital flight originating in zero interest rates with risk aversion in an environment of softer growth of world trade. Japan’s GDP fell 0.7 percent in IIQ2012 at the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of minus 2.9 percent, which is much lower than 4.9 percent in IQ2012. Growth of 2.9 percent in IIQ2012 in Japan relative to IIQ2011 has effects of the low level of output because of Tōhoku or Great East Earthquake and Tsunami of Mar 11, 2011. Japan’s GDP contracted 0.4 percent in IIIQ2012 at the SAAR of minus 1.5 percent and decreased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.3 percent in IVQ2012 at the SAAR of 1.1 percent and increased 0.3 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan grew 1.2 percent in IQ2013 at the SAAR of 5.0 percent and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.8 percent in IIQ2013 at the SAAR of 3.1 percent and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP grew 0.8 percent in IIIQ2013 at the SAAR of 3.4 percent and increased 3.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2013, Japan’s GDP changed 0.0 percent at the SAAR of minus 0.1 percent, increasing 2.7 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 1.0 percent in IQ2014 at the SAAR of 4.0 percent and increased 3.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2014, Japan’s GDP fell 1.9 percent at the SAAR of minus 7.4 percent and fell 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2014 at the SAAR of 0.4 percent and fell 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2014, Japan’s GDP grew 0.5 percent, at the SAAR of 2.0 percent, decreasing 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Japan increased 1.4 percent in IQ2015 at the SAAR of 5.6 percent and increased 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIQ2015 at the SAAR of 0.5 percent and increased 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Japan decreased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2015 at the SAAR of minus 0.2 percent and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP contracted 0.4 percent in IVQ2015 at the SAAR of minus 1.5 percent and grew 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2016, the GDP of Japan increased 0.5 percent at the SAAR of 2.0 percent and increased 0.2 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.2 percent in IIQ2016 at the SAAR of 0.6 percent and increased 0.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2016, the GDP of Japan increased 0.2 percent at the SAAR of 0.9 percent and increased 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.3 percent in IVQ2016 at the SAAR of 1.1 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2017, the GDP of Japan increased 1.1 percent at the SAAR of 4.7 percent and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2017 at the SAAR of 1.5 percent and increased 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2017, the GDP of Japan increased 0.6 percent at the SAAR of 2.3 percent and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2017, at the SAAR of 1.8 percent, and increased 2.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2018, the GDP of Japan decreased 0.5 percent, at the SAAR of minus 1.9 percent and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2018, at the SAAR of 2.0 percent and increased 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2018, the GDP of Japan contracted 0.8 percent at the SAAR of minus 3.3 percent and decreased 0.3 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IVQ2018, at the SAAR of 2.4 percent and decreased 0.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2019, the GDP of Japan increased 0.5 percent at the SAAR of 2.2 percent and grew 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIQ2019, at the SAAR of 2.3 percent and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2019, the GDP of Japan changed 0.0 percent at the SAAR of 0.1 percent and increased 1.7 percent relative to a year earlier. Japan’s GDP decreased 1.8 percent in IVQ2019, at the SAAR of minus 7.1 percent and decreased 0.7 percent relative to a year earlier.
  • China. China’s GDP grew 1.9 percent in IQ2012, annualizing to 7.8 percent, and 8.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 2.1 percent in IIQ2012, which annualizes to 8.7 percent, and 7.6 percent relative to a year earlier. China grew at 1.8 percent in IIIQ2012, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and 7.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2012, China grew at 2.0 percent, which annualizes at 8.2 percent, and 8.1 percent in IVQ2012 relative to IVQ2011. In IQ2013, China grew at 1.9 percent, which annualizes at 7.8 percent, and 7.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2013, China grew at 1.8 percent, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and 7.6 percent relative to a year earlier. China grew at 2.1 percent in IIIQ2013, which annualizes at 8.7 percent, and increased 7.9 percent relative to a year earlier. China grew at 1.6 percent in IVQ2013, which annualized to 6.6 percent, and 7.7 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP grew 1.8 percent in IQ2014, which annualizes to 7.4 percent, and 7.5 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP grew 1.8 percent in IIQ2014, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and 7.6 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP grew 1.8 percent in IIIQ2014, which is equivalent to 7.4 percent in a year, and 7.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew 1.7 percent in IVQ2014, which annualizes at 7.0 percent, and 7.3 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.8 percent in IQ2015, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and 7.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew 1.8 percent in IIQ2015, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and increased 7.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2015, China’s GDP grew at 1.7 percent, which annualizes at 7.0 percent, and increased 7.0 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.6 percent in IVQ2015, which annualizes at 6.6 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew 1.5 percent in IQ2016, which annualizes at 6.1 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2016, the GDP of China increased 1.9 percent, which annualizes to 7.8 percent, and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China increased at 1.7 percent in IIIQ2016, which annualizes at 7.0 percent, and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China increased at 1.6 percent in IVQ2016, which annualizes at 6.6 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China increased at 1.6 percent in IQ2017, which annualizes at 6.6 percent and increased 7.0 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP increased at 1.8 percent in IIQ2017, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and increased 7.0 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China increased 1.7 percent in IIIQ2017, which annualizes at 7.0 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP increased at 1.6 percent in IVQ2017, which annualizes at 6.6 percent, and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.5 percent in IQ2018, which annualizes to 6.1 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP increased at 1.8 percent in IIQ2018, which annualizes at 7.4 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.6 percent in IIIQ2018, which annualizes to 6.6 percent, and increased 6.7 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP increased 1.5 percent in IVQ2018, which annualized at 6.1 percent, and increased 6.5 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.5 percent in IQ2019, which annualizes at 6.1 percent and increased 6.4 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP increased 1.4 percent in IIQ2019, which annualized at 5.7 percent, and increased 6.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of China grew at 1.6 percent in IIIQ2019, which annualizes at 6.6 percent and increased 6.0 percent relative to a year earlier. China’s GDP grew 1.4 percent in IVQ2019, which annualizes at 5.7 percent, and grew 6.0 percent relative to a year earlier. There was decennial change in leadership in China (http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/special/18cpcnc/index.htm). Xi Jinping initiated a second term of leadership in Oct 2017 (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-10/25/c_136705344.htm). Growth rates of GDP of China in a quarter relative to the same quarter a year earlier have been declining from 2011 to 2019.
  • Euro Area. GDP fell 0.2 percent in the euro area in IQ2012 and decreased 0.5 in IQ2012 relative to a year earlier. Euro area GDP contracted 0.3 percent IIQ2012 and fell 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2012, euro area GDP fell 0.1 percent and declined 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2012, euro area GDP fell 0.4 percent relative to the prior quarter and fell 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2013, the GDP of the euro area fell 0.4 percent and decreased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2013 and fell 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2013, euro area GDP increased 0.3 percent and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.2 percent in IVQ2013 and increased 0.7 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2014, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.2 percent in IIQ2014 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The euro area’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2014 and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2014 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. Euro area GDP increased 0.7 percent in IQ2015 and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2015 and increased 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The euro area’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2015 and increased 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Euro area GDP increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2015 and increased 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Euro area’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IQ2016 and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.3 percent in IIQ2016 and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2016, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.4 percent and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.8 percent in IVQ2016 and increased 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2017, euro area GDP increased 0.7 percent and increased 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.7 percent in IIQ2017 and increased 2.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2017, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.8 percent and grew 2.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area grew 0.8 percent in IVQ2017 and increased 3.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2018, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.3 percent and grew 2.6 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area grew 0.4 percent in IIQ2018 and increased 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2018, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.2 percent and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2018 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2019, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.1 percent in IIQ2019 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2019, the GDP of the euro area increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of the euro area increased 0.1 percent in IVQ2019 and increased 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier.
  • Germany. The GDP of Germany increased 0.2 percent in IQ2012 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2012, Germany’s GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier but 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier when adjusted for calendar effects (CA). In IIIQ2012, Germany’s GDP increased 0.3 percent and decreased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP contracted 0.4 percent in IVQ2012 and decreased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2013, Germany’s GDP decreased 0.5 percent and fell 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2013, Germany’s GDP increased 1.1 percent and grew 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Germany increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2013 and grew 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2013, Germany’s GDP increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Germany increased 1.0 percent in IQ2014 and grew 3.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2014, Germany’s GDP changed 0.0 percent and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Germany increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2014 and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.9 percent in IVQ2014 and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Germany decreased 0.2 percent in IQ2015 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIQ2015 and grew 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Germany increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2015 and grew 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2015 and grew 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2016, the GDP of Germany increased 0.8 percent and grew 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIQ2016 and increased 3.7 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2016, the GDP of Germany increased 0.2 percent and grew 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2016 and grew 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2017, the GDP of Germany increased 1.2 percent and grew 3.6 percent relative to a year earlier. Germany’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIQ2017 and grew 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier and 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier adjusting for calendar effects (CA). In IIIQ2017, the GDP of Germany increased 0.9 percent and increased 2.5 percent relative to a year earlier and 3.0 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). Germany’s GDP increased 0.7 percent in IVQ2017, 2.8 percent relative to a year earlier and 3.4 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). The GDP of Germany increased 0.1 percent in IQ2018 and grew 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier and 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). Germany’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2018, 2.5 percent relative to a year earlier and 2.1 relative to a year earlier (CA). The GDP of Germany decreased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2018, increasing 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier and 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). Germany’s GDP changed 0.2 percent in IVQ2018, increasing 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier and 0.6 relative to a year earlier (CA). The GDP of Germany increased 0.5 percent in IQ2019, increasing 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier and increasing 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). Germany’s GDP contracted 0.2 percent in IIQ2019, decreased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier and increased 0.3 relative to a year earlier (CA). The GDP of Germany increased 0.2 percent in IIIQ2019, increasing 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier and increasing 0.6 percent relative to a year earlier (CA). Germany’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2019, increased 0.3 percent relative to a year earlier and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier (CA).
  • United States. Growth of US GDP in IQ2012 was 0.8 percent, at SAAR of 3.2 percent and higher by 2.7 percent relative to IQ2011. US GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2012, 1.7 percent at SAAR and 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2012, US GDP grew 0.1 percent, 0.5 percent at SAAR and 2.5 percent relative to IIIQ2011. In IVQ2012, US GDP grew 0.1 percent, 0.5 percent at SAAR and 1.5 percent relative to IVQ2011. In IQ2013, US GDP grew at 3.6 percent SAAR, 0.9 percent relative to the prior quarter and 1.6 percent relative to the same quarter in 2012. In IIQ2013, US GDP grew at 0.5 percent in SAAR, 0.1 percent relative to the prior quarter and 1.3 percent relative to IIQ2012. US GDP grew at 3.2 percent in SAAR in IIIQ2013, 0.8 percent relative to the prior quarter and 1.9 percent relative to the same quarter a year earlier (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). In IVQ2013, US GDP grew 0.8 percent at 3.2 percent SAAR and 2.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2014, US GDP decreased 0.3 percent, increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier and fell 1.1 percent at SAAR. In IIQ2014, US GDP increased 1.4 percent at 5.5 percent SAAR and increased 2.7 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP increased 1.2 percent in IIIQ2014 at 5.0 percent SAAR and increased 3.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2014, US GDP increased 0.6 percent at SAAR of 2.3 percent and increased 2.9 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.8 percent in IQ2015 at SAAR of 3.2 percent and grew 4.0 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 3.0 percent in IIQ2015, increasing 0.7 percent in the quarter and 3.4 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.3 percent in IIIQ2015 at SAAR of 1.3 percent and grew 2.4 percent in IIIQ2015 relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 0.1 percent in IVQ2015, increasing 0.0 percent in the quarter and 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2016, US GDP grew 0.5 percent at SAAR of 2.0 percent and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 1.9 percent in IIQ2016, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter and 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2016, US GDP grew 0.5 percent at SAAR of 2.2 percent and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.0 percent in IVQ2016, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2017, US GDP grew 0.6 percent at SAAR of 2.3 percent and increased 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.2 percent in IIQ2017, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2017, US GDP grew 0.8 percent at SAAR of 3.2 percent and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 3.5 percent in IVQ2017, increasing 0.9 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2018, US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.5 percent, increasing 0.6 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.9 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 3.5 percent in IIQ2018, increasing 0.9 percent in the quarter, and increasing 3.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2018, US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.9 percent, increasing 0.7 percent in the quarter, and increasing 3.1 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 1.1 percent in IVQ2018, increasing 0.3 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2019, US GDP grew at SAAR of 3.1 percent, increasing 0.8 percent in the quarter and increasing 2.7 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.0 percent in IIQ2019, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2019, US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.1 percent, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. US GDP grew at SAAR of 2.1 percent in IVQ2019, increasing 0.5 percent in the quarter, and increasing 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2020, US GDP contracted at SAAR of minus 4.8 percent, decreasing 1.2 percent in the quarter, and increasing 0.3 percent relative to a year earlier.
  • United Kingdom. In IQ2012, UK GDP increased 0.6 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2012, GDP fell 0.1 percent relative to IQ2012 and increased 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2012, GDP increased 1.2 percent and increased 2.0 percent relative to the same quarter a year earlier. In IVQ2012, GDP fell 0.2 percent and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. Fiscal consolidation in an environment of weakening economic growth is much more challenging. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IQ2013 relative to a year earlier and 0.6 percent in IQ2013 relative to IVQ2012. In IIQ2013, GDP increased 0.5 percent and 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.9 percent in IIIQ2013 and 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IVQ2013 and 2.7 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2014, GDP increased 0.7 percent and 2.7 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.7 percent in IIQ2014 and 2.8 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIIQ2014 and 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2014, GDP increased 0.6 percent and 2.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IQ2015 and increased 2.3 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.7 percent in IIQ2015 and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. UK GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2015 and increased 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.7 percent in IVQ2015 and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2016 and increased 2.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2016 and grew 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. UK GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2016 and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.6 percent in IVQ2016 and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. UK GDP increased 0.6 percent in IQ2017 and increased 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.3 percent in IIQ2017 and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2017, GDP increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.4 percent in IVQ2017 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2018, GDP increased 0.1 percent and increased 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2018 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2018, GDP increased 0.6 percent and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IVQ2018 and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2019, GDP increased 0.7 percent and increased 2.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IIQ2019 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2019, GDP increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2019 and increased 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier.
  • Italy. In IVQ2019, the GDP of Italy decreased 0.3 percent and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2019 and increased 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2019, Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2019 and increased 0.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2018, the GDP of Italy increased 0.1 percent and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP decreased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2018 and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2018, the GDP of Italy changed 0.0 percent and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2018 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2017, the GDP of Italy increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2017 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2017, the GDP of Italy increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IQ2017 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2016, the GDP of Italy increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2016 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2016, GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.3 percent in IQ2016 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IVQ2015 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2015, GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 0.6 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2015 and 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2015 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IVQ2014 and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2014 and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIQ2014 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Italy increased 0.1 percent in IQ2014 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IVQ2013 and fell 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Italy increased 0.2 percent in IIIQ2013 and fell 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIQ2013 and fell 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP fell 0.8 percent in IQ2013 and declined 2.9 percent relative to IQ2013. GDP had been growing during six consecutive quarters but at very low rates from IQ2010 to IIQ2011. Italy’s GDP fell in seven consecutive quarters from IIIQ2011 to IQ2013 at increasingly higher rates of contraction from 0.5 percent in IIIQ2011 to 0.9 percent in IVQ2011, 1.1 percent in IQ2012, 0.8 percent in IIQ2012 and 0.5 percent in IIIQ2012. The pace of decline accelerated to minus 0.8 percent in IVQ2012 and minus 0.8 percent in IQ2013. GDP contracted cumulatively 5.3 percent in seven consecutive quarterly contractions from IIIQ2011 to IQ2013 at the annual equivalent rate of minus 3.1 percent. The year-on-year rate has fallen from 2.2 percent in IVQ2010 to minus 3.2 percent in IVQ2012, minus 2.9 percent in IQ2013, minus 2.2 percent in IIQ2013 and minus 1.5 percent in IIIQ2013. GDP fell 0.9 percent in IVQ2013 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2014 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.1 percent in IIQ2014 relative to a year earlier. GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIIQ2014 relative to a year earlier and changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2014 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2015 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2015 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIIQ2015 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.3 percent in IVQ2015 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.5 percent in IQ2016 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.2 percent in IIQ2016 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IIIQ2016 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.4 percent in IVQ2016 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IQ2017 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.8 percent in IIQ2017 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IIIQ2017 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.9 percent in IVQ2017 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.3 percent in IQ2018 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.9 percent in IIQ2018 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2018 relative to a year earlier and changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2018 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2019 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2019 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIIQ2019 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.1 percent in IVQ2019 relative to a year earlier. Using seasonally and calendar adjusted chained volumes in the dataset of EUROSTAT (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/), the GDP of Italy in IVQ2019 of €430,058.5million (https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/239232) is lower by 5.0 percent relative to €452,802.5 million in IQ2008 (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/). Using seasonally and calendar adjusted chained volumes in the dataset of EUROSTAT (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/), the GDP of Italy increased from €392,018.4 million in IQ1998 to €452,802.5 million in IQ2008 at the annual equivalent rate of 1.5 percent. The fiscal adjustment of Italy is significantly more difficult with the economy not growing especially on the prospects of increasing government revenue. The strategy is for reforms to improve productivity, facilitating future fiscal consolidation.
  • France. France’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2012 and increased 0.6 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IIQ2012 and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2012, France’s GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP decreased 0.1 percent in IVQ2012 and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2013, France’s GDP changed 0.0 percent and decreased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of France increased 0.7 percent in IIQ2013 and increased 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIIQ2013 and increased 0.6 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of France increased 0.5 percent in IVQ2013 and increased 1.1 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2014, France’s GDP increased 0.1 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2014, France’s GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 0.7 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2014 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of France increased 0.1 percent in IVQ2014 and increased 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IQ2015 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2015, France’s GDP changed 0.0 percent and increased 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2015 and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2015, the GDP of France increased 0.2 percent and increased 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IQ2016 and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of France decreased 0.3 percent in IIQ2016 and increased 1.0 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.2 percent in IIIQ2016 and increased 0.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2016, the GDP of France increased 0.6 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.8 percent in IQ2017 and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2017, the GDP of France increased 0.7 percent and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.7 percent in IIIQ2017 and increased 2.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2017, the GDP of France increased 0.8 percent and increased 3.0 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2018 and increased 2.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2018, the GDP of France increased 0.2 percent and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.3 percent in IIIQ2018 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2018, the GDP of France increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.3 percent in IQ2019 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2019, the GDP of France increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2019 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. France’s GDP increased 0.3 percent in IIIQ2019 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2019, the GDP of France decreased 0.1 percent and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier.

Table V-3, Percentage Changes of GDP Quarter on Prior Quarter and on Same Quarter Year Earlier, ∆%

IQ2012/IVQ2011

IQ2012/IQ2011

USA

QOQ: 0.8       

SAAR: 3.2

2.7

Japan

QOQ: 1.2

SAAR: 4.9

3.1

China

1.9 AE 7.8

8.1

Euro Area

-0.2

-0.5

Germany

0.2

1.5 CA 1.0

France

0.1

0.6

Italy

-1.1

-2.3

United Kingdom

0.6

1.2

IIQ2012/IQ2012

IIQ2012/IIQ2011

USA

QOQ: 0.4        

SAAR: 1.7

2.4

Japan

QOQ: -0.7
SAAR: -2.9

2.9

China

2.1 AE 8.7

7.6

Euro Area

-0.3

-0.8

Germany

0.2

0.4 CA 0.9

France

-0.2

0.4

Italy

-0.8

-3.2

United Kingdom

-0.1

1.1

IIIQ2012/ IIQ2012

IIIQ2012/ IIIQ2011

USA

QOQ: 0.1 
SAAR: 0.5

2.5

Japan

QOQ: –0.4
SAAR: –1.5

-0.1

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.5

Euro Area

-0.1

-1.0

Germany

0.3

-0.1

France

0.2

0.4

Italy

-0.5

-3.3

United Kingdom

1.2

2.0

IVQ2012/IIIQ2012

IVQ2012/IVQ2011

United States

QOQ: 0.1
SAAR: 0.5

1.5

Japan

QOQ: 0.3

SAAR: 1.1

0.3

China

2.0 AE 8.2

8.1

Euro Area

-0.4

-1.1

Germany

-0.4

-0.1

France

-0.1

0.0

Italy

-0.8

-3.2

United Kingdom

-0.2

1.6

IQ2013/IVQ2012

IQ2013/IQ2012

United States

QOQ: 0.9
SAAR: 3.6

1.6

Japan

QOQ: 1.2

SAAR: 5.0

0.4

China

1.9 AE 7.8

7.9

Euro Area

-0.4

-1.2

Germany

-0.5

-1.5

France

0.0

-0.1

Italy

-0.8

-2.9

UK

0.6

1.6

IIQ2013/IQ2013

IIQ2013/IIQ2012

USA

QOQ: 0.1

SAAR: 0.5

1.3

Japan

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.1

1.9

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.6

Euro Area

0.5

-0.4

Germany

1.1

0.8

France

0.7

0.8

Italy

0.0

-2.2

UK

0.5

2.3

IIIQ2013/IIQ2013

III/Q2013/IIIQ2012

USA

QOQ: 0.8
SAAR: 3.2

1.9

Japan

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.4

3.0

China

2.1 AE 8.7

7.9

Euro Area

0.3

0.0

Germany

0.5

1.2

France

0.0

0.6

Italy

0.2

-1.5

UK

0.9

2.0

IVQ2013/IIIQ2013

IVQ2013/IVQ2012

USA

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.2

2.6

Japan

QOQ: 0.0

SAAR: -0.1

2.7

China

1.6 AE 6.6

7.7

Euro Area

0.2

0.7

Germany

0.3

1.2

France

0.5

1.1

Italy

-0.2

-0.9

UK

0.5

2.7

IQ2014/IVQ2013

IQ2014/IQ2013

USA

QOQ -0.3

SAAR -1.1

1.4

Japan

QOQ: 1.0

SAAR: 4.0

3.0

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.5

Euro Area

0.5

1.5

Germany

1.0

3.2

France

0.1

1.2

Italy

0.1

0.1

UK

0.7

2.7

IIQ2014/IQ2014

IIQ2014/IIQ2013

USA

QOQ 1.4

SAAR 5.5

2.7

Japan

QOQ: -1.9

SAAR: -7.4

-0.1

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.6

Euro Area

0.2

1.2

Germany

0.0

1.4

France

0.2

0.7

Italy

0.0

0.1

UK

0.7

2.8

IIIQ2014/IIQ2014

IIIQ2014/IIIQ2013

USA

QOQ: 1.2

SAAR: 5.0

3.1

Japan

QOQ: 0.1

SAAR: 0.4

-0.9

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.2

Euro Area

0.5

1.4

Germany

0.5

1.8

France

0.5

1.2

Italy

0.1

0.0

UK

0.6

2.4

IVQ2014/IIIQ2014

IVQ2014/IVQ2013

USA

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.3

2.9

Japan

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

-0.5

China

1.7 AE 7.0

7.3

Euro Area

0.4

1.6

Germany

0.9

2.4

France

0.1

0.8

Italy

-0.2

0.0

UK

0.6

2.5

IQ2015/IVQ2014

IQ2015/IQ2014

USA

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.2

4.0

Japan

QOQ: 1.4

SAAR: 5.6

0.0

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.1

Euro Area

0.7

1.8

Germany

-0.2

1.3

France

0.4

1.2

Italy

0.2

0.1

UK

0.5

2.3

IIQ2015/IQ2015

IIQ2015/IIQ2014

USA

QOQ: 0.7

SAAR: 3.0

3.4

Japan

QOQ: 0.1

SAAR: 0.5

2.2

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.1

Euro Area

0.4

2.1

Germany

0.6

1.8

France

0.0

1.0

Italy

0.4

0.5

UK

0.7

2.4

IIIQ2015/IIQ2015

IIIQ2015/IIIQ2014

USA

QOQ: 0.3

SAAR: 1.3

2.4

Japan

QOQ: -0.1

SAAR: -0.2

1.9

China

1.7 AE 7.0

7.0

Euro Area

0.5

2.0

Germany

0.5

1.8

France

0.4

0.9

Italy

0.2

0.6

UK

0.4

2.2

IVQ2015/IIIQ2015

IVQ2015/IVQ2014

USA

QOQ: 0.0

SAAR: 0.1

1.9

Japan

QOQ: -0.4

SAAR: -1.5

0.9

China

1.6 AE 6.6

6.9

Euro Area

0.4

2.1

Germany

0.4

2.1

France

0.2

1.0

Italy

0.5

1.3

UK

0.7

2.4

IQ2016/IVQ2015

IQ2016/IQ2015

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

1.6

Japan

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

0.2

China

1.5 AE 6.1

6.9

Euro Area

0.6

1.9

Germany

0.8

2.0

France

0.6

1.2

Italy

0.3

1.5

UK

0.2

2.1

IIQ2016/IQ2016

IIQ2016/IIQ2015

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 1.9

1.3

Japan

QOQ: 0.2

SAAR: 0.6

0.2

China

1.9 AE 7.8

6.8

Euro Area

0.3

1.8

Germany

0.6

3.7

France

-0.3

1.0

Italy

0.2

1.2

UK

0.5

1.9

IIIQ2016/IIQ2016

IIIQ2016/IIIQ2015

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.2

1.6

Japan

QOQ: 0.2

SAAR: 0.9

0.5

China

1.7 AE 7.0

6.8

Euro Area

0.4

1.8

Germany

0.2

1.9

France

0.2

0.8

Italy

0.5

1.6

UK

0.5

1.9

IVQ2016/IIIQ2016

IVQ2016/IVQ2015

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

2.0

Japan

QOQ: 0.3

SAAR: 1.1

1.2

China

1.6 AE 6.6

6.9

Euro Area

0.8

2.1

Germany

0.4

1.4

France

0.6

1.2

Italy

0.3

1.4

UK

0.6

1.8

IQ2017/IVQ2016

IQ2017/IQ2016

USA

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.3

2.1

Japan

QOQ: 1.1

SAAR: 4.7

1.8

China

1.6 AE 6.6

7.0

Euro Area

0.7

2.2

Germany

1.2

3.6

France

0.8

1.4

Italy

0.6

1.6

UK

0.6

2.2

IIQ2017/IQ2017

IIQ2017/IIQ2016

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.2

2.2

Japan

QOQ: 0.4

SAAR: 1.5

2.0

China

1.8 AE 7.4

7.0

Euro Area

0.7

2.6

Germany

0.6

1.0 CA 2.3

France

0.7

2.4

Italy

0.3

1.8

UK

0.3

1.9

IIIQ2017/IIQ2017

IIIQ2017/IIIQ2016

USA

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.2

2.4

Japan

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.3

2.4

China

1.7 AE 7.0

6.9

Euro Area

0.8

2.9

Germany

0.9

2.5 CA 3.0

France

0.7

2.8

Italy

0.4

1.6

UK

0.3

1.8

IVQ2017/IIIQ2017

IVQ2017/IVQ2016

USA

QOQ: 0.9

SAAR: 3.5

2.8

Japan

QOQ: 0.4

SAAR: 1.8

2.5

China

1.6 AE 6.6

6.8

Euro Area

0.8

3.0

Germany

0.7

2.8 CA 3.4

France

0.8

3.0

Italy

0.5

1.9

UK

0.4

1.6

IQ2018/IVQ2017

IQ2018/IQ2017

USA

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.5

2.9

Japan

QOQ: -0.5

SAAR: -1.9

0.9

China

1.5 AE 6.1

6.9

Euro Area

0.3

2.6

Germany

0.1

1.6 CA 2.3

France

0.2

2.4

Italy

0.1

1.3

UK

0.1

1.1

IIQ2018/IQ2018

IIQ2018/IIQ2017

USA

QOQ: 0.9

SAAR: 3.5

3.2

Japan

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

1.0

China

1.8 AE 7.4

6.9

Euro Area

0.4

2.2

Germany

0.4

2.5 CA 2.1

France

0.2

1.9

Italy

0.0

0.9

UK

0.5

1.3

IIIQ2018/IIQ2018

IIIQ2018/IIIQ2017

USA

QOQ: 0.7

SAAR: 2.9

3.1

Japan

QOQ -0.8

SAAR: -3.3

-0.3

China

1.6 AE 6.6

6.7

Euro Area

0.2

1.6

Germany

-0.1

1.1 CA 1.1

France

0.3

1.5

Italy

-0.1

0.4

UK

0.6

1.6

IVQ2018IIIQ2018

IVQ2018/IVQ2017

USA

QOQ: 0.3

SAAR: 1.1

2.5

Japan

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.4

-0.3

China

1.5 AE 6.1

6.5

Euro Area

0.4

1.2

Germany

0.2

0.9 CA 0.6

France

0.5

1.2

Italy

0.1

0.0

UK

0.2

1.4

IQ2019/IV2018

IQ2019/IQ2018

USA

QOQ: 0.8

SAAR: 3.1

2.7

Japan

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.2

0.8

China

1.5 AE 6.1

6.4

Euro Area

0.5

1.4

Germany

0.5

0.9 CA 1.0

France

0.3

1.3

Italy

0.2

0.2

UK

0.7

2.0

IIQ2019/IQ2019

IIQ2019/IIQ2018

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.0

2.3

Japan

QOQ: 0.6

SAAR: 2.3

0.9

China

1.4 AE 5.7

6.2

Euro Area

0.1

1.2

Germany

-0.2

-0.1 CA 0.3

France

0.4

1.5

Italy

0.1

0.4

UK

-0.2

1.3

IIIQ2019/IIQ2019

IIIQ2019/IIIQ2018

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR 2.1

2.1

Japan

QOQ: 0.0

SAAR: 0.1

1.7

China

1.6 AE 6.6

6.0

Euro Area

0.3

1.3

Germany

0.2

1.1 CA 0.6

France

0.3

1.5

Italy

0.1

0.5

UK

0.5

1.3

IVQ2019/IIIQ2019

IVQ2019/IVQ2018

USA

QOQ: 0.5

SAAR: 2.1

2.3

Japan

QOQ: -1.8

SAAR: -7.1

-0.7

China

1.4 AE 5.7

6.0

Euro Area

0.1

1.0

Germany

0.0

0.3 CA 0.4

France

-0.1

0.9

Italy

-0.3

0.1

UK

0.0

1.1

IQ2020/IVQ2019

IQ2020/IQ2019

USA

QOQ: -1.2

SAAR: -4.8

0.3

QOQ: Quarter relative to prior quarter; SAAR: seasonally adjusted annual rate

Source: Country Statistical Agencies http://www.bls.gov/bls/other.htm https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/international-programs/about/related-sites.html

Table V-4 provides two types of data: growth of exports and imports in the latest available months and in the past 12 months; and contributions of net trade (exports less imports) to growth of real GDP.

  • China. In Mar 2020, China exports decreased 2.9 percent relative to a year earlier and imports decreased 1.1 percent.
  • Germany. Germany’s exports increased 1.3 percent in the month of Feb 2020 and increased 0.4 percent in the 12 months ending in Feb 2020. Germany’s imports decreased 1.6 percent in the month of Feb 2020 and decreased 2.9 percent in the 12 months ending in Feb 2020. Net trade contributed 0.8 percentage points to growth of GDP in IQ2012, contributed 0.3 percentage points in IIQ2012, contributed 0.4 percentage points in IIIQ2012, deducted 0.5 percentage points in IVQ2012, deducted 0.3 percentage points in IQ2013 and deducted 0.3 percentage points in IIQ2013. Net traded deducted 0.0 percentage points from Germany’s GDP growth in IIIQ2013 and added 0.9 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2013. Net trade deducted 0.1 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2014. Net trade deducted 0.3 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2014 and added 0.7 percentage points in IIIQ2014. Net trade added 0.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2014 and deducted 0.4 percentage points in IQ2015. Net trade added 0.6 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2015 and deducted 0.4 percentage points in IIIQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.6 percentage points in IVQ2015 and deducted 0.4 percentage points in IQ2016. Net trade added 0.7 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2016. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2016. Net trade deducted 0.7 percentage points in IVQ2016. Net trade added 0.7 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2017. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2017. Net trade added 0.5 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2017. Net trade added 0.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2017. Net trade contributed 0.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2018 and deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2018. Net trade deducted 1.0 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2018. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2018. Net trade contributed 0.5 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2019. Net trade deducted 0.5 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2019. Net traded added 0.6 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2019. Net trade deducted 0.6 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2019.
  • United Kingdom. Net trade contributed 0.7 percentage points in IIQ2013. In IIIQ2013, net trade deducted 1.7 percentage points from UK growth. Net trade contributed 0.1 percentage points to UK value added in IVQ2013. Net trade contributed 0.8 percentage points to UK value added in IQ2014 and 0.3 percentage points in IIQ2014. Net trade deducted 0.7 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2014 and added 0.0 percentage points in IVQ2014. Net traded deducted 0.4 percentage points from growth in IQ2015. Net trade added 1.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2015 and deducted 0.4 percentage points in IIIQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.1-percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2016. Net trade added 0.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2016. Net trade deducted 1.8 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2016. Net trade added 1.7 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2016. Net trade added 0.33 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2017 and contributed 0.01 percentage points in IIQ2017. Net trade contributed 0.11 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2017. Net trade deducted 0.14 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2017. Net trade added 0.02 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2018. Net trade deducted 0.26 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2018. Net trade contributed 0.44 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2018. Net trade deducted 1.00 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2018. Net trade deducted 2.49 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2019. Net trade contributed 2.71 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2019. Net trade contributed 1.36 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2019. Net trade contributed 1.48 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2019.
  • France. France’s exports increased 5.1 percent in Feb 2020 while imports increased 2.8 percent. France’s exports decreased 1.0 percent in the 12 months ending in Feb 2020 and imports increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Net traded added 0.1 percentage points to France’s GDP in IIIQ2012 and 0.1 percentage points in IVQ2012. Net trade deducted 0.1 percentage points from France’s GDP growth in IQ2013 and added 0.3 percentage points in IIQ2013, deducting 1.7 percentage points in IIIQ2013. Net trade added 0.1 percentage points to France’s GDP in IVQ2013 and deducted 0.1 percentage points in IQ2014. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from France’s GDP growth in IIQ2014 and deducted 0.2 percentage points in IIIQ2014. Net trade added 0.2 percentage points to France’s GDP growth in IVQ2014 and deducted 0.2 percentage points in IQ2015. Net trade added 0.4 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2015 and deducted 0.6 percentage points in IIIQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.7 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2015 and deducted 0.1 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2016. Net trade added 0.3 percentage points to GDP in IIQ2016. Net trade deducted 0.6 percentage points from GDP in IIIQ2016 and added 0.1 percentage points in IVQ2016. Net trade deducted 0.6 percentage points from GDP in IQ2017 and added 0.9 percentage points in IIQ2017. Net trade deducted 0.3 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2017. Net trade added 0.6 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2017. Net trade added 0.0 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2018. Net trade contributed 0.0 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2018. Net trade added 0.3 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2018. Net trade added 0.2 percentage points to GDP in IVQ2018. Net trade deducted 0.3 percentage points from GDP in IQ2019. Net trade contributed 0.0 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ219. Net trade deducted 0.2 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2019. Net trade added 0.1 percentage points to GDP growth in IVQ2019.
  • United States. US exports decreased 0.4 percent in Feb 2020 and goods exports decreased 0.4 percent in Jan-Feb 2020 relative to a year earlier. Imports decreased 2.5 percent in Feb 2020 and goods imports decreased 4.0 percent in Jan-Feb 2020 relative to a year earlier. Net trade added 0.27 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2012 and deducted 0.08 percentage points in IIIQ2012, adding 0.57 percentage points in IVQ2012. Net trade added 0.40 percentage points to US GDP growth in IQ2013 and deducted 0.33 percentage points in IIQ2013. Net traded subtracted 0.14 percentage points from US GDP growth in IIIQ2013. Net trade added 1.23 percentage points to US GDP growth in IVQ2013. Net trade deducted 1.11 percentage points from US GDP growth in IQ2014 and deducted 0.46 percentage points in IIQ2014. Net trade added 0.10 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2014. Net trade deducted 1.05 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2014 and deducted 1.67 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2015. Net trade added 0.06 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2015. Net trade deducted 1.00 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.20 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2015. Net trade deducted 0.50 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2016. Net trade added 0.35 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2016. Net trade added 0.05 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2016. Net trade deducted 1.36 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2016.  Net trade added 0.13 percentage points to GDP growth in IQ2017.  Net trade deducted 0.31 percentage points from GDP growth in IIQ2017. Net trade added 0.35 percentage points to GDP growth in IIIQ2017. Net trade deducted 0.80 percentage points from GDP growth in IVQ2017. Net trade deducted 0.00 percentage points from GDP growth in IQ2018. Net trade added 0.67 percentage points to GDP growth in IIQ2018. Net trade deducted 2.05 percentage points from GDP growth in IIIQ2018, deducting 0.35 percentage points in IVQ2018. Net trade added 0.73 percentage points in IQ2019, deducting 0.68 percentage points in IIQ2019. Net trade deducted 0.14 percentage points in IIIQ2019. Net trade added 1.51 percentage points in IVQ2019, adding 1.30 percentage points in IQ2020.

Industrial production decreased 5.4 percent in Mar 2020 and increased 0.5 percent in Feb 2020 after decreasing 0.5 percent in Jan 2020. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System conducted the annual revision of industrial production released on Mar 27, 2019 (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/revisions/Current/DefaultRev.htm):

“The Federal Reserve has revised its index of industrial production (IP) and the related measures of capacity and capacity utilization.[1] On net, the revisions to the growth rates for total IP for recent years were small and positive, with the estimates for 2016 and 2017 a bit higher and the estimates for 2015 and 2018 slightly lower.[2] Total IP is still reported to have increased from the end of the recession in mid-2009 through late 2014 before declining in 2015 and rebounding in mid-2016. Subsequently, the index advanced around 7 1/2 percent over 2017 and 2018.

Capacity for total industry expanded modestly in each year from 2015 to 2017 before advancing 1 1/2 percent in 2018; it is expected to advance about 2 percent in 2019. Revisions for recent years were very small and showed slightly less expansion in most years relative to earlier reports.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, capacity utilization for total industry stood at 79.4 percent, about 3/4 percentage point above its previous estimate and about 1/2 percentage point below its long-run (1972–2018) average. The utilization rate in 2017 is also higher than its previous estimate.”

The report of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System states (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current/default.htm):

“Total industrial production fell 5.4 percent in March, as the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic led many factories to suspend operations late in the month. Manufacturing output fell 6.3 percent; most major industries posted decreases, with the largest decline registered by motor vehicles and parts. The decreases for total industrial production and for manufacturing were their largest since January 1946 and February 1946, respectively. The indexes for utilities and mining declined 3.9 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively. At 103.7 percent of its 2012 average, the level of total industrial production in March was 5.5 percent lower than a year earlier. Capacity utilization for the industrial sector decreased 4.3 percentage points to 72.7 percent in March, a rate that is 7.1 percentage points below its long-run (1972–2019) average. The estimates in this release incorporated data on stay-at-home orders as well as other information on industrial activity for late in the month. An explanation of the methods used to construct the estimates is available on the Federal Reserve Board's website at www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/g17_technical_qa.htm#covid2020. Capacity utilization for manufacturing in March was 70.3 percent, 4.7 percentage points lower than in February and 7.9 percentage points below its long-run average. The operating rate for durable manufacturing dropped to 67.8 percent, about 9 percentage points below its long-run average, held down by decreases in every major industry group. Capacity utilization for nondurables fell 2.5 percentage points to 73.9 percent, about 6 percentage points below its long-run average. Utilization rates for printing and support, for textile and product mills, and for apparel and leather all recorded drops of nearly 10 percentage points or more.” In the six months ending in Mar 2020, United States national industrial production accumulated change of minus 5.3 percent at the annual equivalent rate of minus 10.3 percent, which is lower than growth of minus 5.5 percent in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020. Excluding growth of 0.9 percent in Nov 2019, growth in the remaining five months from Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 accumulated to minus 6.2 percent or minus 14.1 percent annual equivalent. Industrial production increased 0.9 percent in one of the past six months, 0.5 percent in one month, minus 5.4 percent in one month, minus 0.5 percent in one month, and minus 0.4 percent in two months. Industrial production decreased at annual equivalent 19.9 percent in the most recent quarter from Jan 2020 to Mar 2020 and increased at 0.4 percent annual equivalent in the prior quarter from Oct to Dec 2019. Business equipment accumulated change of minus 10.7 percent in the six months from Oct 2019 to Mar 2020, at the annual equivalent rate of minus 20.3 percent, which is lower than growth of minus 12.6 percent in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020. The Fed analyzes capacity utilization of total industry in its report (https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/Current/default.htm): ” Capacity utilization for manufacturing in March was 70.3 percent, 4.7 percentage points lower than in February and 7.9 percentage points below its long-run average. The operating rate for durable manufacturing dropped to 67.8 percent, about 9 percentage points below its long-run average, held down by decreases in every major industry group. Capacity utilization for nondurables fell 2.5 percentage points to 73.9 percent, about 6 percentage points below its long-run average. Utilization rates for printing and support, for textile and product mills, and for apparel and leather all recorded drops of nearly 10 percentage points or more.” United States industry apparently decelerated to a lower growth rate followed by possible acceleration, weakening growth in past months and deep contraction in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID 19 event. There could be renewed growth with oscillations.

Manufacturing decreased 22.3 percent from the peak in Jun 2007 to the trough in Apr 2009 and increased 18.3 percent from the trough in Apr 2009 to Dec 2019. Manufacturing grew 12.9 percent from the trough in Apr 2009 to Mar 2020. Manufacturing in Mar 2020 is lower by 12.3 percent relative to the peak in Jun 2007. The US maintained growth at 3.0 percent on average over entire cycles with expansions at higher rates compensating for contractions. US economic growth has been at only 2.3 percent on average in the cyclical expansion in the 42 quarters from IIIQ2009 to IVQ2019. Boskin (2010Sep) measures that the US economy grew at 6.2 percent in the first four quarters and 4.5 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the second quarter of 1975; and at 7.7 percent in the first four quarters and 5.8 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the first quarter of 1983 (Professor Michael J. Boskin, Summer of Discontent, Wall Street Journal, Sep 2, 2010 http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882304575465462926649950.html). There are new calculations using the revision of US GDP and personal income data since 1929 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) (http://bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm) and the first estimate of GDP for IQ2020 (https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2020-04/gdp1q20_adv.pdf). The average of 7.7 percent in the first four quarters of major cyclical expansions is in contrast with the rate of growth in the first four quarters of the expansion from IIIQ2009 to IIQ2010 of only 2.8 percent obtained by dividing GDP of $15,557.3 billion in IIQ2010 by GDP of $15,134.1 billion in IIQ2009 {[($15,557.3/$15,134.1) -1]100 = 2.8%], or accumulating the quarter on quarter growth rates (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The expansion from IQ1983 to IQ1986 was at the average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent, 5.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1986, 5.1 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1986, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1989, 4.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1989, 4.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1989, 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1989. 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1990, 4.4 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1990, 4.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1990, 4.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1990, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ2019, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1993 and at 7.9 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1983 (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) dates a contraction of the US from IQ1990 (Jul) to IQ1991 (Mar) (https://www.nber.org/cycles.html). The expansion lasted until another contraction beginning in IQ2001 (Mar). US GDP contracted 1.3 percent from the pre-recession peak of $8983.9 billion of chained 2009 dollars in IIIQ1990 to the trough of $8865.6 billion in IQ1991 (https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm). The US maintained growth at 3.0 percent on average over entire cycles with expansions at higher rates compensating for contractions. Growth at trend in the entire cycle from IVQ2007 to IQ2020 and the lockdown of economic activity in COVID-19 would have accumulated to 43.6 percent. GDP in IQ2020 would be $22,634.2 billion (in constant dollars of 2012) if the US had grown at trend, which is higher by $3646.3 billion than actual $18,987.9 billion. There are more than three trillion dollars of GDP less than at trend, explaining the 24.1 million unemployed or underemployed equivalent to actual unemployment/underemployment of 14.0 percent of the effective labor force (https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html). Unemployment is increasing sharply while employment is declining rapidly because of the lockdown of economic activity in the probable global recession resulting from the COVID-19 event (https://www.bls.gov/cps/employment-situation-covid19-faq-march-2020.pdf). US GDP in IQ2020 is 16.1 percent lower than at trend. US GDP grew from $15,762.0 billion in IVQ2007 in constant dollars to $18,987.9 billion in IQ2020 or 20.5 percent at the average annual equivalent rate of 1.5 percent. Professor John H. Cochrane (2014Jul2) estimates US GDP at more than 10 percent below trend. Cochrane (2016May02) measures GDP growth in the US at average 3.5 percent per year from 1950 to 2000 and only at 1.76 percent per year from 2000 to 2015 with only at 2.0 percent annual equivalent in the current expansion. Cochrane (2016May02) proposes drastic changes in regulation and legal obstacles to private economic activity. The US missed the opportunity to grow at higher rates during the expansion and it is difficult to catch up because growth rates in the final periods of expansions tend to decline. The US missed the opportunity for recovery of output and employment always afforded in the first four quarters of expansion from recessions. Zero interest rates and quantitative easing were not required or present in successful cyclical expansions and in secular economic growth at 3.0 percent per year and 2.0 percent per capita as measured by Lucas (2011May). There is cyclical uncommonly slow growth in the US instead of allegations of secular stagnation. There is similar behavior in manufacturing. There is classic research on analyzing deviations of output from trend (see for example Schumpeter 1939, Hicks 1950, Lucas 1975, Sargent and Sims 1977). The long-term trend is growth of manufacturing at average 3.1 percent per year from Mar 1919 to Mar 2020. Growth at 3.1 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 157.4135 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511 which is 37.4 percent below trend. The deterioration of manufacturing in Mar 2020 originates in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. Manufacturing grew at the average annual rate of 3.3 percent between Dec 1986 and Dec 2006. Growth at 3.3 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 161.1952 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511, which is 38.9 percent below trend. Manufacturing output grew at average 1.7 percent between Dec 1986 and Mar 2020. Using trend growth of 1.7 percent per year, the index would increase to 133.1389 in Mar 2020. The output of manufacturing at 98.5511 in Mar 2020 is 26.0 percent below trend under this alternative calculation. Using the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), manufacturing output fell from the high of 110.5147 in Jun 2007 to the low of 86.3800 in Apr 2009 or 21.8 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased from 86.3800 in Apr 2009 to 99.9350 in Mar 2020 or 15.7 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased at the annual equivalent rate of 3.5 percent from Dec 1986 to Dec 2006. Growth at 3.5 percent would increase the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 162.5897 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 38.5 below trend. The NAICS manufacturing output index grew at 1.7 percent annual equivalent from Dec 1999 to Dec 2006. Growth at 1.7 percent would raise the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 131.1461 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 23.8 percent below trend under this alternative calculation. Table I-13 provides national income by industry without capital consumption adjustment (WCCA). “Private industries” or economic activities have share of 86.8 percent in IIIQ2019. Most of US national income is in the form of services. In Mar 2020, there were 150.804 million nonfarm jobs NSA in the US, according to estimates of the establishment survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm Table B-1). Total private jobs of 127.703 million NSA in Mar 2020 accounted for 84.7 percent of total nonfarm jobs of 150.804 million, of which 12.783 million, or 10.0 percent of total private jobs and 8.5 percent of total nonfarm jobs, were in manufacturing. Private service-providing jobs were 106.892 million NSA in Mar 2020, or 70.9 percent of total nonfarm jobs and 83.7 percent of total private-sector jobs. Manufacturing has share of 9.3 percent in US national income in IVQ2019 and durable goods 5.6 percent, as shown in Table I-13. Most income in the US originates in services. Subsidies and similar measures designed to increase manufacturing jobs will not increase economic growth and employment and may actually reduce growth by diverting resources away from currently employment-creating activities because of the drain of taxation.

Table V-4, Growth of Trade and Contributions of Net Trade to GDP Growth, ∆% and % Points

Exports
M ∆%

Exports 12 M ∆%

Imports
M ∆%

Imports 12 M ∆%

USA

-0.4 Feb SA

-0.4

Jan-Feb NSA

-2.5 Feb NSA

-4.0

Jan-Feb SA

Japan

Mar 2020

-11.7

Feb 2020

-1.0

Jan 2020

-2.6

Dec 2019

-6.3

Nov 2019

-7.9

Oct 2019

-9.2

Sep 2019

-5.2

Aug 2019

-8.2

Jul 2019

-1.6

Jun 2019

-6.7

May 2019

-7.8

Apr 2019

-2.4

Mar 2019

-2.4

Feb 2019

-1.2

Jan 2019

-8.4

Dec 2018

-3.8

Nov 2018

0.1

Oct 2018

8.2

Sep 2018

-1.2

Aug 2018

6.6

Jul 2018

3.9

Jun 2018

6.7

May 2018

8.1

Apr 2018

7.8

Mar 2018

2.1

Feb 2018

1.8

Jan 2018

12.2

Dec 2017

9.3

Nov 2017

16.2

Oct 2017

14.0

Sep 2017

14.1

Aug 2017

18.1

Jul 2017

13.4

Jun 2017

9.7

May 2017

14.9

Apr 2017

7.5

Mar 2017

12.0

Feb 2017

11.3

Jan 2017

1.3

Dec 2016

5.4

Nov 2016 -0.4

Oct 2016

-10.3

Sep 2016

-6.9

Aug 2016

9.6

Jul 2016

-14.0

Jun 2016

-7.8

May 2016

-11.3

Apr 2016

-10.1

Mar 2016

-6.8

Feb 2016

-4.0

Jan 2016

-12.9

Dec 2015

-8.0

Nov 2015

-3.3

Oct 2015

-2.1

Sep 2015

0.6

Aug

3.1

Jul 2015

7.6

Jun 2015

9.5

May 2015

2.4

Apr

8.0

Mar

8.5

Feb

2.4

Jan

17.0

Dec

12.9

Nov

4.9

Oct

9.6

Sep

6.9

Aug

-1.3

Jul

3.9

Jun

-2.0

May 2014

-2.7

Apr 2014

5.1

Mar 2014

1.8

Feb 2014

9.5

Jan 2014

9.5

Dec 2013

15.3

Nov 2013

18.4

Oct 2013

18.6

Sep 2013

11.5

Aug 2013

14.7

Jul 2013

12.2

Jun 2013 7.4

May 2013

10.1

Apr 2013

3.8

Mar 2013

1.1

Feb 2013

-2.9

Jan 2013 6.4

Dec -5.8

Nov -4.1

Oct -6.5

Sep -10.3

Aug -5.8

Jul -8.1

Mar 2020

-5.0

Feb 2020

-14.0

Jan 2020

-3.6

Dec 2019

-4.9

Nov 2019

-15.7

Oct 2019

-14.8

Sep 2019

-1.5

Aug 2019

-12.0

Jul 2019

-1.2

Jun 2019

-5.2

May 2019

-1.5

Apr 2019

6.4

Mar 2019

1.1

Feb 2019

-6.7

Jan 2019

-0.6

Dec 2018

1.9

Nov 2018

12.5

Oct 2018

19.9

Sep 2018

7.0

Aug 2018

15.4

Jul 2018

14.6

Jun 2018

2.5

May 2018

14.0

Apr 2018

5.9

Mar 2018

-0.6

Feb 2018

16.6

Jan 2018

7.9

Dec 2017

14.9

Nov 2017

17.2

Oct 2017

18.9

Sep 2017

12.0

Aug 2017

15.2

Jul 2017

16.3

Jun 2017

15.5

May 2017

17.8

Apr 2017

15.1

Mar 2017

15.8

Feb 2017

1.2

Jan 2017

8.5

Dec 2016

-2.6

Nov 2016

-8.8

Oct 2016

-16.5

Sep 2016

-16.3

Aug 2016

-17.3

Jul 2016

-24.7

Jun 2016

-18.8

May 2016

-13.8

Apr 2016

-23.3

Mar 2016

-14.9

Feb 2016

-14.2

Jan 2016

-18.0

Dec 2015

-18.0

Nov 2015

-10.2

Oct 2015

-13.4

Sep 2015

-11.1

Aug

-3.1

Jul 2015

-3.2

Jun 2015

-2.9

May 2015

-8.7

Apr

-4.2

Mar

-14.5

Feb

-3.6

Jan

-9.0

Dec

1.9

Nov

-1.7

Oct

2.7

Sep

6.2

Aug

-1.5

Jul

2.3

Jun

8.4

May 2014

-3.6

Apr 2013

3.4

Mar 2014

18.1

Feb 2014

9.0

Jan 2014

25.0

Dec 2013 24.7

Nov 2013

21.1

Oct 2013

26.1

Sep 2013

16.5

Aug 2013

16.0

Jul 2013

19.6

Jun 2013

11.8

May 2013

10.0

Apr 2013

9.4

Mar 2013

5.5

Feb 2013

7.3

Jan 2013 7.3

Dec 1.9

Nov 0.8

Oct -1.6

Sep 4.1

Aug -5.4

Jul 2.1

China

Jan-Dec

0.5

Jan-Dec

9.9

Jan-Dec

2017 7.9

Jan-Dec 2016 -7.7

Jan-Dec

2015 -2.8

2020

Mar

-2.9

Jan-Feb

-17.2

2019

Dec

7.6

Nov

-1.1

Oct

-0.9

Sep

-3.2

Aug

-1.0

Jul

3.3

Jun

-1.3

May

1.1

Apr

-2.7

Mar

14.2

Feb

-20.7

Jan

9.3

2018

Dec

-4.4

Nov

5.4

Oct

15.6

Sep

14.5

Aug

9.8

Jul

12.2

Jun

11.3

May

12.6

Apr

12.9

Mar

-2.7

Feb

44.5

Jan

11.1

2017

Dec

10.9

Nov

12.3

Oct

6.9

Sep

8.1

Aug

5.5

Jul

7.2

Jun

11.3

May

8.7

Apr

8.0

Mar

16.4

Feb

-1.3

Jan

7.9

2016

Dec

3.1

Nov

0.1

Oct

-7.3

Sep

-10.0

Aug

-2.8

Jul

-4.4

Jun

-4.8

May

-4.1

Apr

-1.8

Mar

11.5

Feb

-25.4

Jan

-11.2

2015

-1.4 Dec

-6.8 Nov

-6.9 Oct

-3.7 Sep

-5.5 Aug

-8.3 Jul

2.8 Jun

-2.5 May

-6.4 Apr

-15.0 Mar

48.3 Feb

-3.3 Jan

2014

9.7 Dec

4.7 Nov

11.6 Oct

15.3 Sep

9.4 Aug

14.5 Jul

7.2 Jun

7.0 May

0.9 Apr

-6.6 Mar

-18.1 Feb

10.6 Jan

2013

4.3 Dec

12.7 Nov

5.6 Oct

-0.3 Sep

7.2 Aug

5.1 Jul

-3.1 Jun

1.0 May

14.7 Apr

10.0 Mar

21.8 Feb

25.0 Jan

Jan-Dec

-2.8

Jan-Dec

15.8

Jan-Dec 2017 15.9

Jan-Dec 2016 -5.5

Jan-Dec 2015 -14.1

2020

Mar

-1.1

Jan-Feb

-4.0

2019

Dec

16.3

Nov

0.3

Oct

-6.4

Sep

-8.5

Aug

-5.6

Jul

-5.3

Jun

-7.3

May

-8.5

Apr

4.0

Mar

-7.6

Feb

-5.2

Jan

-1.5

2018

Dec

-7.6

Nov

3.0

Oct

21.4

Sep

14.3

Aug

20.0

Jul

27.3

Jun

14.1

May

26.0

Apr

21.5

Mar

14.4

Feb

6.3

Jan

36.9

2017

Dec

4.5

Nov

17.7

Oct

17.2

Sep

18.7

Aug

13.3

Jul

11.0

Jun

17.2

May

14.8

Apr

11.9

Mar

20.3

Feb

38.1

Jan

16.7

2016

Dec

-7.7

Nov

6.7

Oct

-1.4

Sep

-1.9

Aug

1.5

Jul

-12.5

Jun

-2.8

May

-0.4

Apr

-10.6

Mar

-7.6

Feb

-13.8

Jan

-18.8

2015

-7.6 Dec

-8.7 Nov

-18.8 Oct

-20.4 Sep

-13.8 Aug

-8.1 Jul

-6.1 Jun

-17.6 May

-12.7 Mar

-20.5 Feb

-19.9 Jan

2014

-2.4 Dec

-6.7 Nov

4.6 Oct

7.0 Sep

-2.4 Aug

-1.6 Jul

5.5 Jun

-1.6 May

-0.8 Apr

-11.3 Mar

10.1 Feb

10.0 Jan

2013

8.3 Dec

5.3 Nov

7.6 Oct

7.4 Sep

7.0 Aug

10.9 Jul

-0.7 Jun

-0.3 May

16.8 Apr

14.1 Mar

-15.2 Feb

28.8 Jan

Euro Area

1.6 12-Feb

2020

0.9 Jan-Feb 2020

-1.0 12-Feb 2020

-0.7 Jan-Feb 2020

Germany

1.3 Feb CSA

0.4 Feb

-1.6 Feb CSA

-2.9 Feb

France

Feb

5.1

-1.0

2.8

0.9

Italy Feb

1.1

7.0

-3.8

-0.7

UK

4261.3 Feb

543.4

-94.0 Feb

8.0

Net Trade % Points GDP Growth

Points

USA

IQ2020

1.30

IVQ2019

1.51

IIIQ2019

-0.14

IIQ2019

-0.68

IQ2019

0.73

IVQ 2018

-0.35

IIIQ 2018

-2.05

IIQ2018

0.67

IQ2018

0.00

IVQ2017

-0.80

IIIQ2017

0.35

IIQ2017

-0.31

IQ2017

0.13

IVQ2016

-1.36

IIIQ2016

0.05

IIQ2016

0.35

IQ2016

-0.50

IVQ2015

-0.20

IIIQ2015

-1.00

IIQ2015

0.06

IQ2015

-1.67

IVQ2014

-1.05

IIIQ2014

0.10

IIQ2014

-0.46

IQ2014

-1.11

IVQ2013

1.23

IIIQ2013

-0.14

IIQ2013

-0.33

IQ2013

0.40

IVQ2012 +0.57

IIIQ2012

-0.08

IIQ2012 0.27

IQ2012 0.00

Japan

0.8

IQ2012

-2.0 IIQ2012

-1.9

IIIQ2012

-0.4

IVQ2012

1.5

IQ2013

-0.2

IIQ2013

-1.4

IIIQ2013

-2.2

IVQ2013

-0.7

IQ2014

4.0

IIQ2014

-0.3

IIIQ2014

1.5

IVQ2014

0.2

IQ2015

-0.5

IIQ2015

-0.6

IIIQ2015

0.1

IVQ2015

1.4

IQ2016

0.5

IIQ2016

1.2

IIIQ2016

1.4

IVQ2016

0.4

IQ2017

-0.9

IIQ2017

2.1

IIIQ2017

-0.3

IVQ2017

0.4

IQ2018

0.0

IIQ2018

-0.7

IIIQ2018

-1.7

IVQ2018

1.8

IQ2019

-1.1

IIQ2019

-1.0

IIIQ2019

1.9

IVQ2019

Germany

IQ2012

0.8 IIQ2012 0.3 IIIQ2012 0.4 IVQ2012

-0.5

IQ2013

-0.3 IIQ2013

-0.3

IIIQ2013

0.0

IVQ2013

0.9

IQ2014

-0.1

IIQ2014

-0.3

IIIQ2014

0.7

IVQ2014

0.1

IQ2015

-0.4

IIQ2015

0.6

IIIQ2015

-0.4

IVQ2015

-0.6

IQ2016

-0.4

IIQ2016

0.7

IIIQ2016

-0.2

IVQ2016

-0.7

IQ2017

0.7

IIQ2017

-0.2

IIIQ2017

0.5

IVQ2017

0.1

IQ2018

0.1

IIQ2018

-0.2

IIIQ2018

-1.0

IVQ2018

-0.2

IQ2019

0.5

IIQ2019

-0.5

IIIQ2019

0.6

IVQ2019

-0.6

France

0.1 IIIQ2012

0.1 IVQ2012

-0.1 IQ2013

0.3

IIQ2013 -1.7

IIIQ2013

0.1

IVQ2013

-0.1

IQ2014

-0.2

IIQ2014

-0.2

IIIQ2014

0.2

IVQ2014

-0.2

IQ2015

0.4

IIQ2015

-0.6

IIIQ2015

-0.7

IVQ2015

-0.1

IQ2016

0.3

IIQ2016

-0.6

IIIQ2016

0.1

IVQ2016

-0.6

IQ2017

0.9

IIQ2017

-0.3

IIIQ2017

0.6

IVQ2017

0.0

IQ2018

0.0

IIQ2018

0.3

IIIQ2018

0.2

IVQ2018

-0.3

IQ2019

0.0

IIQ2019

-0.2

IIIQ2019

0.1

IVQ2019

UK

0.7

IIQ2013

-1.7

IIIQ2013

0.1

IVQ2013

0.8

IQ2014

0.3

IIQ2014

-0.7

IIIQ2014

0.0

IVQ2014

-0.4

IQ2015

1.1

IIQ2015

-0.4

IIIQ2015

-0.2

IVQ2015

-0.1

IQ2016

0.1

IIQ2016

-1.8

IIIQ2016

1.7

IVQ2016

0.33

IQ2017

0.01

IIQ2017

0.11

IIIQ2017

-0.14

IVQ2017

0.02

IQ2018

-0.26

IIQ2018

0.44

IIIQ2018

-1.00

IVQ2018

-2.49

IQ2019

2.71

IIQ2019

1.36

IIIQ2019

1.48

IVQ2019

Sources: Country Statistical Agencies

https://www.bls.gov/bls/other.htm https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/international-programs/about/related-sites.html

The geographical breakdown of exports and imports of Japan with selected regions and countries is in Table V-5 for Mar 2020. There are global economic effects of COVID-19. The share of Asia in Japan’s trade is close to one-half for 54.3 percent of exports and 47.7 percent of imports. Within Asia, exports to China are 18.7 percent of total exports and imports from China 22.5 percent of total imports. While exports of Japan to China decreased 8.7 percent in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020, imports from China decreased 4.5 percent. The second largest export market for Japan in Mar 2020 is the US with share of 18.6 percent of total exports, which is close to that of China, and share of imports from the US of 11.7 percent in total imports. Japan’s exports to the US decreased 16.5 percent in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020 and imports from the US increased 1.3 percent. Western Europe has share of 11.9 percent in Japan’s exports and of 12.3 percent in imports. Rates of growth of exports of Japan in Mar 2020 are minus 16.5 percent for exports to the US, minus 5.4 percent for exports to Brazil and minus 12.6 percent for exports to Germany. Comparisons relative to 2011 may have some bias because of the effects of the Tōhoku or Great East Earthquake and Tsunami of Mar 11, 2011. Deceleration of growth in China and the US and threat of recession in Europe can reduce world trade and economic activity. Growth rates of imports in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020 are mixed. Imports from Asia decreased 4.0 percent in the 12 months ending in Mar 2020 while imports from China decreased 4.5 percent. Data are in millions of yen, which may have effects of recent depreciation of the yen relative to the United States dollar (USD) and revaluation of the dollar relative to the euro with multiple oscillations. There are also economic repercussions of COVID-19.

Table V-5, Japan, Value and 12-Month Percentage Changes of Exports and Imports by Regions and Countries, ∆% and Millions of Yen

Mar 2020

Exports
Millions of Yen

12 months ∆%

Imports Millions of Yen

12 months ∆%

Total

6,357,876

-11.7

6,352,930

-5.0

Asia

3,452,980

% Total 54.3

-9.4

3,030,104 % Total 47.7

-4.0

China

1,190,554

% Total 18.7

-8.7

1,431,780 % Total 22.5

-4.5

USA

1,182,087

% Total 18.6

-16.5

742,251

% Total

11.7

1.3

Canada

74,948

-15.8

103,255

6.9

Brazil

37,873

-5.4

67,393

14.9

Mexico

88,636

-11.1

58,214

0.5

Western Europe

753,699 % Total 11.9

-13.2

782,803% Total 12.3

-12.4

Germany

183,529

-12.6

198,644

-19.0

France

62,786

-9.1

82,847

-38.5

UK

114,370

-23.5

64,158

-17.7

Middle East

234,089

1.0

701,164

-9.3

Australia

124,521

-5.7

403,310

-15.4

Source: Japan, Ministry of Finance http://www.customs.go.jp/toukei/info/index_e.htm

World trade projections of the IMF are in Table V-6. There is decreasing growth of the volume of world trade of goods and services from 3.6 percent in 2018 to 1.1 percent in 2019, stabilizing to 3.2 percent in 2020. Growth stabilizes at 3.3 percent on average from 2018 to 2024. World trade would be slower for advanced economies while emerging and developing economies (EMDE) experience faster growth. World economic slowdown would be more challenging with lower growth of world trade.

Table V-6, IMF, Projections of World Trade, USD Billions, USD/Barrel and Annual ∆%

2018

2019

2020

Average ∆% 2018-2024

World Trade Volume (Goods and Services)

3.6

1.1

3.2

3.3

Exports Goods & Services

3.4

1.3

3.1

3.5

Imports Goods & Services

3.8

1.0

3.3

3.4

Exports Goods & Services

G7

2.6

0.7

2.2

2.5

EMDE

3.9

1.9

4.1

4.1

Imports Goods & Services

G7

3.2

1.5

2.6

2.7

EMDE

5.1

0.7

4.3

4.3

Terms of Trade Goods & Services

G7

-0.7

0.6

0.3

0.0

EMDE

1.5

-1.3

-1.1

-0.2

World Crude Oil Price $/Barrel

68.3

61.8

57.9

58.3

Crude Oil: Simple Average of three spot prices: Dated Brent, West Texas Intermediate and the Dubai Fateh

Source: International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook databank

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/02/weodata/index.aspx

The JP Morgan Global Composite Output Index of the JP Morgan Manufacturing and Services PMI, produced by JP Morgan and HIS Markit in association with ISM and IFPSM, with high association with world GDP, decreased to 39.4 in Mar from 46.1 in Feb, indicating contraction from prior expansion (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/fad35491f3f24a4a96c9fb7dabdc2626). This index had remained above the contraction territory of 50.0 during 88 consecutive months. The employment index decreased from 49.8 in Feb to 46.6 in Mar with input prices increasing at slower rate, decreasing and output decreasing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/fad35491f3f24a4a96c9fb7dabdc2626). Olya Borichevska, from Global Economic Research at JP Morgan, finds contraction (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/1c1b56b7ea334d8da4d72ce539226270). The JP Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI, produced by JP Morgan and IHS Markit in association with ISM and IFPSM, increased to 47.6 in Mar from 47.1 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/032f46ca31f74c98a40f817f55b2fc1b). New export orders decreased. Olya Borichevska, from Global Economic Research at JP Morgan, finds contraction (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/032f46ca31f74c98a40f817f55b2fc1b).The Markit Brazil Composite Output Index decreased from 50.9 in Feb to 37.6 in Mar, indicating contraction in activity of Brazil’s private sector (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/bf155c98356447c9887fcd9fa064ca08). The Markit Brazil Services Business Activity index, compiled by Markit, decreased from 50.4 in Feb to 34.5 in Mar indicating contracting services activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/bf155c98356447c9887fcd9fa064ca08). Tim Moore, Economics Director at HIS Markit, finds contracting activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/4c5893286c96475da34945dec040557e). The HIS Markit Brazil Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ IndexTM (PMI) decreased from 52.3 in Feb to 48.4 in Mar, indicating manufacturing below neutral 50.0 (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f006561f1e9947cbb77a355c3c8a6cf4). Tim Moore, Director at HIS Markit, finds weaker manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f006561f1e9947cbb77a355c3c8a6cf4).

VA United States. The HIS Markit Flash US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) seasonally adjusted decreased to 36.9 in Apr from 48.5 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/63cdd746043d4473bd49c2730287049a). New export orders decreased. The HIS Markit Flash US Services PMI™ Business Activity Index decreased from 39.8 in Mar to 27.0 in Apr ((https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/63cdd746043d4473bd49c2730287049a). The IHS Markit Flash US Composite PMI™ Output Index decreased from 40.9 in Mar to 27.4 in Apr ((https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/63cdd746043d4473bd49c2730287049a). Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, finds that the surveys are consistent with sharp contraction of the economy (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/63cdd746043d4473bd49c2730287049a). The HIS Markit US Composite PMI™ Output Index of Manufacturing and Services decreased to 40.9 in Mar from 49.6 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/24eff455e8f2413e9c49fa2da78e27f8). The HIS Markit US Services PMI™ Business Activity Index decreased from 49.4 in Feb to 39.1 in Jan (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/24eff455e8f2413e9c49fa2da78e27f8). Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, finds the indexes suggesting contraction around annualized 5.0 percent (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/24eff455e8f2413e9c49fa2da78e27f8). The HIS Markit US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) decreased to 49.2 in Mar from 50.7 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/a6d2c2c9e0c34576a3e0334997f25555). New foreign orders decreased. Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at HIS Markit, finds contraction (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/a6d2c2c9e0c34576a3e0334997f25555). The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Report on Business® decreased 1.0-percentage points from 50.1 in Feb to 49.1 in Mar, which indicates contraction (https://www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org/ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm?SSO=1). The index of new export orders decreased 4.6 percentage points from 51.2 in Feb to 46.6 in Mar. The Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business® PMI decreased 4.8 percentage points from 57.3 in Feb to 52.5 in Feb, indicating growth of business activity/production during 122 consecutive months, while the index of new orders decreased 10.2 percentage points from 63.1 in Feb to 52.9 in Mar (https://www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org/ISMReport/NonMfgROB.cfm). Table USA provides the country economic indicators for the US.

Table USA, US Economic Indicators

Consumer Price Index

Mar 12 months NSA ∆%: 1.5; Ex food and energy ∆%: 2.1 Mar month SA ∆%: -0.4; Ex food and energy ∆%: -0.1
Blog 4/19/20

WIW 4/26/20

Producer Price Index

Finished Goods

Mar 12-month NSA ∆%: -0.9; ex food and energy ∆% 1.2
Mar month SA ∆% -1.1; ex food and energy ∆%: 0.3

Final Demand

Mar 12-month NSA ∆%: 0.7; ex food and energy ∆% 1.4 Mar month SA ∆% -0.2; ex food and energy ∆%: 0.2
Blog 4/19/20

WIW 4/26/20

PCE Inflation

Feb 12-month NSA ∆%: headline 1.8 ex food and energy ∆% 1.8
Blog 4/5/20

Employment Situation

Household Survey: Mar Unemployment Rate SA 4.4%
Blog calculation People in Job Stress Mar: 24.1 million NSA, 14.0% of Labor Force
Establishment Survey: ME Nonfarm Jobs -701,000; Private -713,000 jobs created 
Feb 12-month Average Hourly Earnings Inflation Adjusted ∆%: 1.4
Blog 4/5/20

Nonfarm Hiring

Nonfarm Hiring increased from 64.9 million in 2006 to 69.9 million in 2019 or by 5.1 million while noninstitutional civilian population increased 30.6 million. Nonfarm hiring was 26.4 percent of population in 2006 but only 25.3 percent in 2019.
Private-Sector Hiring Feb 2020 higher by 7.1 percent than in 2006 while population grew 31.865 million or 14.0 percent
Blog 4/12/20

GDP Growth

BEA Revised National Income Accounts
IQ2012/IQ2011 ∆%: 2.7

IIQ2012/IIQ2011 2.4

IIIQ2012/IIIQ2011 2.5

IVQ2012/IVQ2011 1.5

IQ2013/IQ2012 1.6

IIQ2013/IIQ2012 1.3

IIIQ2013/IIIQ2012 1.9

IVQ2013/IVQ2012 2.6

IQ2014/IQ2013 1.4

IIQ2014/IIQ2013 2.7

IIIQ2014/IIIQ2013 3.1

IVQ2014/IVQ2013 2.9

IQ2015/IQ2014 4.0

IIQ2015/IIQ2014 3.4

IIIQ2015/IIIQ2014 2.4

IVQ2015/IVQ2014 1.9

IQ2016/IQ2015 1.6

IIQ2016/IIQ2015 1.3

IIIQ2016/IIIQ2015 1.6

IVQ2016/IVQ2015 2.0

IQ2017/IQ2016 2.1

IIQ2017/IIQ2016 2.2

IIIQ2017/IIIQ2016 2.4

IVQ2017/IVQ2016 2.8

IQ2018/IQ2017 2.9

IIQ2018/IIQ2017 3.2

IIIQ2018/IIIQ2017: 3.1

IVQ2018/IVQ2017 2.5

IQ2019/IQ2018 2.7

IIQ2019/IIQ2018 2.3

IIIQ2019/IIIQ2018 2.1

IVQ2019/IVQ2018 2.3

IQ2020/IQ2019 0.3

IQ2012 SAAR 3.2

IIQ2012 SAAR 1.7

IIIQ2012 SAAR 0.5

IVQ2012 SAAR 0.5

IQ2013 SAAR 3.6

IIQ2013 SAAR 0.5

IIIQ2013 SAAR 3.2

IVQ2013 SAAR 3.2

IQ2014 SAAR -1.1

IIQ2014 SAAR 5.5

IIIQ2014 SAAR 5.0

IVQ2014 SAAR 2.3

IQ2015 SAAR 3.2

IIQ2015 SAAR: 3.0

IIIQ2015 SAAR: 1.3

IVQ2015 SAAR: 0.1

IQ2016 SAAR: 2.0

IIQ2016 SAAR: 1.9

IIIQ2016 SAAR: 2.2

IVQ2016 SAAR 2.0

IQ2017 SAAR 2.3

IIQ2017 SAAR 2.2

IIIQ2017 SAAR 3.2

IVQ2017 SAAR 3.5

IQ2018 SAAR 2.5

IIQ2018 SAAR 3.5

IIIQ2018 SAAR 2.9

IVQ2018 SAAR 1.1

IQ2019 SAAR 3.1

IIQ2019 SAAR 2.0

IIIQ2019 SAAR 2.1

IVQ2019 SAAR 2.1

IQ2020 SAAR -4.8
Blog 5/3/20

Real Private Fixed Investment

SAAR IQ2020 ∆% -0.6 IVQ2007 to IQ2019: ∆% 25.6 Blog 5/3/20

Corporate Profits

IIIQ2019 SAAR: Corporate Profits -0.2; Undistributed Profits 3.6 Blog 1/5/20

Personal Income and Consumption

Feb month ∆% SA Real Disposable Personal Income (RDPI) SA ∆% 0.4
Real Personal Consumption Expenditures (RPCE): 0.1
12-month Feb NSA ∆%:
RDPI: 2.2; RPCE ∆%: 3.0
Blog 4/5/20

Quarterly Services Report

IVQ19/IVQ18 NSA ∆%:
Information 5.8

Financial & Insurance 3.7

Earlier Data:
Blog 3/22/15

Employment Cost Index

Compensation Private IQ2020 SA ∆%: 0.8 Mar 12 months ∆%: 2.8

Earlier Data:
Blog 2/1/15

Industrial Production

Mar month SA ∆%: -5.4
12 months SA ∆%: 05.5

Manufacturing Mar ∆% SA minus 6.3 ∆% Mar 12 months SA ∆% minus 6.6 NSA minus 0.2
Capacity Utilization: 72.7
Blog 4/19/20

Productivity and Costs

Nonfarm Business Productivity IVQ2019∆% SAAE 1.2; IVQ2019/IVQ2018 ∆% 1.8; Unit Labor Costs SAAE IVQ2019 ∆% 0.9; IVQ2019/IVQ2018 ∆%: 1.7

Blog 3/15/20

New York Fed Manufacturing Index

General Business Conditions from Feb -21.5 to Mar -78.2
New Orders: From Feb -9.3 to Mar 66.3
Blog 4/19/20

Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Index

General Index from Feb -12.7 to Mar -56.6
New Orders from Feb -15.5 to Mar -70.9
Blog 4/19/20

Manufacturing Shipments and Orders

Feb Orders SA ∆% 0.0 Ex Transport -0.9

Jan-Feb 20/Jan-Feb 19 NSA New Orders ∆% 1.5 Ex transport 1.8

Earlier data:
Blog 4/5/15

Durable Goods

Mar New Orders SA ∆%: minus 14.4

ex transport ∆%: -0.2
Jan-Mar 20/Jan-Mar 19 New Orders NSA ∆%: minus5.2 ex transport ∆% 0.4

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/26/15

Sales of New Motor Vehicles

IIQ2018 4,500,220; IIQ2017 4,419,349. Feb 20 Total Light Vehicles NSA 1356.3 thousand increasing 8.4% from 1251.5 thousand in Feb 2019. Feb 20 SAAR 16.8 million, Jan 20 SAAR 16.9 million, Feb 19 SAAR 16.5 million

Blog 9/9/18 12/9/18 3/8/20

Sales of Merchant Wholesalers

Jan -Feb2020/Jan-Feb 2019 NSA ∆%: Total 2.7; Durable Goods: minus 0.1; Nondurable
Goods: 5.4

EARLIER DATA:
Blog 4/12/15

Sales and Inventories of Manufacturers, Retailers and Merchant Wholesalers

Feb 20 12-M NSA ∆%: Sales Total Business 3.7; Manufacturers 1.3
Retailers 7.9; Merchant Wholesalers 2.7
Blog 4/26/20

Sales for Retail and Food Services

Mar 2020/Feb 2019 ∆%: Retail and Food Services -8.7; Retail ∆% -6.2
Blog 4/26/20

Value of Construction Put in Place

SAAR month SA Mar ∆%: 0.9 Jan-Mar 20/Jan-Mar 19 NSA: 6.7

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/5/15

Case-Shiller Home Prices

National Feb ∆% SA 0.5 National Feb 12M ∆% 4.2
Blog 5/3/20

FHFA House Price Index Purchases Only

Feb SA ∆% 0.7;
12-month NSA ∆%: 5.8
Blog 4/26/20

New House Sales

Mar month SAAR ∆%: -15.4
Jan-Mar 2020/Jan-Mar 2019 NSA ∆%: 6.9
Blog 4/26/20

Housing Starts and Permits

Mar Starts month SA ∆% -22.3; Permits ∆%: -6.8
Jan-Mar 2020/Jan-Mar 2019 NSA ∆% Starts 22.3; Permits ∆% 12.1

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Rate of Homeownership

IVQ2019 65.1

IIIQ2019: 64.8

Blog 2/16/20

Trade Balance

Balance Feb SA -$39,932 million versus Jan -$45.482 million
Exports Feb SA ∆%: -0.4 Imports Feb SA ∆%: -2.5
Goods Exports Jan-Feb 2019/Jan-Feb 2018 NSA ∆%: minus 0.4
Goods Imports Jan-Feb 2019/Jan-Feb 2018 NSA ∆%: minus 4.0
Blog 4/12/20

Export and Import Prices

Mar 12-month NSA ∆%: Imports -4.1; Exports -3.6

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/12/15

International Terms of Trade

IQ2020 109.177 IVQ1947 150.474

2019 109.928 1929 142.590

Blog 5/3/20

Consumer Credit

Feb ∆% annual rate: Total 6.4; Revolving 4.6

Nonrevolving 7.0

Earlier Data:
Blog 5/10/15

Net Foreign Purchases of Long-term Treasury Securities

Feb Net Foreign Purchases of Long-term US Securities: $24.7 billion
Major Holders of Treasury Securities: China $1092.3 billion; Japan $1268.3 billion; Total Foreign US Treasury Holdings Dec $7066.7 billion
Blog 4/26/20

Treasury Budget

Fiscal Year 2020/2019 ∆% Mar: Receipts 6.4; Outlays 6.8 Individual Income Taxes 6.3
Deficit Fiscal Year 2011 $1,300 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2012 $1,077 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2013 $680 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2014 $485 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2015 $442 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2016 $585 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2017 $665 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2018 $779 billion

Deficit Fiscal Year 2019 $984 billion

Blog 4/26/20

CBO Budget and Economic Outlook

2012 Deficit $1087 B 6.8% GDP Debt $11,281 B 70.4% GDP

2013 Deficit $680 B, 4.1% GDP Debt $11,983 B 72.6% GDP

2014 Deficit $485 B 2.8% GDP Debt $12,780 B 74.1% GDP

2015 Deficit $438 B 2.4% GDP Debt $13,117 B 72.9% GDP

2016 Deficit $585 3.2% GDP Debt $14,168.4 B 76.7% GDP

2017 Deficit $665 3.5% GDP

Debt $14,665 76.5% GDP

2028 Deficit $1,526 B, 5.1 % GDP Debt $28,671 B 96.2% GDP

2048: Long-term Debt/GDP 152.0%

Blog 8/26/12 11/18/12 2/10/13 9/22/13 2/16/14 8/24/14 9/14/14 3/1/15 6/21/15 1/3/16 4/10/16 7/24/16 1/8/17 4/2/17 10/14/18

Commercial Banks Assets and Liabilities

Sep 2019 SAAR ∆%: Securities 21.0 Loans 2.2 Cash Assets -36.6 Deposits 7.9

Blog 10/20/19

Flow of Funds Net Worth of Families and Nonprofits

IVQ2019 ∆ since 2007

Assets +$49,798.9 BN

Nonfinancial +$8,792.5 BN

Real estate +$7,163.9 BN

Financial +$41,006.5 BN

Net Worth +$47,725.9 BN

Net Worth IVQ2018/IIIQ2018 ∆% -3.1 Corporate Equity ∆% -13.1

Blog 4/19/20

Current Account Balance of Payments and Net International Investment Position

Current Account IVQ2019 NSA minus $113,883 MM

% GDP 2.0 SA
NIIP IVQ2019:

Minus $10,991 B

Blog 9/23/2018 2/10/2018 3/31/2019 7/7/2019 9/29/2019 11/3/2019 1/19/20 4/12/20

Collapse of United States Dynamism of Income Growth and Employment Creation

Blog 4/26/20

Squeeze of Economic Activity by Carry Trades

Blog 4/19/20

IMF View

World Real Economic Growth 2020 ∆% -3.1 Blog 11/3/19 5/3/20

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance in the United States

43.123 Million Below Poverty in 2015, 13.5% of Population

Median Family Income CPI-2015 Adjusted $56,516 in 2015 back to 1999 Levels

Uncovered by Health Insurance 28.966 Million in 2015

Blog 9/25/16

Monetary Policy and Cyclical Valuation of Risk Financial Assets

Blog 1/7/2018

Rules versus Discretionary Authorities in Monetary Policy

Blog 1/1/2017

Links to blog comments in Table USA: 4/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

4/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/contraction-of-united-states.html

4/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/united-states-imbalances-of-internal.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/29/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/22/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/sharp-contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/15/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-markets-stress-in.html

3/8/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html

3/1/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/sharp-worldwide-contraction-of.html

2/23/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/16/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/2/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/decreasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/5/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/oscillating-valuations-of-risk.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

12/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

12/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

11/24/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/oscillating-risk-financial-assets-world.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/10/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/27/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_26.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/13/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/dollar-appreciation-decreasing.html

9/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/uncertain-fomc-outlook-of-monetary.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

9/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/revaluation-of-us-dollar-falling-yields.html

8/25/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

8/18/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/global-decline-of-yields-of-government.html

8/11/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/competitive-exchange-rate-policies.html

8/4/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/dollar-appreciation-contraction-of.html

7/28/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/dollar-appreciation-in-anticipations-of.html

7/21/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/global-manufacturing-stress-world.html

7/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fomc-uncertain-outlook-frank-h-knights.html

7/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/twenty-million-unemployed-or.html

6/30/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

6/23/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/fomc-outlook-uncertainty-central-bank.html

6/16/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

5/5/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

4/21/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/04/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

3/31/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/inverted-yield-curve-of-treasury_30.html

12/9/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/fluctuation-of-valuations-of-risk.html

11/4/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

1/7/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/twenty-three-million-unemployed-or.html

12/31/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/dollar-devaluation-cyclically.html

12/24/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/mediocre-cyclical-united-states_23.html

10/29/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/10/dollar-revaluation-and-increase-of.html

4/2/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/04/mediocre-cyclical-economic-growth-with.html

1/15/17 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/unconventional-monetary-policy-and.html

1/1/17 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/rules-versus-discretionary-authorities.html

12/25/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

10/16/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/imf-view-of-world-economy-and-finance.html

9/25/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-economic-outlook-is-inherently.html

7/24/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/unresolved-us-balance-of-payments.html

4/10/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/proceeding-cautiously-in-reducing.html

1/17/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/unconventional-monetary-policy-and.html

1/3/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/weakening-equities-and-dollar.html

10/11/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/interest-rate-policy-uncertainty-imf.html

6/21/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/fluctuating-financial-asset-valuations.html

5/10/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/quite-high-equity-valuations-and.html

4/26/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/imf-view-of-economy-and-finance-united.html

4/19/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/global-portfolio-reallocations-squeeze.html

4/12/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/dollar-revaluation-recovery-without.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/22/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/impatience-with-monetary-policy-of.html

3/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/irrational-exuberance-mediocre-cyclical.html

2/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/financial-and-international.html

9/14/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/geopolitics-monetary-policy-and.html

8/24/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/monetary-policy-world-inflation-waves.html

2/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/theory-and-reality-of-cyclical-slow.html

9/22/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/duration-dumping-and-peaking-valuations.html

2/10/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/united-states-unsustainable-fiscal.html

The explanation of the sharp contraction of household wealth can probably be found in the origins of the financial crisis and global recession. Let V(T) represent the value of the firm’s equity at time T and B stand for the promised debt of the firm to bondholders and assume that corporate management, elected by equity owners, is acting on the interests of equity owners. Robert C. Merton (1974, 453) states:

“On the maturity date T, the firm must either pay the promised payment of B to the debtholders or else the current equity will be valueless. Clearly, if at time T, V(T) > B, the firm should pay the bondholders because the value of equity will be V(T) – B > 0 whereas if they do not, the value of equity would be zero. If V(T) ≤ B, then the firm will not make the payment and default the firm to the bondholders because otherwise the equity holders would have to pay in additional money and the (formal) value of equity prior to such payments would be (V(T)- B) < 0.”

Pelaez and Pelaez (The Global Recession Risk (2007), 208-9) apply this analysis to the US housing market in 2005-2006 concluding:

“The house market [in 2006] is probably operating with low historical levels of individual equity. There is an application of structural models [Duffie and Singleton 2003] to the individual decisions on whether or not to continue paying a mortgage. The costs of sale would include realtor and legal fees. There could be a point where the expected net sale value of the real estate may be just lower than the value of the mortgage. At that point, there would be an incentive to default. The default vulnerability of securitization is unknown.”

There are multiple important determinants of the interest rate: “aggregate wealth, the distribution of wealth among investors, expected rate of return on physical investment, taxes, government policy and inflation” (Ingersoll 1987, 405). Aggregate wealth is a major driver of interest rates (Ibid, 406). Unconventional monetary policy, with zero fed funds rates and flattening of long-term yields by quantitative easing, causes uncontrollable effects on risk taking that can have profound undesirable effects on financial stability. Excessively aggressive and exotic monetary policy is the main culprit and not the inadequacy of financial management and risk controls.

The net worth of the economy depends on interest rates. In theory, “income is generally defined as the amount a consumer unit could consume (or believe that it could) while maintaining its wealth intact” (Friedman 1957, 10). Income, Y, is a flow that is obtained by applying a rate of return, r, to a stock of wealth, W, or Y = rW (Ibid). According to a subsequent restatement: “The basic idea is simply that individuals live for many years and that therefore the appropriate constraint for consumption decisions is the long-run expected yield from wealth r*W. This yield was named permanent income: Y* = r*W” (Darby 1974, 229), where * denotes permanent. The simplified relation of income and wealth can be restated as:

W = Y/r (1)

Equation (1) shows that as r goes to zero, r →0, W grows without bound, W→∞.

Lowering the interest rate near the zero bound in 2003-2004 caused the illusion of permanent increases in wealth or net worth in the balance sheets of borrowers and also of lending institutions, securitized banking and every financial institution and investor in the world. The discipline of calculating risks and returns was seriously impaired. The objective of monetary policy was to encourage borrowing, consumption and investment but the exaggerated stimulus resulted in a financial crisis of major proportions as the securitization that had worked for a long period was shocked with policy-induced excessive risk, imprudent credit, high leverage and low liquidity by the incentive to finance everything overnight at close to zero interest rates, from adjustable rate mortgages (ARMS) to asset-backed commercial paper of structured investment vehicles (SIV).

The consequences of inflating liquidity and net worth of borrowers were a global hunt for yields to protect own investments and money under management from the zero interest rates and unattractive long-term yields of Treasuries and other securities. Monetary policy distorted the calculations of risks and returns by households, business and government by providing central bank cheap money. Short-term zero interest rates encourage financing of everything with short-dated funds, explaining the SIVs created off-balance sheet to issue short-term commercial paper to purchase default-prone mortgages that were financed in overnight or short-dated sale and repurchase agreements (Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession, 50-1, Regulation of Banks and Finance, 59-60, Globalization and the State Vol. I, 89-92, Globalization and the State Vol. II, 198-9, Government Intervention in Globalization, 62-3, International Financial Architecture, 144-9). ARMS were created to lower monthly mortgage payments by benefitting from lower short-dated reference rates. Financial institutions economized in liquidity that was penalized with near zero interest rates. There was no perception of risk because the monetary authority guaranteed a minimum or floor price of all assets by maintaining low interest rates forever or equivalent to writing an illusory put option on wealth. Subprime mortgages were part of the put on wealth by an illusory put on house prices. The housing subsidy of $221 billion per year created the impression of ever increasing house prices. The suspension of auctions of 30-year Treasuries was designed to increase demand for mortgage-backed securities, lowering their yield, which was equivalent to lowering the costs of housing finance and refinancing. Fannie and Freddie purchased or guaranteed $1.6 trillion of nonprime mortgages and worked with leverage of 75:1 under Congress-provided charters and lax oversight. The combination of these policies resulted in high risks because of the put option on wealth by near zero interest rates, excessive leverage because of cheap rates, low liquidity because of the penalty in the form of low interest rates and unsound credit decisions because the put option on wealth by monetary policy created the illusion that nothing could ever go wrong, causing the credit/dollar crisis and global recession (Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession, 157-66, Regulation of Banks, and Finance, 217-27, International Financial Architecture, 15-18, The Global Recession Risk, 221-5, Globalization and the State Vol. II, 197-213, Government Intervention in Globalization, 182-4).

There are significant elements of the theory of bank financial fragility of Diamond and Dybvig (1983) and Diamond and Rajan (2000, 2001a, 2001b) that help to explain the financial fragility of banks during the credit/dollar crisis (see also Diamond 2007). The theory of Diamond and Dybvig (1983) as exposed by Diamond (2007) is that banks funding with demand deposits have a mismatch of liquidity (see Pelaez and Pelaez, Regulation of Banks and Finance (2009b), 58-66). A run occurs when too many depositors attempt to withdraw cash at the same time. All that is needed is an expectation of failure of the bank. Three important functions of banks are providing evaluation, monitoring and liquidity transformation. Banks invest in human capital to evaluate projects of borrowers in deciding if they merit credit. The evaluation function reduces adverse selection or financing projects with low present value. Banks also provide important monitoring services of following the implementation of projects, avoiding moral hazard that funds be used for, say, real estate speculation instead of the original project of factory construction. The transformation function of banks involves both assets and liabilities of bank balance sheets. Banks convert an illiquid asset or loan for a project with cash flows in the distant future into a liquid liability in the form of demand deposits that can be withdrawn immediately.

In the theory of banking of Diamond and Rajan (2000, 2001a, 2001b), the bank creates liquidity by tying human assets to capital. The collection skills of the relationship banker convert an illiquid project of an entrepreneur into liquid demand deposits that are immediately available for withdrawal. The deposit/capital structure is fragile because of the threat of bank runs. In these days of online banking, the run on Washington Mutual was through withdrawals online. A bank run can be triggered by the decline of the value of bank assets below the value of demand deposits.

Pelaez and Pelaez (Regulation of Banks and Finance 2009b, 60, 64-5) find immediate application of the theories of banking of Diamond, Dybvig and Rajan to the credit/dollar crisis after 2007. It is a credit crisis because the main issue was the deterioration of the credit portfolios of securitized banks as a result of default of subprime mortgages. It is a dollar crisis because of the weakening dollar resulting from relatively low interest rate policies of the US. It caused systemic effects that converted into a global recession not only because of the huge weight of the US economy in the world economy but also because the credit crisis transferred to the UK and Europe. Management skills or human capital of banks are illustrated by the financial engineering of complex products. The increasing importance of human relative to inanimate capital (Rajan and Zingales 2000) is revolutionizing the theory of the firm (Zingales 2000) and corporate governance (Rajan and Zingales 2001). Finance is one of the most important examples of this transformation. Profits were derived from the charter in the original banking institution. Pricing and structuring financial instruments was revolutionized with option pricing formulas developed by Black and Scholes (1973) and Merton (1973, 1974, 1998) that permitted the development of complex products with fair pricing. The successful financial company must attract and retain finance professionals who have invested in human capital, which is a sunk cost to them and not of the institution where they work.

The complex financial products created for securitized banking with high investments in human capital are based on houses, which are as illiquid as the projects of entrepreneurs in the theory of banking. The liquidity fragility of the securitized bank is equivalent to that of the commercial bank in the theory of banking (Pelaez and Pelaez, Regulation of Banks and Finance (2009b), 65). Banks created off-balance sheet structured investment vehicles (SIV) that issued commercial paper receiving AAA rating because of letters of liquidity guarantee by the banks. The commercial paper was converted into liquidity by its use as collateral in SRPs at the lowest rates and minimal haircuts because of the AAA rating of the guarantor bank. In the theory of banking, default can be triggered when the value of assets is perceived as lower than the value of the deposits. Commercial paper issued by SIVs, securitized mortgages and derivatives all obtained SRP liquidity on the basis of illiquid home mortgage loans at the bottom of the pyramid. The run on the securitized bank had a clear origin (Pelaez and Pelaez, Regulation of Banks and Finance (2009b), 65):

“The increasing default of mortgages resulted in an increase in counterparty risk. Banks were hit by the liquidity demands of their counterparties. The liquidity shock extended to many segments of the financial markets—interbank loans, asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP), high-yield bonds and many others—when counterparties preferred lower returns of highly liquid safe havens, such as Treasury securities, than the risk of having to sell the collateral in SRPs at deep discounts or holding an illiquid asset. The price of an illiquid asset is near zero.”

Gorton and Metrick (2010H, 507) provide a revealing quote to the work in 1908 of Edwin R. A. Seligman, professor of political economy at Columbia University, founding member of the American Economic Association and one of its presidents and successful advocate of progressive income taxation. The intention of the quote is to bring forth the important argument that financial crises are explained in terms of “confidence” but as Professor Seligman states in reference to historical banking crises in the US, the important task is to explain what caused the lack of confidence. It is instructive to repeat the more extended quote of Seligman (1908, xi) on the explanations of banking crises:

“The current explanations may be divided into two categories. Of these the first includes what might be termed the superficial theories. Thus it is commonly stated that the outbreak of a crisis is due to lack of confidence,--as if the lack of confidence was not in itself the very thing which needs to be explained. Of still slighter value is the attempt to associate a crisis with some particular governmental policy, or with some action of a country’s executive. Such puerile interpretations have commonly been confined to countries like the United States, where the political passions of democracy have had the fullest way. Thus the crisis of 1893 was ascribed by the Republicans to the impending Democratic tariff of 1894; and the crisis of 1907 has by some been termed the ‘[Theodore] Roosevelt panic,” utterly oblivious of the fact that from the time of President Jackson, who was held responsible for the troubles of 1837, every successive crisis had had its presidential scapegoat, and has been followed by a political revulsion. Opposed to these popular, but wholly unfounded interpretations, is the second class of explanations, which seek to burrow beneath the surface and to discover the more occult and fundamental causes of the periodicity of crises.”

Scholars ignore superficial explanations in the effort to seek good and truth. The problem of economic analysis of the credit/dollar crisis is the lack of a structural model with which to attempt empirical determination of causes (Gorton and Metrick 2010SB). There would still be doubts even with a well-specified structural model because samples of economic events do not typically permit separating causes and effects. There is also confusion is separating the why of the crisis and how it started and propagated, all of which are extremely important.

In true heritage of the principles of Seligman (1908), Gorton (2009EFM) discovers a prime causal driver of the credit/dollar crisis. The objective of subprime and Alt-A mortgages was to facilitate loans to populations with modest means so that they could acquire a home. These borrowers would not receive credit because of (1) lack of funds for down payments; (2) low credit rating and information; (3) lack of information on income; and (4) errors or lack of other information. Subprime mortgage “engineering” was based on the belief that both lender and borrower could benefit from increases in house prices over the short run. The initial mortgage would be refinanced in two or three years depending on the increase of the price of the house. According to Gorton (2009EFM, 13, 16):

“The outstanding amounts of Subprime and Alt-A [mortgages] combined amounted to about one quarter of the $6 trillion mortgage market in 2004-2007Q1. Over the period 2000-2007, the outstanding amount of agency mortgages doubled, but subprime grew 800%! Issuance in 2005 and 2006 of Subprime and Alt-A mortgages was almost 30% of the mortgage market. Since 2000 the Subprime and Alt-A segments of the market grew at the expense of the Agency (i.e., the government sponsored entities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) share, which fell from almost 80% (by outstanding or issuance) to about half by issuance and 67% by outstanding amount. The lender’s option to rollover the mortgage after an initial period is implicit in the subprime mortgage. The key design features of a subprime mortgage are: (1) it is short term, making refinancing important; (2) there is a step-up mortgage rate that applies at the end of the first period, creating a strong incentive to refinance; and (3) there is a prepayment penalty, creating an incentive not to refinance early.”

The prime objective of successive administrations in the US during the past 20 years and actually since the times of Roosevelt in the 1930s has been to provide “affordable” financing for the “American dream” of home ownership. The US housing finance system is mixed with public, public/private and purely private entities. The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system was established by Congress in 1932 that also created the Federal Housing Administration in 1934 with the objective of insuring homes against default. In 1938, the government created the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, to foster a market for FHA-insured mortgages. Government-insured mortgages were transferred from Fannie Mae to the Government National Mortgage Association, or Ginnie Mae, to permit Fannie Mae to become a publicly-owned company. Securitization of mortgages began in 1970 with the government charter to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Freddie Mac, with the objective of bundling mortgages created by thrift institutions that would be marketed as bonds with guarantees by Freddie Mac (see Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession (2009a), 42-8). In the third quarter of 2008, total mortgages in the US were $12,057 billion of which 43.5 percent, or $5423 billion, were retained or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession (2009a), 45). In 1990, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had a share of only 25.4 percent of total mortgages in the US. Mortgages in the US increased from $6922 billion in 2002 to $12,088 billion in 2007, or by 74.6 percent, while the retained or guaranteed portfolio of Fannie and Freddie rose from $3180 billion in 2002 to $4934 billion in 2007, or by 55.2 percent.

According to Pinto (2008) in testimony to Congress:

“There are approximately 25 million subprime and Alt-A loans outstanding, with an unpaid principal amount of over $4.5 trillion, about half of them held or guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie. Their high risk activities were allowed to operate at 75:1 leverage ratio. While they may deny it, there can be no doubt that Fannie and Freddie now own or guarantee $1.6 trillion in subprime, Alt-A and other default prone loans and securities. This comprises over 1/3 of their risk portfolios and amounts to 34% of all the subprime loans and 60% of all Alt-A loans outstanding. These 10.5 million unsustainable, nonprime loans are experiencing a default rate 8 times the level of the GSEs’ 20 million traditional quality loans. The GSEs will be responsible for a large percentage of an estimated 8.8 million foreclosures expected over the next 4 years, accounting for the failure of about 1 in 6 home mortgages. Fannie and Freddie have subprimed America.”

In perceptive analysis of growth and macroeconomics in the past six decades, Rajan (2012FA) argues that “the West can’t borrow and spend its way to recovery.” The Keynesian paradigm is not applicable in current conditions. Advanced economies in the West could be divided into those that reformed regulatory structures to encourage productivity and others that retained older structures. In the period from 1950 to 2000, Cobet and Wilson (2002) find that US productivity, measured as output/hour, grew at the average yearly rate of 2.9 percent while Japan grew at 6.3 percent and Germany at 4.7 percent (see Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 135-44). In the period from 1995 to 2000, output/hour grew at the average yearly rate of 4.6 percent in the US but at lower rates of 3.9 percent in Japan and 2.6 percent in the US. Rajan (2012FA) argues that the differential in productivity growth was accomplished by deregulation in the US at the end of the 1970s and during the 1980s. In contrast, Europe did not engage in reform with the exception of Germany in the early 2000s that empowered the German economy with significant productivity advantage. At the same time, technology and globalization increased relative remunerations in highly-skilled, educated workers relative to those without skills for the new economy. It was then politically appealing to improve the fortunes of those left behind by the technological revolution by means of increasing cheap credit. As Rajan (2012FA) argues:

“In 1992, Congress passed the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act, partly to gain more control over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the giant private mortgage agencies, and partly to promote affordable homeownership for low-income groups. Such policies helped money flow to lower-middle-class households and raised their spending—so much so that consumption inequality rose much less than income inequality in the years before the crisis. These policies were also politically popular. Unlike when it came to an expansion in government welfare transfers, few groups opposed expanding credit to the lower-middle class—not the politicians who wanted more growth and happy constituents, not the bankers and brokers who profited from the mortgage fees, not the borrowers who could now buy their dream houses with virtually no money down, and not the laissez-faire bank regulators who thought they could pick up the pieces if the housing market collapsed. The Federal Reserve abetted these shortsighted policies. In 2001, in response to the dot-com bust, the Fed cut short-term interest rates to the bone. Even though the overstretched corporations that were meant to be stimulated were not interested in investing, artificially low interest rates acted as a tremendous subsidy to the parts of the economy that relied on debt, such as housing and finance. This led to an expansion in housing construction (and related services, such as real estate brokerage and mortgage lending), which created jobs, especially for the unskilled. Progressive economists applauded this process, arguing that the housing boom would lift the economy out of the doldrums. But the Fed-supported bubble proved unsustainable. Many construction workers have lost their jobs and are now in deeper trouble than before, having also borrowed to buy unaffordable houses. Bankers obviously deserve a large share of the blame for the crisis. Some of the financial sector’s activities were clearly predatory, if not outright criminal. But the role that the politically induced expansion of credit played cannot be ignored; it is the main reason the usual checks and balances on financial risk taking broke down.”

In fact, Raghuram G. Rajan (2005) anticipated low liquidity in financial markets resulting from low interest rates before the financial crisis that caused distortions of risk/return decisions provoking the credit/dollar crisis and global recession from IVQ2007 to IIQ2009. Near zero interest rates of unconventional monetary policy induced excessive risks and low liquidity in financial decisions that were critical as a cause of the credit/dollar crisis after 2007. Rajan (2012FA) argues that it is not feasible to return to the employment and income levels before the credit/dollar crisis because of the bloated construction sector, financial system and government budgets.

Table IIA-2 shows the euphoria of prices during the housing boom and the subsequent decline. House prices rose 61.0 percent in the US national home price index between Feb 2000 and Feb 2005. Prices rose 80.5 percent in the US national index from Feb 2000 to Feb 2006. House prices rose 26.2 percent between Feb 2003 and Feb 2005 for the US national propelled by low fed funds rates of 1.0 percent between Jul 2003 and Jul 2004. Fed funds rates increased by 0.25 basis points at every meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) from Jun 2004 until Jun 2006, reaching 5.25 percent. Simultaneously, the suspension of auctions of the 30-year Treasury bond caused decrease of yields of mortgage-backed securities with intended increase in mortgage rates. Similarly, between Feb 2003 and Feb 2006 the US national increased 41.4 percent. House prices have increased from Feb 2006 to Feb 2020 by 17.4 percent for the US national. Measuring house prices is quite difficult because of the lack of homogeneity that is typical of standardized commodities. In the 12 months ending in Feb 2019, house prices increased 4.2 percent in the US national. Table IIA-1 also shows that house prices increased 112.0 percent between Feb 2000 and Feb 2020 for the US national. House prices are close to the lowest level since peaks during the boom before the financial crisis and global recession. The US national increased 15.5 percent in Feb 2020 from the peak in Jun 2006 and increased 15.5 percent from the peak in Jul 2006. The final part of Table II-2 provides average annual percentage rates of growth of the house price indexes of Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller. The average rate for the US national was 3.6 percent from Dec 1987 to Dec 2019 and 3.6 percent from Dec 1987 to Dec 2000. Although the global recession affecting the US between IVQ2007 (Dec) and IIQ2009 (Jun) caused decline of house prices of slightly above 30 percent, the average annual growth rate between Dec 2000 and Dec 2019 was 3.6 percent for the US national.

Table IIA-1, US, Percentage Changes of Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller National Home Price Indices, Not Seasonally Adjusted, ∆%

US National

∆% Feb 2000 to Feb 2003

27.6

∆% Feb 2000 to Feb 2005

61.0

∆% Feb 2003 to Feb 2005

26.2

∆% Feb 2000 to Feb 2006

80.5

∆% Feb 2003 to Feb 2006

41.4

∆% Feb 2005 to Feb 2020

31.6

∆% Feb 2006 to Feb 2020

17.4

∆% Feb 2009 to Feb 2020

44.4

∆% Feb 2010 to Feb 2020

49.0

∆% Feb 2011 to Feb 2020

54.8

∆% Feb 2012 to Feb 2020

59.1

∆% Feb 2013 to Feb 2020

46.8

∆% Feb 2014 to Feb 2020

33.3

∆% Feb 2015 to Feb 2020

27.9

∆% Feb 2016 to Feb 2020

21.6

∆% Feb 2017 to Feb 2020

15.1

∆% Feb 2018 to Feb 2020

8.2

∆% Feb 2019 to Feb 2020

4.2

∆% Feb 2000 to Feb 2020

112.0

∆% Peak Jun 2006 to Feb 2020

15.5

∆% Peak Jul 2006 to Feb 2020

15.5

Average ∆% Dec 1987-Dec 2019

3.6

Average ∆% Dec 1987-Dec 2000

3.6

Average ∆% Dec 1992-Dec 2000

4.5

Average ∆% Dec 2000-Dec 2019

3.6

Source: https://my.spindices.com/indices/real-estate/sp-corelogic-case-shiller-us-national-home-price-nsa-index

Monthly house prices increased sharply from Feb 2013 to Jan 2014 for both the SA and NSA national house price, as shown in Table IIA-3. In Jan 2013, the seasonally adjusted national house price index increased 0.9 percent and the NSA increased 0.3. House prices increased at high monthly percentage rates from Feb to Nov 2013. The most important seasonal factor in house prices is school changes for wealthier homeowners with more expensive houses. With seasonal adjustment, house prices fell from Dec 2010 throughout Mar 2011 and then increased in every month from Apr to Jul 2011 but fell in every month from Aug 2011 to Feb 2012. The not seasonally adjusted index registers increase in Mar 2012 of 1.4 percent. Not seasonally adjusted house prices increased 1.9 percent in Apr 2012 and at high monthly percentage rates through Aug 2012. House prices not seasonally adjusted stalled from Oct 2012 to Dec 2012 and surged from Feb to Sep 2013, decelerating in Oct 2013-Jan 2014. House prices grew at fast rates in Mar-Jul 2014. The SA national house price index increased 0.5 percent in Feb 2020 and the NSA index changed 0.4 percent. Declining house prices cause multiple adverse effects of which two are quite evident. (1) There is a disincentive to buy houses in continuing price declines. (2) More mortgages could be losing fair market value relative to mortgage debt. Another possibility is a wealth effect that consumers restrain purchases because of the decline of their net worth in houses.

Table IIA-2, US, Monthly Percentage Change of S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Indices, Seasonally Adjusted and Not Seasonally Adjusted, ∆%

SA

NSA

December 2010

-0.1

-0.8

January 2011

-0.4

-1.1

February 2011

-0.8

-0.9

March 2011

-0.3

0.0

April 2011

0.0

1.0

May 2011

-0.1

1.1

June 2011

0.0

0.9

July 2011

-0.1

0.3

August 2011

-0.3

-0.4

September 2011

-0.5

-1.1

October 2011

-0.5

-1.3

November 2011

-0.6

-1.3

December 2011

-0.3

-1.1

January 2012

0.0

-0.7

February 2012

-0.1

-0.1

March 2012

1.0

1.4

April 2012

0.9

1.9

May 2012

0.7

1.9

June 2012

0.6

1.5

July 2012

0.5

0.8

August 2012

0.4

0.3

September 2012

0.4

-0.2

October 2012

0.5

-0.3

November 2012

0.7

0.0

December 2012

0.6

-0.1

January 2013

0.9

0.3

February 2013

0.6

0.6

March 2013

1.5

1.9

April 2013

1.0

2.0

May 2013

0.9

1.9

June 2013

0.9

1.7

July 2013

0.9

1.2

August 2013

0.9

0.7

September 2013

0.8

0.2

October 2013

0.6

-0.1

November 2013

0.5

-0.1

December 2013

0.6

0.0

January 2014

0.6

0.1

February 2014

0.4

0.3

March 2014

0.3

0.8

April 2014

0.2

1.1

May 2014

0.2

1.1

June 2014

0.2

0.9

July 2014

0.3

0.6

August 2014

0.4

0.2

September 2014

0.4

-0.1

October 2014

0.4

-0.2

November 2014

0.4

-0.1

December 2014

0.4

-0.1

January 2015

0.4

-0.1

February 2015

0.3

0.2

March 2015

0.4

0.9

April 2015

0.3

1.1

May 2015

0.3

1.1

June 2015

0.3

0.9

July 2015

0.4

0.6

August 2015

0.5

0.3

September 2015

0.5

0.1

October 2015

0.6

0.0

November 2015

0.5

0.1

December 2015

0.5

0.0

January 2016

0.4

0.0

February 2016

0.2

0.1

March 2016

0.3

0.8

April 2016

0.3

1.1

May 2016

0.4

1.0

June 2016

0.3

0.9

July 2016

0.4

0.6

August 2016

0.6

0.4

September 2016

0.5

0.2

October 2016

0.5

0.0

November 2016

0.6

0.1

December 2016

0.5

0.1

January 2017

0.6

0.1

February 2017

0.3

0.2

March 2017

0.4

0.8

April 2017

0.4

1.1

May 2017

0.4

1.1

June 2017

0.4

0.9

July 2017

0.5

0.7

August 2017

0.6

0.4

September 2017

0.6

0.2

October 2017

0.5

0.1

November 2017

0.6

0.2

December 2017

0.6

0.2

January 2018

0.6

0.1

February 2018

0.5

0.4

March 2018

0.5

0.8

April 2018

0.4

1.0

May 2018

0.3

0.9

June 2018

0.3

0.8

July 2018

0.3

0.5

August 2018

0.4

0.2

September 2018

0.3

0.0

October 2018

0.4

0.0

November 2018

0.3

-0.1

December 2018

0.2

-0.2

January 2019

0.2

-0.2

February 2019

0.2

0.1

March 2019

0.3

0.7

April 2019

0.3

0.9

May 2019

0.2

0.8

June 2019

0.2

0.6

July 2019

0.2

0.4

August 2019

0.4

0.2

September 2019

0.4

0.1

October 2019

0.4

0.0

November 2019

0.4

0.1

December 2019

0.4

0.0

January 2020

0.4

0.0

February 2020

0.5

0.4

Source: https://my.spindices.com/indices/real-estate/sp-corelogic-case-shiller-us-national-home-price-nsa-index

Table IIA-4 summarizes the brutal drops in assets and net worth of US households and nonprofit organizations from 2007 to 2008 and 2009. Total assets fell $9.1 trillion or 10.6 percent from 2007 to 2008 and $8.1 trillion or 9.5 percent to 2009. Net worth fell $8.9 trillion from 2007 to 2008 or 12.7 percent and $7.9 trillion to 2009 or 11.1 percent. Subsidies to housing prolonged over decades together with interest rates at 1.0 percent from Jun 2003 to Jun 2004 inflated valuations of real estate and risk financial assets such as equities. The increase of fed funds rates by 25 basis points until 5.25 percent in Jun 2006 reversed carry trades through exotic vehicles such as subprime adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) and world financial markets. Short-term zero interest rates encourage financing of everything with short-dated funds, explaining the SIVs created off-balance sheet to issue short-term commercial paper to purchase default-prone mortgages that were financed in overnight or short-dated sale and repurchase agreements (Pelaez and Pelaez, Financial Regulation after the Global Recession, 50-1, Regulation of Banks and Finance, 59-60, Globalization and the State Vol. I, 89-92, Globalization and the State Vol. II, 198-9, Government Intervention in Globalization, 62-3, International Financial Architecture, 144-9).

Table IIA-4, Difference of Balance Sheet of Households and Nonprofit Organizations, Billions of Dollars from 2007 to 2008 and 2009

2007

2008

Change to 2008

2009

Change to 2009

A

85,145.5

76,094.7

-9,050.8

77,054.6

-8,090.9

Non
FIN

30,542.1

27,982.7

-2,559.4

26,021.7

-4,520.4

RE

25,745.4

23,063.0

-2,682.4

21,085.2

-4,660.2

FIN

54,603.3

48,112.0

-6,491.3

51,032.9

-3,570.4

LIAB

14,503.2

14,399.4

-103.8

14,277.0

-226.2

NW

70,642.3

61,695.3

-8,9467.0

62,777.5

-7,864.8

Notes: Deposits: Total Time and Savings Deposits FL15303005; Net Worth = Assets – Liabilities

Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2020. Flow of funds, balance sheets and integrated macroeconomic accounts: fourth quarter 2019. Washington, DC, Federal Reserve System, Mar 12. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/current/default.htm

The apparent improvement in Table IIA-4A is mostly because of increases in valuations of risk financial assets by the carry trade from zero interest rates to leveraged exposures in risk financial assets such as stocks, high-yield bonds, emerging markets, commodities and so on. Zero interest rates also act to increase net worth by reducing debt or liabilities. The net worth of households has become an instrument of unconventional monetary policy by zero interest rates in the theory that increases in net worth increase consumption that accounts for 67.6 percent of GDP in IQ2020 (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html), generating demand to increase aggregate economic activity and employment. There are neglected and counterproductive risks in unconventional monetary policy. Between 2007 and IVQ2019, real estate increased in value by $7163.9 billion and financial assets increased $41,006.5 billion for net gain of real estate and financial assets of $48,170.4 billion, explaining most of the increase in net worth of $47,725.9 billion obtained by deducting the increase in liabilities of $2073.0 billion from the increase of assets of $49,798.9 billion (with minor rounding error). Net worth increased from $70,642.3 billion in IVQ2007 to $118,368.2 billion in IVQ2019 by $47,725.9 billion or 67.6 percent. The US consumer price index for all items increased from 210.036 in Dec 2007 to 256.974 in Dec 2019 (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/data.htm) or 22.3 percent. Net worth adjusted by CPI inflation increased 37.0 percent from 2007 to IVQ2019. Real estate assets adjusted for CPI inflation increased 4.5 percent from 2007 to IVQ2019. There are multiple complaints that unconventional monetary policy concentrates income on wealthier individuals because of their holdings of financial assets while the middle class has gained less because of fewer holdings of financial assets and higher share of real estate in family wealth. There is nothing new in these arguments. Interest rate ceilings on deposits and loans have been commonly used. The Banking Act of 1933 imposed prohibition of payment of interest on demand deposits and ceilings on interest rates on time deposits. These measures were justified by arguments that the banking panic of the 1930s was caused by competitive rates on bank deposits that led banks to engage in high-risk loans (Friedman, 1970, 18; see Pelaez and Pelaez, Regulation of Banks and Finance (2009b), 74-5). The objective of policy was to prevent unsound loans in banks. Savings and loan institutions complained of unfair competition from commercial banks that led to continuing controls with the objective of directing savings toward residential construction. Friedman (1970, 15) argues that controls were passive during periods when rates implied on demand deposit were zero or lower and when Regulation Q ceilings on time deposits were above market rates on time deposits. The Great Inflation or stagflation of the 1960s and 1970s changed the relevance of Regulation Q. Friedman (1970, 26-7) predicted the future:

“The banks have been forced into costly structural readjustments, the European banking system has been given an unnecessary competitive advantage, and London has been artificially strengthened as a financial center at the expense of New York.”

In short, Depression regulation exported the US financial system to London and offshore centers. What is vividly relevant currently from this experience is the argument by Friedman (1970, 27) that the controls affected the most people with lower incomes and wealth who were forced into accepting controlled-rates on their savings that were lower than those that would be obtained under freer markets. As Friedman (1970, 27) argues:

“These are the people who have the fewest alternative ways to invest their limited assets and are least sophisticated about the alternatives.” Long-term economic performance in the United States consisted of trend growth of GDP at 3 percent per year and of per capita GDP at 2 percent per year as measured for 1870 to 2010 by Robert E Lucas (2011May). The economy returned to trend growth after adverse events such as wars and recessions. The key characteristic of adversities such as recessions was much higher rates of growth in expansion periods that permitted the economy to recover output, income and employment losses that occurred during the contractions. Over the business cycle, the economy compensated the losses of contractions with higher growth in expansions to maintain trend growth of GDP of 3 percent and of GDP per capita of 2 percent. US economic growth has been at only 2.3 percent on average in the cyclical expansion in the 42 quarters from IIIQ2009 to IVQ2019. Boskin (2010Sep) measures that the US economy grew at 6.2 percent in the first four quarters and 4.5 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the second quarter of 1975; and at 7.7 percent in the first four quarters and 5.8 percent in the first 12 quarters after the trough in the first quarter of 1983 (Professor Michael J. Boskin, Summer of Discontent, Wall Street Journal, Sep 2, 2010 http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882304575465462926649950.html). There are new calculations using the revision of US GDP and personal income data since 1929 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) (http://bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm) and the first estimate of GDP for IQ2020 (https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2020-04/gdp1q20_adv.pdf). The average of 7.7 percent in the first four quarters of major cyclical expansions is in contrast with the rate of growth in the first four quarters of the expansion from IIIQ2009 to IIQ2010 of only 2.8 percent obtained by dividing GDP of $15,557.3 billion in IIQ2010 by GDP of $15,134.1 billion in IIQ2009 {[($15,557.3/$15,134.1) -1]100 = 2.8%], or accumulating the quarter on quarter growth rates (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The expansion from IQ1983 to IQ1986 was at the average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent, 5.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1986, 5.1 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1986, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1987, 5.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1987, 4.9 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1988, 4.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1989, 4.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1989, 4.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1989, 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1989. 4.5 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1990, 4.4 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1990, 4.3 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1990, 4.0 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1990, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1991, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1991, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ2019, 3.8 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1992, 3.7 percent from IQ1983 to IQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIQ1993, 3.6 percent from IQ1983 to IIIQ1993 and at 7.9 percent from IQ1983 to IVQ1983 (Section I and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html). The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) dates a contraction of the US from IQ1990 (Jul) to IQ1991 (Mar) (https://www.nber.org/cycles.html). The expansion lasted until another contraction beginning in IQ2001 (Mar). US GDP contracted 1.3 percent from the pre-recession peak of $8983.9 billion of chained 2009 dollars in IIIQ1990 to the trough of $8865.6 billion in IQ1991 (https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/index_nipa.cfm). The US maintained growth at 3.0 percent on average over entire cycles with expansions at higher rates compensating for contractions. Growth at trend in the entire cycle from IVQ2007 to IQ2020 and the lockdown of economic activity in COVID-19 would have accumulated to 43.6 percent. GDP in IQ2020 would be $22,634.2 billion (in constant dollars of 2012) if the US had grown at trend, which is higher by $3646.3 billion than actual $18,987.9 billion. There are more than three trillion dollars of GDP less than at trend, explaining the 24.1 million unemployed or underemployed equivalent to actual unemployment/underemployment of 14.0 percent of the effective labor force (https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html and earlier https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html). Unemployment is increasing sharply while employment is declining rapidly because of the lockdown of economic activity in the probable global recession resulting from the COVID-19 event (https://www.bls.gov/cps/employment-situation-covid19-faq-march-2020.pdf). US GDP in IQ2020 is 16.1 percent lower than at trend. US GDP grew from $15,762.0 billion in IVQ2007 in constant dollars to $18,987.9 billion in IQ2020 or 20.5 percent at the average annual equivalent rate of 1.5 percent. Professor John H. Cochrane (2014Jul2) estimates US GDP at more than 10 percent below trend. Cochrane (2016May02) measures GDP growth in the US at average 3.5 percent per year from 1950 to 2000 and only at 1.76 percent per year from 2000 to 2015 with only at 2.0 percent annual equivalent in the current expansion. Cochrane (2016May02) proposes drastic changes in regulation and legal obstacles to private economic activity. The US missed the opportunity to grow at higher rates during the expansion and it is difficult to catch up because growth rates in the final periods of expansions tend to decline. The US missed the opportunity for recovery of output and employment always afforded in the first four quarters of expansion from recessions. Zero interest rates and quantitative easing were not required or present in successful cyclical expansions and in secular economic growth at 3.0 percent per year and 2.0 percent per capita as measured by Lucas (2011May). There is cyclical uncommonly slow growth in the US instead of allegations of secular stagnation. There is similar behavior in manufacturing. There is classic research on analyzing deviations of output from trend (see for example Schumpeter 1939, Hicks 1950, Lucas 1975, Sargent and Sims 1977). The long-term trend is growth of manufacturing at average 3.1 percent per year from Mar 1919 to Mar 2020. Growth at 3.1 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 157.4135 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511 which is 37.4 percent below trend. The deterioration of manufacturing in Mar 2020 originates in the lockdown of economic activity in the COVID-19 event. Manufacturing grew at the average annual rate of 3.3 percent between Dec 1986 and Dec 2006. Growth at 3.3 percent per year would raise the NSA index of manufacturing output (SIC, Standard Industrial Classification) from 108.2987 in Dec 2007 to 161.1952 in Mar 2020. The actual index NSA in Mar 2020 is 98.5511, which is 38.9 percent below trend. Manufacturing output grew at average 1.7 percent between Dec 1986 and Mar 2020. Using trend growth of 1.7 percent per year, the index would increase to 133.1389 in Mar 2020. The output of manufacturing at 98.5511 in Mar 2020 is 26.0 percent below trend under this alternative calculation. Using the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), manufacturing output fell from the high of 110.5147 in Jun 2007 to the low of 86.3800 in Apr 2009 or 21.8 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased from 86.3800 in Apr 2009 to 99.9350 in Mar 2020 or 15.7 percent. The NAICS manufacturing index increased at the annual equivalent rate of 3.5 percent from Dec 1986 to Dec 2006. Growth at 3.5 percent would increase the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 162.5897 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 38.5 below trend. The NAICS manufacturing output index grew at 1.7 percent annual equivalent from Dec 1999 to Dec 2006. Growth at 1.7 percent would raise the NAICS manufacturing output index from 106.6777 in Dec 2007 to 131.1461 in Mar 2020. The NAICS index at 99.9350 in Mar 2020 is 23.8 percent below trend under this alternative calculation.

Table IIA-4A, US, Difference of Balance Sheet of Households and Nonprofit Organizations Billions of Dollars from 2007 to 2017, 2018 and IVQ2019

Value 2007

Change to 2017

Change to 2018

Change to 2019

Assets

85,145.5

36,402.0

38,101.9

49,798.9

Nonfinancial

30,542.10

5,418.2

7,325.3

8,792.5

Real Estate

25,745.4

4,310.2

5,966.9

7,163.9

Financial

54,603.3

30,984.0

30,776.7

41,006.5

Liabilities

14,503.2

1,041.5

1,525.3

2,073.0

Net Worth

70,642.3

35,360.5

36,576.7

47,725.9

Notes: Deposits: Total Time and Savings Deposits FL15303005; Net Worth = Assets – Liabilities

Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 2020. Flow of funds, balance sheets and integrated macroeconomic accounts: fourth quarter 2019. Washington, DC, Federal Reserve System, Mar 12. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/current/default.htm

VB Japan. The GDP of Japan grew at 1.0 percent per year on average from 1991 to 2002, with the GDP implicit deflator falling at 0.8 percent per year on average. The average growth rate of Japan’s GDP was 4 percent per year on average from the middle of the 1970s to 1992 (Ito 2004). Low growth in Japan in the 1990s is commonly labeled as “the lost decade” (see Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 81-115). Table VB-GDP provides annual growth rates of Japan’s GDP from 1995 to 2019. Growth weakened from 2.7 per cent in 1995 and 3.1 percent in 1996 to contractions of 1.1 percent in 1998 and 0.3 percent in 1999. Growth rates were below 2 percent with exception of 2.8 percent in 2000 and 2.2 percent in 2004. Japan’s GDP contracted sharply by 1.1 percent in 2008 and 5.4 percent in 2009. As in most advanced economies, growth was robust at 4.2 percent in 2010 but mediocre at minus 0.1 percent in 2011 because of the tsunami and 1.5 percent in 2012. Japan’s GDP grew 2.0 percent in 2013 and nearly stagnated in 2014 at 0.4 percent. The GDP of Japan increased 1.2 percent in 2015 and 0.5 percent in 2016. Japan’s GDP increased at 2.2 percent in 2017. The GDP of Japan increased 0.3 percent in 2018. The GDP of Japan increased 0.7 percent in 2019. There is classic research on analyzing deviations of output from trend (see for example Schumpeter 1939, Hicks 1950, Lucas 1975, Sargent and Sims 1977). Japan’s real GDP in calendar year 2019 is 6.2 percent higher than in calendar year 2007 for growth at the average yearly rate of 0.5 percent. Japan’s real GDP grew 13.5 percent from the trough of 2009 to 2019 at the average yearly rate of 1.3 percent (https://www.cao.go.jp/index-e.html).

Table VB-GDP, Japan, Yearly Percentage Change of GDP ∆%

Calendar Year

∆%

1995

2.7

1996

3.1

1997

1.1

1998

-1.1

1999

-0.3

2000

2.8

2001

0.4

2002

0.1

2003

1.5

2004

2.2

2005

1.7

2006

1.4

2007

1.7

2008

-1.1

2009

-5.4

2010

4.2

2011

-0.1

2012

1.5

2013

2.0

2014

0.4

2015

1.2

2016

0.5

2017

2.2

2018

0.3

2019

0.7

Source: Source: Japan Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office

https://www.cao.go.jp/index-e.html

http://wwwa.cao.go.jp/notice/20191101notice.html

Table VB-BOJF provides the forecasts of economic activity and inflation in Japan by the majority of members of the Policy Board of the Bank of Japan, which is part of their Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1504b.pdf) with changes on Jul 21, 2015 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2015/k150121a.pdf). For fiscal 2015, the forecast is of growth of GDP between 1.5 to 2.1 percent, with the all items CPI less fresh food 0.2 to 1.2 to 3.3 percent (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1504b.pdf). The critical difference is forecast of the CPI excluding fresh food of 0.2 to 1.2 percent in 2015 and 1.2 to 2.2 percent in 2016 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1504b.pdf). Consumer price inflation in Japan excluding fresh food was minus 0.4 percent in Mar 2014 and 2.2 percent in 12 months (http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/cpi/1581.htm), significantly because of the increase of the tax on value added of consumption in Apr 2014. The new monetary policy of the Bank of Japan aims to increase inflation to 2 percent. These forecasts are biannual in Apr and Oct. The Cabinet Office, Ministry of Finance and Bank of Japan released on Jan 22, 2013, a “Joint Statement of the Government and the Bank of Japan on Overcoming Deflation and Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130122c.pdf) with the important change of increasing the inflation target of monetary policy from 1 percent to 2 percent:

“The Bank of Japan conducts monetary policy based on the principle that the policy shall be aimed at achieving price stability, thereby contributing to the sound development of the national economy, and is responsible for maintaining financial system stability. The Bank aims to achieve price stability on a sustainable basis, given that there are various factors that affect prices in the short run.

The Bank recognizes that the inflation rate consistent with price stability on a sustainable basis will rise as efforts by a wide range of entities toward strengthening competitiveness and growth potential of Japan's economy make progress. Based on this recognition, the Bank sets the price stability target at 2 percent in terms of the year-on-year rate of change in the consumer price index.

Under the price stability target specified above, the Bank will pursue monetary easing and aim to achieve this target at the earliest possible time. Taking into consideration that it will take considerable time before the effects of monetary policy permeate the economy, the Bank will ascertain whether there is any significant risk to the sustainability of economic growth, including from the accumulation of financial imbalances.”

The Bank of Japan also provided explicit analysis of its view on price stability in a “Background note regarding the Bank’s thinking on price stability” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/data/rel130123a1.pdf http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130123a.htm/). The Bank of Japan also amended “Principal terms and conditions for the Asset Purchase Program” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130122a.pdf): “Asset purchases and loan provision shall be conducted up to the maximum outstanding amounts by the end of 2013. From January 2014, the Bank shall purchase financial assets and provide loans every month, the amount of which shall be determined pursuant to the relevant rules of the Bank.”

Financial markets in Japan and worldwide were shocked by new bold measures of “quantitative and qualitative monetary easing” by the Bank of Japan (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf). The objective of policy is to “achieve the price stability target of 2 percent in terms of the year-on-year rate of change in the consumer price index (CPI) at the earliest possible time, with a time horizon of about two years” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf). The main elements of the new policy are as follows:

  1. Monetary Base Control. Most central banks in the world pursue interest rates instead of monetary aggregates, injecting bank reserves to lower interest rates to desired levels. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has shifted back to monetary aggregates, conducting money market operations with the objective of increasing base money, or monetary liabilities of the government, at the annual rate of 60 to 70 trillion yen. The BOJ estimates base money outstanding at “138 trillion yen at end-2012) and plans to increase it to “200 trillion yen at end-2012 and 270 trillion yen at end 2014” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf).
  2. Maturity Extension of Purchases of Japanese Government Bonds. Purchases of bonds will be extended even up to bonds with maturity of 40 years with the guideline of extending the average maturity of BOJ bond purchases from three to seven years. The BOJ estimates the current average maturity of Japanese government bonds (JGB) at around seven years. The BOJ plans to purchase about 7.5 trillion yen per month (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130404d.pdf). Takashi Nakamichi, Tatsuo Ito and Phred Dvorak, wiring on “Bank of Japan mounts bid for revival,” on Apr 4, 2013, published in the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323646604578401633067110420.html), find that the limit of maturities of three years on purchases of JGBs was designed to avoid views that the BOJ would finance uncontrolled government deficits.
  3. Seigniorage. The BOJ is pursuing coordination with the government that will take measures to establish “sustainable fiscal structure with a view to ensuring the credibility of fiscal management” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf).
  4. Diversification of Asset Purchases. The BOJ will engage in transactions of exchange traded funds (ETF) and real estate investment trusts (REITS) and not solely on purchases of JGBs. Purchases of ETFs will be at an annual rate of increase of one trillion yen and purchases of REITS at 30 billion yen.
  5. Bank Lending Facility and Growth Supporting Funding Facility. At the meeting on Feb 18, the Bank of Japan doubled the scale of these lending facilities to prevent their expiration in the near future (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2014/k140218a.pdf).

Table VB-BOJF provides the forecasts of economic activity and inflation in Japan by the majority of members of the Policy Board of the Bank of Japan, which is part of their Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1701b.pdf) with changes on Feb 1, 2017 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1604b.pdf). On Jun 19, 2015, the Bank of Japan announced a “New Framework for Monetary Policy Meetings,” which provides for quarterly release of the forecasts of the economy and prices beginning in Jan 2016 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2015/rel150619a.pdf). For fiscal 2015, the forecast is of growth of GDP between 0.7 to 0.7 percent, with the all items CPI less fresh food of 0.0 percent (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1604b.pdf). The critical difference is forecast of the CPI excluding fresh food of 0.0 to 0.2 percent in 2016 and 1.8 to 3.0 percent in 2017 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1604b.pdf). Consumer price inflation in Japan excluding fresh food was 0.1 percent in Mar 2016 and minus 0.3 percent in 12 months (http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/cpi/1581.htm). The CPI increased significantly because of the increase of the tax on value added of consumption in Apr 2014. The new monetary policy of the Bank of Japan aims to increase inflation to 2 percent. These forecasts are biannual in Apr and Oct. The Cabinet Office, Ministry of Finance and Bank of Japan released on Jan 22, 2013, a “Joint Statement of the Government and the Bank of Japan on Overcoming Deflation and Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130122c.pdf) with the important change of increasing the inflation target of monetary policy from 1 percent to 2 percent:

“The Bank of Japan conducts monetary policy based on the principle that the policy shall be aimed at achieving price stability, thereby contributing to the sound development of the national economy, and is responsible for maintaining financial system stability. The Bank aims to achieve price stability on a sustainable basis, given that there are various factors that affect prices in the short run.

The Bank recognizes that the inflation rate consistent with price stability on a sustainable basis will rise as efforts by a wide range of entities toward strengthening competitiveness and growth potential of Japan's economy make progress. Based on this recognition, the Bank sets the price stability target at 2 percent in terms of the year-on-year rate of change in the consumer price index.

Under the price stability target specified above, the Bank will pursue monetary easing and aim to achieve this target at the earliest possible time. Taking into consideration that it will take considerable time before the effects of monetary policy permeate the economy, the Bank will ascertain whether there is any significant risk to the sustainability of economic growth, including from the accumulation of financial imbalances.”

The Bank of Japan also provided explicit analysis of its view on price stability in a “Background note regarding the Bank’s thinking on price stability” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/data/rel130123a1.pdf http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130123a.htm/). The Bank of Japan also amended “Principal terms and conditions for the Asset Purchase Program” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130122a.pdf): “Asset purchases and loan provision shall be conducted up to the maximum outstanding amounts by the end of 2013. From January 2014, the Bank shall purchase financial assets and provide loans every month, the amount of which shall be determined pursuant to the relevant rules of the Bank.”

Financial markets in Japan and worldwide were shocked by new bold measures of “quantitative and qualitative monetary easing” by the Bank of Japan (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf). The objective of policy is to “achieve the price stability target of 2 percent in terms of the year-on-year rate of change in the consumer price index (CPI) at the earliest possible time, with a time horizon of about two years” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf). The main elements of the new policy are as follows:

  1. Monetary Base Control. Most central banks in the world pursue interest rates instead of monetary aggregates, injecting bank reserves to lower interest rates to desired levels. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has shifted back to monetary aggregates, conducting money market operations with the objective of increasing base money, or monetary liabilities of the government, at the annual rate of 60 to 70 trillion yen. The BOJ estimates base money outstanding at “138 trillion yen at end-2012) and plans to increase it to “200 trillion yen at end-2012 and 270 trillion yen at end 2014” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf).
  2. Maturity Extension of Purchases of Japanese Government Bonds. Purchases of bonds will be extended even up to bonds with maturity of 40 years with the guideline of extending the average maturity of BOJ bond purchases from three to seven years. The BOJ estimates the current average maturity of Japanese government bonds (JGB) at around seven years. The BOJ plans to purchase about 7.5 trillion yen per month (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/rel130404d.pdf). Takashi Nakamichi, Tatsuo Ito and Phred Dvorak, wiring on “Bank of Japan mounts bid for revival,” on Apr 4, 2013, published in the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323646604578401633067110420.html), find that the limit of maturities of three years on purchases of JGBs was designed to avoid views that the BOJ would finance uncontrolled government deficits.
  3. Seigniorage. The BOJ is pursuing coordination with the government that will take measures to establish “sustainable fiscal structure with a view to ensuring the credibility of fiscal management” (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2013/k130404a.pdf).
  4. Diversification of Asset Purchases. The BOJ will engage in transactions of exchange traded funds (ETF) and real estate investment trusts (REITS) and not solely on purchases of JGBs. Purchases of ETFs will be at an annual rate of increase of one trillion yen and purchases of REITS at 30 billion yen.
  5. Bank Lending Facility and Growth Supporting Funding Facility. At the meeting on Feb 18, the Bank of Japan doubled the scale of these lending facilities to prevent their expiration in the near future (http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2014/k140218a.pdf).
  6. Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing (QQE) with Negative Nominal Interest Rate. On January 29, 2016, the Policy Board of the Bank of Japan introduced a new policy to attain the “price stability target of 2 percent at the earliest possible time” (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2016/k160129a.pdf). The new framework consists of three dimensions: quantity, quality and interest rate. The interest rate dimension consists of rates paid to current accounts that financial institutions hold at the Bank of Japan of three tiers zero, positive and minus 0.1 percent. The quantitative dimension consists of increasing the monetary base at the annual rate of 80 trillion yen. The qualitative dimension consists of purchases by the Bank of Japan of Japanese government bonds (JGBs), exchange traded funds (ETFs) and Japan real estate investment trusts (J-REITS).
  7. Quantitative and Qualitative Easing with Yield Curve Control. The Bank of Japan introduced a new approach, QQE with Yield Curve Control (“Quantitative and Qualitative Easing with Yield Curve Control”) at its policy meeting on Sep 21, 2016 (https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2016/k160921a.pdf). The policy consists of two measures. First “yield curve control” consists of controlling the long-term and short-term interest rates. The bank will fix the interest rates of policy balances held by financial institutions at the BOJ at minus 0.1 percent and will purchase Japanese Government Bonds (JGB) in the amount required to maintain the yield of the 10-year JGB at around zero percent. Second, “the inflation-overshooting commitment” consists of increasing base money to maintain the CPI price stability target above 2 percent.

Table VB-BOJF, Bank of Japan, Forecasts of the Majority of Members of the Policy Board, % Year on Year

Fiscal Year
Date of Forecast

Real GDP

CPI All Items Less Fresh Food

Excluding Effects of Consumption Tax Hikes

2013

Apr 2014

+2.2 to +2.3
[+2.2]

+0.8

Jan 2014

+2.5 to +2.9

[+2.7]

+0.7 to +0.9

[+0.7]

Oct 2013

+2.6 to +3.0

[+2.7]

+0.6 to +1.0

[+0.7]

Jul 2013

+2.5 to +3.0

[+2.8]

+0.5 to +0.8

[+0.6]

2014

Apr 2015

-1.0 to -0.8

[-0.9]

+2.8

+0.8

Jan 2015

-0.6 to -0.4

[-0.5]

+2.9 to +3.2

[+2.9]

+0.9 to +1.2

[+0.9]

Oct 2014

+0.2 to +0.7

[+0.5]

+3.1 to +3.4

[+3.2]

+1.1 to +1.4

[+1.2]

Jul 2014

+0.6 to +1.3

[+1.0]

+3.2 to +3.5

[+3.3]

+1.2 to +1.5

[+1.3]

Apr 2014

+0.8 to +1.3
[+1.1]

+3.0 to +3.5
[+3.3]

+1.0 to +1.5
[+1.3]

Jan 2014

+0.9 to 1.5

[+1.4]

+2.9 to +3.6

[+3.3]

+0.9 to +1.6

[+1.3]

Oct 2013

+0.9 to +1.5

[+1.5]

+2.8 to +3.6

[+3.3]

+0.8 to +1.6

[+1.3]

Jul 2013

+0.8 to +1.5

[+1.3]

+2.7 to +3.6

[+3.3]

+0.7 to +1.6

[+1.3]

2015

Feb 2016

+0.7 to +0.7

[+0.7]

0.0

Jan 2016

+1.0 to +1.3

[+1.1]

0.0 to 0.2

[+0.1]

Oct 2015

+0.8 to +1.4

[+1.2]

0.0 to +0.4

[+0.1

Jul 2015

+1.5 to +1.9

[+1.7]

+0.3 to +1.0

[+0.7]

Apr 2015

+1.5 to +2.1

[+2.0]

+0.2 to 1.2

[+0.8]

+0.2 to 1.2

[+0.8]

Jan 2015

+1.8 to +2.3

[+2.1]

+0.4 to +1.3

[+1.0]

+0.4 to +1.3

[+1.0]

Oct 2014

+1.2 to +1.7

[+1.5]

+1.8 to 2.6

[+2.4]

+1.1 to +1.9

[+1.7]

Jul 2014

+1.2 to +1.6

[+1.5]

+1.9 to +2.8

[+2.6]

+1.2 to +2.1

[+1.9]

Apr 2014

+1.2 to +1.5
[+1.5]

+1.9 to +2.8
[+2.6]

+1.2 to +2.1
[+1.9]

Jan 2014

+1.2 to +1.8

[+1.5]

+1.7 to +2.9

[+2.6]

+1.0 to +2.2

[+1.9]

Oct 2013

+1.3 to +1.8

[+1.5]

+1.6 to +2.9

[+2.6]

+0.9 to +2.2

[+1.9]

Jul 2013

+1.3 to +1.9 [+1.5]

+1.6 to +2.9 [+2.6]

+0.9 to +2.2 [+1.9]

2016

Apr 2017

+1.4 to +1.4

[+1.4]

-0.3

Feb 2017

+1.2 to +1.5

[+1.4]

-0.2 to -0.1

[-0.2]

Jul 2016

+0.8 to +1.0

[+1.0]

0.0 to +0.3

[0.5]

0.0 to +0.3

[0.5]

Apr 2016

+0.8 to +1.4

[+1.2]

0.0 to +0.8

[+0.5]

0.0 to +0.8

[+0.5]

Jan 2016

+1.0 to +1.7

[+1.5]

0.2 to +1.2

[+0.8]

Oct 2015

+1.2 to +1.6

[+1.4]

+0.8 to +1.5

[+1.4]

Jul 2015

+1.5 to 1.7

[+1.5]

+1.2 to +2.1

[+1.9]

Apr 2015

+1.4 to +1.8

[+1.5]

+1.2 to +2.2

[+2.0]

+1.2 to +2.2

[+2.0]

Jan 2015

+1.5 to +1.7

[+1.6]

+1.5 to +2.3

[+2.2]

+1.5 to +2.3

[+2.2]

Oct 2014

+1.0 to +1.4

[+1.2]

+1.9 to 3.0

[+2.8]

+1.2 to 2.3

[+2.1]

Jul 2014

+1.0 to +1.5

[+1.3]

+2.0 to +3.0

[+2.8]

+1.3 to +2.3

[+2.1]

Apr 2014

+1.0 to +1.5
[+1.3]

+2.0 to +3.0
[+2.8]

+1.3 to +2.3
[+2.1]

2017

Apr 2017

+1.4 to +1.6

[+1.6]

+0.6 to +1.6

[+1.4]

Feb 2017

+1.3 to +1.6

[+1.5]

+0.8 to +1.6

[+1.5]

Jul 2016

1.0 to +1.5
[+1.3]

+0.8 to +1.8
[+1.7]

+0.8 to +1.8
[+1.7]

Apr 2016

0.0 to + +0.3

[+0.1]

1.8 to +3.0

[+2.7]

0.8 to +2.0

[+1.7

Jan 2016

+0.1 to + 0.5

[+0.3]

+2.0 to +3.1

[+2.8]

+ 1.0 to +2.1

[+1.8]

Oct 2015

+0.1 to +0.5

[+0.3]

+2.5 to +3.4

[+3.1]

+1.2 to 2.1

[+1.8]

Jul 2015

+0.1 to +0.5

[+0.2]

+2.7 to +3.4

[+3.1]

+1.4 to +2.1

[+1.8]

Apr 2015

+0.1 to +0.5

[+0.2]

+2.7 to +3.4

[+3.2]

+1.4 to +2.1

[+1.9]

2018

Apr 2017

+1.1 to +1.3

[+1.3]

+0.8 to +1.9

[+1.7]

Feb 2017

+1.0 to +1.2

[+1.1]

+0.9 to +1.9

[+1.7]

Jul 2016

+0.8 to +1.0
[+0.9]

+1.0 to +2.0
[+1.9]

+1.0 to +2.0
[+1.9]

Apr 2016

+0.6 to +1.2

[+1.0]

+1.0 to +2.1

[+1.9]

+1.0 to +2.1

[+1.9]

2019

Apr 2017

+0.6 to +0.7

[+0.7]

+1.4 to +2.5

[+2.4]

+0.9 to +2.0

[+1.9]

Figures in brackets are the median of forecasts of Policy Board members

Source: Policy Board, Bank of Japan

Figures in brackets are the median of forecasts of Policy Board members

Source: Policy Board, Bank of Japan

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2015/k150121a.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2014/k140715a.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1504b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1510b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1601b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1604b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1607b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1701b.pdf

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/mopo/outlook/gor1704b.pdf

The Jibun Bank Flash Japan Composite Output Index decreased from 36.2 in Mar to 27.8 in Apr (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/211669757e2d4b73b524edc355c711ba). The Jibun Bank Flash Japan Services Business Activity Index decreased from 33.8 in Mar to 22.8 in Apr (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/211669757e2d4b73b524edc355c711ba). The Jibun Bank Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI Index™ with the Flash Japan

Manufacturing PMI™ decreased from 44.1 in Mar to 37.8 in Apr

(https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/211669757e2d4b73b524edc355c711ba). Joe Hayes, Economist at HIS

Markit, finds sharp internal economy contraction (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/211669757e2d4b73b524edc355c711ba).The Jibun Bank Composite Output PMI Index decreased from 47.0 in Feb to 36.2 in Mar, indicating contracting business activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2d0e1c6942c84adaa4d4cdc16383779e). The Jibun Bank Business Activity Index of Services decreased to 33.8 in Mar from 46.8 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2d0e1c6942c84adaa4d4cdc16383779e). Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, finds contracting conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2d0e1c6942c84adaa4d4cdc16383779e). The Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI™), seasonally adjusted, decreased from 47.8 in Feb to 44.8 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/cc5be534a47144df870e919d7325368d). New orders decreased while new foreign orders decreased. Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, finds weak conditions in manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/cc5be534a47144df870e919d7325368d). Table JPY provides the country data table for Japan.

Table JPY, Japan, Economic Indicators

Historical GDP and CPI

1981-2010 Real GDP Growth and CPI Inflation 1981-2010
Blog 8/9/11 Table 26

Corporate Goods Prices

Mar ∆% -0.9
12 months ∆% -0.4
Blog 4/19/20

Consumer Price Index

Mar NSA ∆% 0.3; Mar 12 months NSA ∆% 0.4
Blog 5/3/20

Real GDP Growth

IVQ2019 ∆%: -1.8 on IIIQ2019; IVQ2019 SAAR minus 7.1;
∆% from quarter a year earlier: minus 0.7
Blog 6/16/13 8/18/13 9/15/13 11/17/13 12/15/13 2/23/14 3/16/14 5/18/14 6/15/14 8/17/14 9/14/14 11/23/14 12/14/14 2/22/15 3/15/15 5/24/15 6/14/15 8/23/15 9/13/15 11/22/15 12/13/15 2/21/16 3/13/16 5/22/16 6/12/16 8/21/16 9/11/16 11/20/16 12/11/16 2/19/17 3/12/17 5/21/17 6/11/17 8/20/17 9/10/17 11/26/17 12/17/17 2/18/18 3/11/18 5/20/18 6/17/18 8/19/18 9/16/18 11/18/18 2/17/19 3/17/19 5/26/19 6/16/19 8/18/19 9/15/19 11/24/19 12/29/19 2/23/20 3/15/2020

Employment Report

Mar Unemployed 1.76 million

Change in unemployed since last year: 20 thousand
Unemployment rate: 2.5%
Blog 5/3/20

All Industry Indices

Feb month SA ∆% -0.6
12-month NSA ∆% -2.1

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/26/15

Industrial Production

Mar SA month ∆%: -3.7
Mar 12-month NSA ∆% -5.2

Earlier Data:
Blog 3/29/15

Machine Orders

Total Dec ∆% -9.7

Private ∆%: -9.7 Excluding Volatile Orders minus 12.5

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Tertiary Index

Feb month SA ∆% -0.5
Feb 12 months NSA ∆% -0.9

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/26/15

Wholesale and Retail Sales

Mar 12 months:
Total ∆%: -5.5
Wholesale ∆%: -6.6
Retail ∆%: -4.6

Earlier Data:
Blog 3/29/15

Family Income and Expenditure Survey

Dec 12-month ∆% total nominal consumption -3.9, real -4.8

Earlier Data:

Blog 3/29/15

Trade Balance

Exports Mar 2020 12 months ∆%: -11.7 Imports Mar 12 months ∆% -5.0

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/26/15

Links to blog comments in Table JPY: 4/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/contraction-of-united-states.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/22/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/sharp-contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/15/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-markets-stress-in.html

2/23/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/16/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/oscillating-valuations-of-risk.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

12/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

11/24/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/oscillating-risk-financial-assets-world.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/27/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_26.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/uncertain-fomc-outlook-of-monetary.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

8/25/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

8/18/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/global-decline-of-yields-of-government.html

8/4/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/dollar-appreciation-contraction-of.html

7/21/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/global-manufacturing-stress-world.html

7/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fomc-uncertain-outlook-frank-h-knights.html

6/30/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

6/16/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

5/26/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

3/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/dollar-revaluation-with-increases-in.html

11/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/weakening-gdp-growth-in-major-economies.html

9/16/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

8/19/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/world-inflation-waves-lost-economic.html

6/17/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/fomc-increases-interest-rates-with.html

5/20/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-revaluation-united-states_24.html

3/11/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/twenty-three-million-unemployed-or.html

2/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/united-states-inflation-trend-or.html

12/17/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/fomc-increases-interest-rates-with.html

9/10/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

8/20/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

5/21/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/dollar-devaluation-world-inflation.html

3/12/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/increasing-interest-rates-twenty-four.html

12/11/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/rising-values-of-risk-financial-assets.html

11/20/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/interest-rate-increase-could-well.html

9/11/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/interest-rate-uncertainty-and-valuation.html

8/21/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/interest-rate-policy-uncertainty-and.html

6/12/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/considerable-uncertainty-about-economic.html

5/22/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/most-fomc-participants-judged-that-if.html

3/13/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/monetary-policy-and-fluctuations-of_13.html

12/13/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/liftoff-of-interest-rates-with-volatile_17.html

11/22/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/interest-rate-liftoff-followed-by.html

9/13/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/interest-rate-policy-dependent-on-what_13.html

08/23/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/global-decline-of-values-of-financial.html

6/14/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/volatility-of-financial-asset.html

5/24/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/interest-rate-policy-and-dollar.html

4/26/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/imf-view-of-economy-and-finance-united.html

4/19/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/global-portfolio-reallocations-squeeze.html

3/29/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/dollar-revaluation-and-financial-risk.html

3/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/global-exchange-rate-struggle-recovery.html

2/22/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/world-financial-turbulence-squeeze-of.html

12/14/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/global-financial-and-economic-risk.html

11/23/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/squeeze-of-economic-activity-by-carry.htm

9/14/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/geopolitics-monetary-policy-and.html

8/17/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/weakening-world-economic-growth.html

6/15/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/financialgeopolitical-risks-recovery.html

5/18/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-inflation-waves-squeeze-of.html

3/16/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/global-financial-risks-recovery-without.html

2/23/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/squeeze-of-economic-activity-by-carry.html

12/15/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/theory-and-reality-of-secular.html

11/17/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/risks-of-unwinding-monetary-policy.html

9/15/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

8/18/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/duration-dumping-and-peaking-valuations.html

Table VB-1 provides the employment report of Japan in Mar 2020. The rate of unemployment not seasonally adjusted reached 2.5 percent, increasing 0.1 percentage points from a year earlier. Population decreased 0.1 percent from a year earlier. The labor force increased 0.2 percent from a year earlier and the labor participation rate stood at 62.0, increasing 0.1 percentage points from a year earlier. The employment rate moved to 60.4 percent, increasing 0.1 percentage points relative to a year earlier.

Table VB-1, Japan, Employment Report Mar 2020

Mar 2020 Unemployed

1.76 million

Change since last year

20 thousand; ∆% 1.9

Unemployment rate

SA 2.5%, 0.1 from earlier month;

NSA 2.5%, 0.1 from earlier year

Population ≥ 15 years

110.84 million

Change since last year

∆% -0.1

Labor Force

68.76 million

Change since last year

∆% 0.2

Employed

67.00 million

Change since last year

∆% 0.2

Labor force participation rate

62.0

Change since last year

0.1

Employment rate

60.4%

Change since last year

0.1

Source: Japan, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/month/index.html

Table VB-2 provides the rate of unemployment of Japan seasonally adjusted that decreased to 3.4 percent in Dec 2014 from 4.4 percent in Jul 2012. The rate of unemployment SA changed 0.0 percentage points from 2.5 percent in Mar 2019 to 2.5 percent in Mar 2020.

Table VB-2, Japan, Unemployment Rate, SA

Unemployment Rate SA

Mar 2020

2.5

Feb

2.4

Jan

2.4

Dec 2019

2.2

Nov

2.2

Oct

2.4

Sep

2.4

Aug

2.3

Jul

2.3

Jun

2.3

May

2.4

Apr

2.4

Mar

2.5

Feb

2.4

Jan

2.5

Dec 2018

2.4

Nov

2.5

Oct

2.4

Sep

2.3

Aug

2.5

Jul

2.5

Jun

2.5

May

2.3

Apr

2.5

Mar

2.5

Feb

2.5

Jan

2.4

Dec 2017

2.7

Nov

2.7

Oct

2.7

Sep

2.8

Aug

2.7

Jul

2.8

Jun

2.8

May

3.1

Apr

2.8

Mar

2.8

Feb

2.9

Jan

3.0

Dec 2016

3.1

Nov

3.1

Oct

3.0

Sep

3.0

Aug

3.1

Jul

3.0

Jun

3.1

May

3.1

Apr

3.2

Mar

3.2

Feb

3.3

Jan

3.2

Dec 2015

3.3

Nov

3.3

Oct

3.2

Sep

3.4

Aug

3.4

Jul

3.4

Jun

3.4

May

3.3

Apr

3.4

Mar

3.4

Feb

3.5

Jan

3.5

Dec 2014

3.4

Nov

3.5

Oct

3.6

Sep

3.5

Aug

3.5

Jul

3.7

Jun

3.7

May

3.6

Apr

3.6

Mar

3.6

Feb

3.6

Jan

3.7

Dec 2013

3.7

Nov

3.9

Oct

4.0

Sep

4.0

Aug

4.1

Jul

3.8

Jun

3.9

May

4.1

Apr

4.1

Mar

4.1

Feb

4.3

Jan

4.2

Dec 2012

4.3

Nov

4.1

Oct

4.1

Sep

4.3

Aug

4.2

Jul

4.4

Jun

4.3

May

4.4

Source: Source: Japan, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/month/index.htm

Chart VB-1 of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications provides the unemployment rate of Japan from 2014 to 2019. There is clear trend of decline with multiple oscillations and increase in Jun-Jul 2014. The rate increased in Sep 2014 and fell in Oct 2014, stabilizing in Nov 2014 and declining in Dec 2014. The rate decreased in Feb-Apr 2015, stabilizing in May 2015. The rate increased in Jun 2015 and fell in Jul 2015, increasing in Aug 2015 and stabilizing in Sep 2015. The rate fell in Oct 2015, increasing in Nov 2015, remaining unchanged in Dec 2015 and decreasing in Jan 2016. The rate increased in Feb 2016 and decreased in Mar 2016, stabilizing in Apr-May 2016. The rate decreased in Jun-Jul 2016, increasing in Aug 2016. The rate decreased in Sep 2016, stabilizing in Oct 2016. The rate increased in Nov 2016 and stabilized in Dec 2016, decreasing in Jan-Feb 2017. The rate stabilized in Apr 2017, increasing in May 2017 and decreasing in Jun 2017. The rate stabilized in Jul-Oct 2017, decreasing in Nov 2017. The rate increased in Dec 2017, decreasing in Jan 2018. The rate increased in Feb 2018 and stabilized in Mar-Apr 2018, decreasing in May 2018. The rate increased in Jun-Jul 2018, decreasing in Aug-Sep 2018. The rate increased in Oct-Nov 2018, decreasing in Dec 2018. The rate increased in Jan 2019, decreasing in Feb 2019. The rate increased in Mar 2019, decreasing in Apr 2019. The rate stabilized in May 2019, decreasing in Jun 2019. The rate decreased in Jul 2019, stabilizing in Aug 2019. The rate increased in Sep 2019, stabilizing in Oct 2019. The rate decreased in Nov 2019 and stabilized in Dec 2019. The rate increased in Jan 2020 and stabilized in Feb 2020. The rate increased in Mar 2020.

clip_image008

Chart VB-1, Japan, Unemployment Rate, Seasonally Adjusted

Source: Japan, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/month/index.htm

During the “lost decade” of the 1990s from 1991 to 2002 (Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 82-3), Japan’s GDP grew at the average yearly rate of 1.0 percent, the CPI at 0.1 percent and the implicit deflator at minus 0.8 percent. Japan’s growth rate from the mid-1970s to 1992 was 4 percent (Ito 2004). Table VB-3 provides Japan’s rates of unemployment, participation in labor force and employment for selected years from 1953 to 1985 and yearly from 1990 to 2016. The rate of unemployment jumped from 2.1 percent in 1991 to 5.4 percent in 2002, which was a year of global economic weakness. The participation rate dropped from 64.0 percent in 1992 to 61.2 percent in 2002 and the employment rate fell from 62.6 percent in 1992 to 57.9 percent in 2002. The rate of unemployment rose from 3.9 percent in 2007 to 5.1 percent in 2010, falling to 4.6 percent in 2011, 4.3 percent in 2012 and 3.6 percent in 2014. The rate of unemployment fell to 3.4 percent in 2015 and 3.1 percent in 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 2.8 percent in 2017, decreasing to 2.4 percent in 2018. The unemployment rate stabilized at 2.4 percent in 2019. The participation rate fell from 60.4 percent in 2007 to 59.6 percent in 2010, falling to 59.3 percent in 2011 and 59.1 in 2012 and increasing to 59.4 percent in 2014. The participation rate increased to 59.6 in 2015 and 60.0 in 2016, increasing to 60.5 in 2017. The participation rate increased to 61.5 in 2018. The participation rate increased to 62.1 in 2019. The employment rate fell from 58.1 in percent in 2007 to 56.6 percent in 2010 and 56.5 percent in 2011 and 2012, increasing to 57.3 percent in 2014. The employment rate increased to 57.6 in 2015 and 58.1 in 2016. The employment rate increased to 58.8 in 2017. The global recession adversely affected labor markets in advanced economies. The employment rate increased to 60.0 in 2018, increasing to 60.6 in 2019.

Table VB-3, Japan, Rates of Unemployment, Participation in Labor Force and Employment, %

Participation
Rate

Employment Rate

Unemployment Rate

1953

70.0

68.6

1.9

1960

69.2

68.0

1.7

1965

65.7

64.9

1.2

1970

65.4

64.6

1.1

1975

63.0

61.9

1.9

1980

63.3

62.0

2.0

1985

63.0

61.4

2.6

1990

63.3

61.9

2.1

1991

63.8

62.4

2.1

1992

64.0

62.6

2.2

1993

63.8

62.2

2.5

1994

63.6

61.8

2.9

1995

63.4

61.4

3.2

1996

63.5

61.4

3.4

1997

63.7

61.5

3.4

1998

63.3

60.7

4.1

1999

62.9

59.9

4.7

2000

62.4

59.5

4.7

2001

62.0

58.9

5.0

2002

61.2

57.9

5.4

2003

60.8

57.6

5.3

2004

60.4

57.6

4.7

2005

60.4

57.7

4.4

2006

60.4

57.9

4.1

2007

60.4

58.1

3.9

2008

60.2

57.8

4.0

2009

59.9

56.9

5.1

2010

59.6

56.6

5.1

2011

59.3

56.5

4.6

2012

59.1

56.5

4.3

2013

59.3

56.9

4.0

2014

59.4

57.3

3.6

2015

59.6

57.6

3.4

2016

60.0

58.1

3.1

2017

60.5

58.8

2.8

2018

61.5

60.0

2.4

2019

62.1

60.6

2.4

Source: Japan, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/roudou/results/month/index.htm

VC China. China estimates an index of nonmanufacturing purchasing managers based on a sample of 1200 nonmanufacturing enterprises across the country (http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/pressrelease/t20121009_402841094.htm). Table CIPMNM provides this index and components. The total index increased from 55.7 in Jan 2011 to 58.0 in Mar 2012, decreasing to 53.9 in Aug 2013. The index decreased from 56.0 in Nov 2013 to 54.6 in Dec 2013, easing to 53.4 in Jan 2014. The index moved to 52.3 in Mar 2020. The index of new orders increased from 52.2 in Jan 2012 to 54.3 in Dec 2012 but fell to 50.1 in May 2013, barely above the neutral frontier of 50.0. The index of new orders stabilized at 51.0 in Nov-Dec 2013, easing to 50.9 in Jan 2014. The index of new orders moved to 49.2 in Mar 2020.

Table CIPMNM, China, Nonmanufacturing Index of Purchasing Managers, %, Seasonally Adjusted

Total Index

New Orders

Interm.
Input Prices

Subs Prices

Exp

Mar 2020

52.3

49.2

49.4

46.1

57.3

Feb

29.6

26.5

49.3

43.9

40.0

Jan

54.1

50.6

53.3

50.5

59.6

Dec 2019

53.5

50.4

52.4

50.3

59.1

Nov

54.4

51.3

53.2

51.3

61.0

Oct

52.8

49.4

51.3

48.9

60.7

Sep

53.7

50.5

52.8

50.0

59.7

Aug

53.8

50.1

50.8

49.1

60.4

Jul

53.7

50.4

52.9

50.6

59.8

Jun

54.2

51.5

51.5

49.7

60.6

May

54.3

50.3

52.2

49.9

60.2

Apr

54.3

50.8

53.0

50.5

60.3

Mar

54.8

52.5

52.5

51.0

61.1

Feb

54.3

50.7

52.7

50.1

61.5

Jan

54.7

51.0

52.0

49.8

59.6

Dec 2018

53.8

50.4

50.1

47.6

60.8

Nov

53.4

50.1

50.8

49.4

60.9

Oct

53.9

50.1

54.9

51.2

60.6

Sep

54.9

51.0

55.6

51.5

60.1

Aug

54.2

50.6

54.3

50.9

61.4

Jul

54.0

51.0

53.9

52.0

60.2

Jun

55.0

50.6

53.5

51.1

60.8

May

54.9

51.0

54.2

50.6

61.0

Apr

54.8

51.1

52.7

50.6

61.5

Mar

54.6

50.1

49.9

49.3

61.1

Feb

54.4

50.5

53.2

49.9

61.2

Jan

55.3

51.9

53.9

52.6

61.7

Dec 2017

55.0

52.0

54.8

52.6

60.9

Nov

54.8

51.8

56.2

52.8

61.6

Oct

54.3

51.1

54.3

51.6

60.6

Sep

55.4

52.3

56.1

51.7

61.7

Aug

53.4

50.9

54.4

51.5

61.0

Jul

54.5

51.1

53.1

50.9

61.1

Jun

54.9

51.4

51.2

49.3

61.1

May

54.5

50.9

51.1

48.8

60.2

Apr

54.0

50.5

51.7

50.2

59.7

Mar

55.1

51.9

52.3

49.7

61.3

Feb

54.2

51.2

53.7

51.4

62.4

Jan

54.6

51.3

55.1

51.0

58.9

Dec 2016

54.5

52.1

56.2

51.9

59.5

Nov

54.7

51.8

53.5

51.4

60.7

Oct

54.0

50.9

53.7

51.5

60.6

Sep

53.7

51.4

51.7

50.1

61.1

Aug

53.5

49.8

52.6

50.4

59.4

Jul

53.9

49.9

51.4

49.5

59.5

Jun

53.7

50.8

51.6

50.6

58.6

May

53.1

49.2

51.6

49.8

57.8

Apr

53.5

48.7

52.1

49.1

59.1

Mar

53.8

50.8

51.4

49.5

59.0

Feb

52.7

48.7

50.5

48.3

59.5

Jan

53.5

49.6

49.9

47.7

58.4

Dec2015

54.4

51.7

49.0

48.2

58.3

Nov

53.6

50.2

49.3

47.7

60.0

Oct

53.1

51.2

51.2

48.8

61.1

Sep

53.4

50.2

50.8

47.9

60.0

Aug

53.4

49.6

49.6

47.8

59.7

Jul

53.9

50.1

48.9

47.4

60.0

Jun

53.8

51.3

50.6

48.7

59.7

May

53.2

49.5

52.8

50.4

60.1

Apr

53.4

49.1

50.8

48.9

60.0

Mar

53.7

50.3

50.0

48.4

58.8

Feb

53.9

51.2

52.5

51.2

58.7

Jan

53.7

50.2

47.6

46.9

59.6

Dec 2014

54.1

50.5

50.1

47.3

59.5

Nov

53.9

50.1

50.6

47.7

59.7

Oct

53.8

51.0

52.0

48.8

59.9

Sep

54.0

49.5

49.8

47.3

60.9

Aug

54.4

50.0

52.2

48.3

61.2

Jul

54.2

50.7

53.4

49.5

61.5

Jun

55.0

50.7

56.0

50.8

60.4

May

55.5

52.7

54.5

49.0

60.7

Apr

54.8

50.8

52.4

49.4

61.5

Mar

54.5

50.8

52.8

49.5

61.5

Feb

55.0

51.4

52.1

49.0

59.9

Jan

53.4

50.9

54.5

50.1

58.1

Dec 2013

54.6

51.0

56.9

52.0

58.7

Nov

56.0

51.0

54.8

49.5

61.3

Oct

56.3

51.6

56.1

51.4

60.5

Sep

55.4

53.4

56.7

50.6

60.1

Aug

53.9

50.9

57.1

51.2

62.9

Jul

54.1

50.3

58.2

52.4

63.9

Jun

53.9

50.3

55.0

50.6

61.8

May

54.3

50.1

54.4

50.7

62.9

Apr

54.5

50.9

51.1

47.6

62.5

Mar

55.6

52.0

55.3

50.0

62.4

Feb

54.5

51.8

56.2

51.1

62.7

Jan

56.2

53.7

58.2

50.9

61.4

Dec 2012

56.1

54.3

53.8

50.0

64.6

Nov

55.6

53.2

52.5

48.4

64.6

Oct

55.5

51.6

58.1

50.5

63.4

Sep

53.7

51.8

57.5

51.3

60.9

Aug

56.3

52.7

57.6

51.2

63.2

Jul

55.6

53.2

49.7

48.7

63.9

Jun

56.7

53.7

52.1

48.6

65.5

May

55.2

52.5

53.6

48.5

65.4

Apr

56.1

52.7

57.9

50.3

66.1

Mar

58.0

53.5

60.2

52.0

66.6

Feb

57.3

52.7

59.0

51.2

63.8

Jan

55.7

52.2

58.2

51.1

65.3

Notes: Interm.: Intermediate; Subs: Subscription; Exp: Business Expectations

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/

Chart CIPMNM provides China’s nonmanufacturing purchasing managers’ index. The index fell from 56.0 in Oct 2013 to 52.3 in Mar 2020.

clip_image009

Chart CIPMNM, China, Nonmanufacturing Index of Purchasing Managers, Seasonally Adjusted

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

Table CIPMMFG provides the index of purchasing managers of manufacturing seasonally adjusted of the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The general index (IPM) rose from 50.5 in Jan 2012 to 53.3 in Apr 2012, falling to 49.2 in Aug 2012, rebounding to 50.6 in Dec 2012. The index fell to 50.3 in Jul 2013, barely above the neutral frontier at 50.0, recovering to 51.4 in Nov 2013 but falling to 51.0 in Dec 2013. The index fell to 50.5 in Jan 2014, 50.1 in Dec 2014 and 52.0 in Mar 2020. The index of new orders fell from 54.5 in Apr 2012 to 51.2 in Dec 2012. The index of new orders fell from 52.3 in Nov 2013 to 52.0 in Dec 2013. The index fell to 50.9 in Jan 2014 and moved to 50.4 in Dec 2014. The index moved to 52.0 in Mar 2020.

Table CIPMMFG, China, Manufacturing Index of Purchasing Managers, %, Seasonally Adjusted

IPM

PI

NOI

INV

EMP

SDEL

2020

Mar

52.0

54.1

52.0

49.0

50.9

48.2

Feb

35.7

27.8

29.3

33.9

31.8

32.1

Jan

50.0

51.3

51.4

47.1

47.5

49.9

2019

Dec

50.2

53.2

51.2

47.2

47.3

51.1

Nov

50.2

52.6

51.3

47.8

47.3

50.5

Oct

49.3

50.8

49.6

47.4

47.3

50.1

Sep

49.8

52.3

50.5

47.6

47.0

50.5

Aug

49.5

51.9

49.7

47.5

46.9

50.3

Jul

49.7

52.1

49.8

48.0

47.1

50.1

Jun

49.4

51.3

49.6

48.2

46.9

50.2

May

49.4

51.7

49.8

47.4

47.0

50.9

Apr

50.1

52.1

51.4

47.2

47.2

49.9

Mar

50.5

52.7

51.6

48.4

47.6

50.2

Feb

49.2

49.5

50.6

46.3

47.5

49.8

Jan

49.5

50.9

49.6

48.1

47.8

50.1

2018

Dec

49.4

50.8

49.7

47.1

48.0

50.4

Nov

50.0

51.9

50.4

47.4

48.3

50.3

Oct

50.2

52.0

50.8

47.2

48.1

49.5

Sep

50.8

53.0

52.0

47.8

48.3

49.7

Aug

51.3

53.3

52.2

48.7

49.4

49.6

Jul

51.2

53.0

52.3

48.9

49.2

50.0

Jun

51.5

53.6

53.2

48.8

49.0

50.2

May

51.9

54.1

53.8

49.6

49.1

50.1

Apr

51.4

53.1

52.9

49.5

49.0

50.2

Mar

51.5

53.1

53.3

49.6

49.1

50.1

Feb

50.3

50.7

51.0

49.3

48.1

48.4

Jan

51.3

53.5

52.6

48.8

48.3

49.2

2017

Dec

51.6

54.0

53.4

48.0

48.5

49.3

Nov

51.8

54.3

53.6

48.4

48.8

49.5

Oct

51.6

53.4

52.9

48.6

49.0

48.7

Sep

52.4

54.7

54.8

48.9

49.0

49.3

Aug

51.7

54.1

53.1

48.3

49.1

49.3

Jul

51.4

53.5

52.8

48.5

49.2

50.1

Jun

51.7

54.4

53.1

48.6

49.0

49.9

May

51.2

53.4

52.3

48.5

49.4

50.2

Apr

51.2

53.8

52.3

48.3

49.2

50.5

Mar

51.8

54.2

53.3

48.3

50.0

50.3

Feb

51.6

53.7

53.0

48.6

49.7

50.5

Jan

51.3

53.1

52.8

48.0

49.2

49.8

2016

Dec

51.4

53.3

53.2

48.0

48.9

50.0

Nov

51.7

53.9

53.2

48.4

49.2

49.7

Oct

51.2

53.3

52.8

48.1

48.8

50.2

Sep

50.4

52.8

50.9

47.4

48.6

49.9

Aug

50.4

52.6

51.3

47.6

48.4

50.6

Jul

49.9

52.1

50.4

47.3

48.2

50.5

Jun

50.0

52.5

50.5

47.0

47.9

50.7

May

50.1

52.3

50.7

47.6

48.2

50.4

Apr

50.1

52.2

51.0

47.4

47.8

50.1

Mar

50.2

52.3

51.4

48.2

48.1

51.3

Feb

49.0

50.2

48.6

48.0

47.6

49.8

Jan

49.4

51.4

49.5

46.8

47.8

50.5

2015

Dec

49.7

52.2

50.2

47.6

47.4

50.7

Nov

49.6

51.9

49.8

47.1

47.6

50.6

Oct

49.8

52.2

50.3

47.2

47.8

50.6

Sep

49.8

52.3

50.2

47.5

47.9

50.8

Aug

49.7

51.7

49.7

48.3

47.9

50.6

Jul

50.0

52.4

49.9

48.4

48.0

50.4

Jun

50.2

52.9

50.1

48.7

48.1

50.3

May

50.2

52.9

50.6

48.2

48.2

50.9

Apr

50.1

52.6

50.2

48.2

48.0

50.4

Mar

50.1

52.1

50.2

48.0

48.4

50.1

Feb

49.9

51.4

50.4

48.2

47.8

49.9

Jan

49.8

51.7

50.2

47.3

47.9

50.2

2014

Dec

50.1

52.2

50.4

47.5

48.1

49.9

Nov

50.3

52.5

50.9

47.7

48.2

50.3

Oct

50.8

53.1

51.6

48.4

48.4

50.1

Sep

51.1

53.6

52.2

48.8

48.2

50.1

Aug

51.1

53.2

52.5

48.6

48.2

50.0

Jul

51.7

54.2

53.6

49.0

48.3

50.2

Jun

51.0

53.0

52.8

48.0

48.6

50.5

May

50.8

52.8

52.3

48.0

48.2

50.3

Apr

50.4

52.5

51.2

48.1

48.3

50.1

Mar

50.3

52.7

50.6

47.8

48.3

49.8

Feb

50.2

52.6

50.5

47.4

48.0

49.9

Jan

50.5

53.0

50.9

47.8

48.2

49.8

Dec 2013

51.0

53.9

52.0

47.6

48.7

50.5

Nov

51.4

54.5

52.3

47.8

49.6

50.6

Oct

51.4

54.4

52.5

48.6

49.2

50.8

Sep

51.1

52.9

52.8

48.5

49.1

50.8

Aug

51.0

52.6

52.4

48.0

49.3

50.4

Jul

50.3

52.4

50.6

47.6

49.1

50.1

Jun

50.1

52.0

50.4

47.4

48.7

50.3

May

50.8

53.3

51.8

47.6

48.8

50.8

Apr

50.6

52.6

51.7

47.5

49.0

50.8

Mar

50.9

52.7

52.3

47.5

49.8

51.1

Feb

50.1

51.2

50.1

49.5

47.6

48.3

Jan

50.4

51.3

51.6

50.1

47.8

50.0

Dec 2012

50.6

52.0

51.2

47.3

49.0

48.8

Nov

50.6

52.5

51.2

47.9

48.7

49.9

Oct

50.2

52.1

50.4

47.3

49.2

50.1

Sep

49.8

51.3

49.8

47.0

48.9

49.5

Aug

49.2

50.9

48.7

45.1

49.1

50.0

Jul

50.1

51.8

49.0

48.5

49.5

49.0

Jun

50.2

52.0

49.2

48.2

49.7

49.1

May

50.4

52.9

49.8

45.1

50.5

49.0

Apr

53.3

57.2

54.5

48.5

51.0

49.6

Mar

53.1

55.2

55.1

49.5

51.0

48.9

Feb

51.0

53.8

51.0

48.8

49.5

50.3

Jan

50.5

53.6

50.4

49.7

47.1

49.7

IPM: Index of Purchasing Managers; PI: Production Index; NOI: New Orders Index; EMP: Employed Person Index; SDEL: Supplier Delivery Time Index

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/

China estimates the manufacturing index of purchasing managers on the basis of a sample of 820 enterprises (http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/pressrelease/t20121009_402841094.htm). Chart CIPMMFG provides the manufacturing index of purchasing managers. The index fell to 50.1 in Jun 2013. The index decreased from 51.4 in Nov 2013 to 51.0 in Dec 2013. The index moved to 52.0 in Mar 2020.

clip_image010

Chart CIPMMFG, China, Manufacturing Index of Purchasing Managers, Seasonally Adjusted

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

Chart CIPCOMP provides China’s composite, manufacturing and nonmanufacturing, index. The index remains above the neutral 50.0, moving to 53.0 in Mar 2020.

clip_image011

Chart CIPCOMP, China, Composite Index of Purchasing Managers, Seasonally Adjusted

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

Growth of China’s GDP in IVQ2019 relative to the same period in 2018 was 6.0 percent and cumulative growth to IVQ2019 was 6.1 percent, as shown in Table VC-GDP. Secondary industry accounts for 39.0 percent of cumulative GDP in IVQ2019. Tertiary industry accounts for 53.9 percent of cumulative GDP in IVQ2019 and primary industry for 7.1 percent. China’s growth strategy consisted of rapid increases in productivity in industry to absorb population from agriculture where incomes are lower (Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 56-80). The strategy is shifting to lower growth rates with improvement in living standards by increasing growth of services. The bottom block of Table VC-GDP provides quarter-on-quarter growth rates of GDP and their annual equivalent. China’s GDP growth decelerated significantly from annual equivalent 10.0 percent in IQ2011 to 6.1 percent in IVQ2011 and 7.8 percent in IQ2012, rebounding to 8.7 percent in IIQ2012, 7.4 percent in IIIQ2012 and 8.2 percent in IVQ2012. Annual equivalent growth in IQ2013 eased to 7.8 percent and to 7.4 percent in IIQ2013, rebounding to 8.7 percent in IIIQ2013. Annual equivalent growth was 6.6 percent in IVQ2013, stabilizing to 7.4 percent in IQ2014 and to 7.4 percent in IIQ2014. Annual equivalent growth stabilized at 7.4 percent in IIIQ2014 and 7.0 percent in IVQ2014. Growth moved to annual equivalent 7.4 percent in IQ2015, 7.4 percent in IIQ2015 and 7.0 percent in IIIQ2015. Growth slowed to 6.6 percent in annual equivalent in IVQ2015 and 6.1 percent in IQ2016. Growth increased to annual equivalent 7.8 percent in IIQ2016 and 7.0 percent in IIIQ2016, decreasing to 6.6 percent in IVQ2016. Growth accelerated to annual equivalent 6.6 percent in IQ2017, accelerating to 7.4 percent in IIQ2017 and 7.0 percent in IIIQ2017. Growth decelerated to 6.6 percent annual equivalent in IVQ2017. Growth decelerated to 6.1 percent annual equivalent in IQ2018, accelerating to 7.4 percent in IIQ2018. Growth decelerated to annual equivalent 6.6 percent in IIIQ2018, decelerating to 6.1 percent annual equivalent in IVQ2018. Growth decelerated to 6.1 percent annual equivalent in IQ2019 and 5.7 percent in IIQ2019. Growth increased to 6.6 percent annual equivalent in IIIQ2019, decreasing to 5.7 percent annual equivalent in IVQ2019.

Table VC-GDP China, Quarterly Growth of GDP, Current CNY 100 Million and Inflation Adjusted ∆%

Cumulative GDP IVQ2019

Value Current CNY Billion IVQ2019

Value Current CNY Billion IQ2019 to IVQ2019

IVQ2019 Year-on-Year Constant Prices ∆%

Cumulative to IVQ2019

∆%

GDP

27,802.0

99,086.5

6.0

6.1

Primary Industry

2,746.2

7,046.7

3.4

3.1

Secondary Industry

10,925.3

38,616.5

5.8

5.7

Tertiary Industry

14,130.5

53,423.3

6.6

6.9

Growth in Quarter Relative to Prior Quarter

∆% on Prior Quarter

∆% Annual Equivalent

∆% Year-on-Year

2019

IVQ2019

1.4

5.7

6.0

IIIQ2019

1.6

6.6

6.0

IIQ2019

1.4

5.7

6.2

IQ2019

1.5

6.1

6.4

2018

IVQ2018

1.5

6.1

6.5

IIIQ2018

1.6

6.6

6.7

IIQ2018

1.8

7.4

6.9

IQ2018

1.5

6.1

6.9

2017

IVQ2017

1.6

6.6

6.8

IIIQ2017

1.7

7.0

6.9

IIQ2017

1.8

7.4

7.0

IQ2017

1.6

6.6

7.0

2016

IVQ2016

1.6

6.6

6.9

IIIQ2016

1.7

7.0

6.8

IIQ2016

1.9

7.8

6.8

IQ2016

1.5

6.1

6.9

2015

IVQ2015

1.6

6.6

6.9

IIIQ2015

1.7

7.0

7.0

IIQ2015

1.8

7.4

7.1

IQ2015

1.8

7.4

7.1

2014

IVQ2014

1.7

7.0

7.3

IIIQ2014

1.8

7.4

7.2

IIQ2014

1.8

7.4

7.6

IQ2014

1.8

7.4

7.5

2013

IVQ2013

1.6

6.6

7.7

IIIQ2013

2.1

8.7

7.9

IIQ2013

1.8

7.4

7.6

IQ2013

1.9

7.8

7.9

2012

IVQ2012

2.0

8.2

8.1

IIIQ2012

1.8

7.4

7.5

IIQ2012

2.1

8.7

7.6

IQ2012

1.9

7.8

8.1

2011

IVQ2011

1.5

6.1

8.8

IIIQ2011

1.9

7.8

9.4

IIQ2011

2.4

10.0

10.0

IQ2011

2.4

10.0

10.2

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/

Growth of China’s GDP in IVQ2019 relative to the same period in 2018 was 6.0 percent and cumulative growth to IVQ2019 was 6.1 percent, as shown in Table VC-GDP. Secondary industry accounts for 39.0 percent of cumulative GDP in IVQ2019. Tertiary industry accounts for 53.9 percent of cumulative GDP in IVQ2019 and primary industry for 7.1 percent. China’s growth strategy consisted of rapid increases in productivity in industry to absorb population from agriculture where incomes are lower (Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 56-80). The strategy is shifting to lower growth rates with improvement in living standards by increasing growth of services. Table VC-GDPA shows that growth decelerated from 12.1 percent in IQ2010 and 11.2 percent in IIQ2010 to 7.9 percent in IQ2013, 7.6 percent in IIQ2013 and 7.9 percent in IIIQ2013. GDP grew 7.7 percent in IVQ2013 relative to a year earlier and 1.6 percent relative to IIIQ2013, which is equivalent to 6.6 percent per year. GDP grew 7.5 percent in IQ2014 relative to a year earlier and 1.8 percent in IQ2014 that is equivalent to 7.4 percent per year. GDP grew 7.6 percent in IIQ2014 relative to a year earlier and 1.8 percent relative to the prior quarter, which is annual equivalent 7.4 percent. In IIIQ2014, GDP grew 7.2 percent relative to a year earlier and 1.8 percent relative to the prior quarter, which is 7.4 percent in annual equivalent. GDP grew 1.7 percent in IVQ2014, which is 7.0 percent in annual equivalent and 7.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2015, GDP grew 1.8 percent, which is equivalent to 7.4 in a year and 7.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew 1.8 percent in IIQ2015, which is equivalent to 7.4 percent in a year, and grew 7.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.7 percent in IIIQ2015, which is equivalent to 7.0 percent in a year, and grew 7.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.6 percent in IVQ2015, which is equivalent to 6.6 percent in a year and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IQ2016, GDP grew at 1.5 percent, which is equivalent to 6.1 percent in a year, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.9 percent in IIQ2016, which is annual equivalent to 7.8 percent, and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2016, GDP grew at 1.7 percent, which is equivalent to 7.0 percent in a year and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2016, GDP grew at 1.6 percent, equivalent to 6.6 percent in a year, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew 7.0 percent in IQ2017 relative to a year earlier and increased at 1.6 percent, which is 6.6 percent in annual equivalent. In IIQ2017, GDP grew at 1.8 percent, which is annual equivalent at 7.4 percent, and increased 7.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.7 percent in IIIQ2017, which is annual equivalent at 7.0 percent, and increased at 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2017, GDP grew 1.6 percent, which is annual equivalent to 6.6 percent, and increased 6.8 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.5 percent in IQ2018, which is annual equivalent at 6.1 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2018, GDP grew at 1.8 percent, which is annual equivalent to 7.4 percent, and increased 6.9 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.6 percent in IIIQ2018, which is annual equivalent at 6.6 percent, and increased 6.7 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2018, GDP grew at 1.5 percent, which is annual equivalent to 6.1 percent, and increased 6.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.5 percent in IQ2019, which is annual equivalent to 6.1 percent, and increased 6.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2019, GDP grew at 1.4 percent, which is annual equivalent to 5.7 percent and increased 6.2 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP grew at 1.6 percent in IIIQ2019, which is annual equivalent to 6.6 percent, and increased 6.0 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2019, GDP grew at 1.4 percent, which is annual equivalent to 5.7 percent, and increased 6.0 percent relative to a year earlier.

Table VC-GDPA China, Growth Rate of GDP, ∆% Relative to a Year Earlier and ∆% Relative to Prior Quarter

IQ2019

IIQ2019

IIIQ2019

IVQ2019

GDP

6.4

6.2

6.0

6.0

Primary Industry

2.7

3.3

2.7

3.4

Secondary Industry

6.1

5.6

5.2

5.8

Tertiary Industry

7.0

7.0

7.2

6.6

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.5

(6.1)

1.4

(5.7)

1.6

(6.6)

1.4

(5.7)

IQ2018

IIQ2018

IIIQ2018

IVQ2018

GDP

6.9

6.9

6.7

6.5

Primary Industry

3.2

3.2

3.6

3.5

Secondary Industry

6.3

6.0

5.3

5.8

Tertiary Industry

7.5

7.8

7.9

7.4

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.5

(6.1)

1.8

(7.4)

1.6

(6.6)

1.5

(6.1)

IQ2017

IIQ2017

IIIQ2017

IVQ2017

GDP

7.0

7.0

6.9

6.8

Primary Industry

3.0

3.8

3.9

4.4

Secondary Industry

6.4

6.4

6.0

5.7

Tertiary Industry

7.7

7.6

8.0

8.3

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.6

(6.6)

1.8

(7.4)

1.7

(7.0)

1.6

(6.6)

IQ2016

IIQ2016

IIIQ2016

IVQ2016

GDP

6.9

6.8

6.8

6.9

Primary Industry

2.9

3.1

3.5

2.9

Secondary Industry

5.8

6.3

6.1

6.1

Tertiary Industry

7.6

7.5

7.6

8.3

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.5

(6.1)

1.9

(7.8)

1.7

(7.0)

1.6

(6.6)

IQ2015

IIQ2015

IIIQ2015

IVQ2015

GDP

7.1

7.1

7.0

6.9

Primary Industry

3.2

3.5

3.8

4.1

Secondary Industry

6.4

6.1

6.0

6.1

Tertiary Industry

7.9

8.4

8.4

8.2

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.8

(7.4)

1.8

(7.4)

1.7

(7.0)

1.6

(6.6)

IQ2014

IIQ2014

IIIQ2014

IVQ2014

GDP

7.5

7.6

7.2

7.3

Primary Industry

3.5

3.9

4.2

4.1

Secondary Industry

7.3

7.4

7.4

7.3

Tertiary Industry

7.1

8.0

7.9

8.1

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.8

(7.4)

1.8

(7.4)

1.8

(7.4)

1.7

(7.0)

IQ2013

IIQ2013

IIIQ2013

IVQ2013

GDP

7.9

7.6

7.9

7.7

Primary Industry

3.4

3.0

3.4

4.0

Secondary Industry

7.8

7.6

7.8

7.8

Tertiary Industry

8.3

8.3

8.4

8.3

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.9

(7.8)

1.8

(7.4)

2.1

(8.7)

1.6

(6.6)

IQ2012

IIQ2012

IIIQ2012

IVQ2012

GDP

8.1

7.6

7.5

8.1

Primary Industry

3.8

4.3

4.2

4.5

Secondary Industry

9.1

8.3

8.1

8.1

Tertiary Industry

7.5

7.7

7.9

8.1

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

1.9

(7.8)

2.1

(8.7)

1.8

(7.4)

2.0

(8.2)

IQ2011

IIQ2011

IIIQ2011

IVQ2011

GDP

10.2

10.0

9.4

8.8

Primary Industry

3.5

3.2

3.8

4.5

Secondary Industry

11.1

11.0

10.8

10.6

Tertiary Industry

9.1

9.2

9.0

8.9

GDP ∆% Relative to a Prior Quarter

2.4

(10.0)

2.4

(10.0)

1.9

(7.8)

1.5

(6.1)

IQ2010

IIQ2010

IIIQ2010

IVQ2010

GDP

12.1

11.2

10.7

12.1

Primary Industry

3.8

3.6

4.0

3.8

Secondary Industry

14.5

13.3

12.6

14.5

Tertiary Industry

10.5

9.9

9.7

10.5

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/

Growth of China’s GDP in IVQ2016 relative to the same period in 2016 was 6.8 percent and

Chart VC-GDP of the National Bureau of Statistics of China provides annual value and growth rates of GDP. China’s GDP growth in 2016 is still high at 6.7 percent but at the lowest rhythm in five years.

clip_image012

Chart VC-GDP, China, Gross Domestic Product, Million Yuan and ∆%

Source: National bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english/

Chart VC-FXR provides China’s foreign exchange reserves. FX reserves grew from $2399.2 billion in 2009 to $38430 billion in 2013 driven by high growth of China’s trade surplus, decreasing to $30105 billion in 2016.

clip_image013

Chart VC-FXR, China, Foreign Exchange Reserves, 2012-2016

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

Chart VC-Trade provides China’s imports and exports. Exports exceeded imports with resulting large trade balance surpluses that increased foreign exchange reserves.

clip_image014

Chart VC-Trade, China, Imports and Exports of Goods, 2012-2016, $100 Million US Dollars

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

Chart VC-PCDI provides the level and growth rates of per capita disposable income in China.

clip_image015

Chart VC-PCDI, China, Level and Growth Rates of Per Capita Disposable Income

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China http://www.stats.gov.cn/english

The Caixin Flash China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) compiled by Markit (http://www.markiteconomics.com/Survey//PressRelease.mvc/883014a121534f51bc42e5060845f727) is mixed. The overall Flash Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI decreased from 47.3 in Aug to 47.0 in Sep, while the Flash Caixin China General Manufacturing Output Index decreased from 46.4 in Aug to 45.7 in Sep, indicating weaker conditions. He Fan, Chief Economist at Caixin Insight Group finds need of fiscal and monetary policy (http://www.markiteconomics.com/Survey//PressRelease.mvc/883014a121534f51bc42e5060845f727). The Caixin China General Services PMI, compiled by Markit, shows that the Caixin Composite Output, combining manufacturing and services, increased from 27.5 in Feb to 46.7 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/71186c06cb844e9f83c74c1001ae795a). Zhengsheng Zhong, Chairman and Chief Economist at CEBM Group, finds contracting activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/71186c06cb844e9f83c74c1001ae795a). The Caixin General Manufacturing PMI increased to 50.1 in Mar from 40.3 in Feb, indicating contracting conditions in manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/26d2e64100134c259a5553462889c8c1). Zhengsheng Zhong, Chairman and Chief Economist at CEBM Group, finds weak growth conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/26d2e64100134c259a5553462889c8c1). Table CNY provides the country data table for China.

Table CNY, China, Economic Indicators

Price Indexes for Industry

Mar 12-month ∆%: -1.5

Mar month ∆%: -1.0
Blog 4/26/20

Consumer Price Index

Mar 12-month ∆%: 4.3 Mar month ∆%: -1.2
Blog 4/26/20

Value Added of Industry

Mar month ∆%: 32.1% Feb month ∆%: -24.9

Jan-Mar 2020/Jan-Mar 2019 ∆%: -8.4

Earlier Data
Blog 4/19/15

GDP Growth Rate

Year-on-Year IVQ2019 ∆%: 6.0

IV Quarter 2019 ∆%: 1.4
Quarter IVQ2019 AE ∆%: 5.7
Blog 2/2/20

Investment in Fixed Assets

Total Jan-Mar 2020 ∆%: -16.1

Real estate development: ∆% minus 7.7

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Retail Sales

Mar month ∆%: minus 0.2%, Feb -3.6%.
Jan-Mar 2020 ∆%: -19.0

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Trade Balance

Mar 2020

Balance $19.9

Exports 12M ∆% -2.9

Imports 12M ∆% -1.1

Cumulative 2019

Balance $424.9

Dec 2019 Balance $46.79 billion

Exports 12M ∆% 7.6

Imports 12M ∆% 16.3

Dec 2018 $56.80 billion

Exports 12M ∆% -1.1

Imports 12M ∆% 0.3

Dec 2018 balance 57.06 billion
Exports 12M ∆% -4.4
Imports 12M ∆% -7.6

Dec 2017 balance $53.85 billion

2018 Exports ∆% 9.9

2018 Imports ∆% 15.8

2017 Exports ∆% 7.9

2017 Imports ∆% 15.9

2016 Exports ∆% 11.3

2016 Imports ∆% 17.3

Cumulative Dec 2018: $351.76

Cumulative Dec 2017: $422.50 billion

Cumulative Dec 2016: $486.0

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Links to blog comments in Table CNY: https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

3/15/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-markets-stress-in.html

2/16/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

2/2/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/decreasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

7/28/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/dollar-appreciation-in-anticipations-of.html

7/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fomc-uncertain-outlook-frank-h-knights.html

4/28/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/04/high-levels-of-valuations-of-risk.html

4/19/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/global-portfolio-reallocations-squeeze.html

VD Euro Area. Using calendar and seasonally adjusted chain-linked volumes (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/), the GDP of the euro area (19 countries) fell 5.7 percent from IQ2008 to IIQ2009. The GDP of the euro area (19 countries) increased 15.4 percent from IIIQ2009 to IVQ2019 at the annual equivalent rate of 1.4 percent. The GDP of the euro area (19 countries) is higher by 8.8 percent in IVQ2019 relative to the pre-recession peak in IQ2008, growing at annual equivalent rate of 0.7 percent. The GDP of the euro area (18) countries increased at the average yearly rate of 2.3 percent from IQ1999 to IQ2008 while that of the euro area (19 countries) increased at 2.3 percent. The GDP of the euro area (19 countries) grew at 2.3 percent annual equivalent from IQ1999 to the pre-recession peak in IQ2008. The GDP of the euro area would grow under trend of 2.3 percent from €2,614,582.9 million in IQ2008 to €3,415,396.4 million in IVQ2019. The estimate of GDP of €2,845,893.5 million in IVQ2019 is 16.7 percent below trend. Table VD-EUR provides yearly growth rates of the combined GDP of the members of the European Monetary Union (EMU) or euro area since 1999. Growth was very strong at 3.2 percent in 2006 and 3.0 percent in 2007. The global recession had strong impact with growth of only 0.4 percent in 2008 and decline of 4.5 percent in 2009. Recovery was at lower growth rates of 2.1 percent in 2010 and 1.5 percent in 2011. EUROSTAT estimates growth of GDP of the euro area of minus 0.9 percent in 2012 and minus 0.3 percent in 2013. Euro Area GDP grew 1.2 percent in 2014 and grew 2.0 percent in 2015. The GDP of the euro area grew 1.7 percent in 2016.

Table VD-EUR, Euro Area, Yearly Percentage Change of Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices, Unemployment and GDP ∆%

Year

HICP ∆%

Unemployment
%

GDP ∆%

1999

1.2

9.7

3.0

2000

2.2

8.9

3.8

2001

2.4

8.3

2.1

2002

2.3

8.6

1.0

2003

2.1

9.1

0.7

2004

2.2

9.3

2.3

2005

2.2

9.1

1.7

2006

2.2

8.4

3.2

2007

2.2

7.5

3.0

2008

3.3

7.6

0.4

2009

0.3

9.6

-4.5

2010

1.6

10.2

2.1

2011

2.7

10.2

1.5

2012

2.5

11.4

-0.9

2013

1.3

12.0

-0.3

2014

0.4

11.6

1.2

2015

0.0

10.9

2.0

2016

0.2

10.0

1.7

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database

The GDP of the euro area in 2015 in current US dollars in the dataset of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is $11,990.9 billion or 16.3 percent of world GDP of $73,598.8 billion (http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/02/weodata/index.aspx). The sum of the GDP of France $2420.2 billion with the GDP of Germany of $3365.3 billion, Italy of $1815.8 billion and Spain $1199.7 billion is $8,801.0 billion or 73.4 percent of total euro area GDP and 13.1 percent of World GDP. The four largest economies account for slightly more than three quarters of economic activity of the euro area. Table VD-EUR1 is constructed with the dataset of EUROSTAT, providing growth rates of the euro area as a whole and of the largest four economies of Germany, France, Italy and Spain annually from 1996 to 2016. The impact of the global recession on the overall euro area economy and on the four largest economies was quite strong. There was sharp contraction in 2009 and growth rates have not rebounded to earlier growth with exception of Germany in 2010 and 2011.

Table VD-EUR1, Euro Area, Real GDP Growth Rate, ∆%

Euro Area

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

2016

1.7

1.9

1.2

0.9

3.2

2015

2.0

1.7

1.3

0.8

3.2

2014

1.2

1.6

0.6

0.1

1.4

2013

-0.3

0.5

0.6

-1.7

-1.7

2012

-0.9

0.5

0.2

-2.8

-2.9

2011

1.5

3.7

2.1

0.6

-1.0

2010

2.1

4.1

2.0

1.7

0.0

2009

-4.5

-5.6

-2.9

-5.5

-3.6

2008

0.4

1.1

0.2

-1.1

1.1

2007

3.0

3.3

2.4

1.5

3.8

2006

3.2

3.7

2.4

2.0

4.2

2005

1.7

0.7

1.6

0.9

3.7

2004

2.3

1.2

2.8

1.6

3.2

2003

0.7

-0.7

0.8

0.2

3.2

2002

1.0

0.0

1.1

0.2

2.9

2001

2.1

1.7

2.0

1.8

4.0

2000

3.8

3.0

3.9

3.7

5.3

1999

3.0

2.0

3.4

1.6

4.5

1998

2.9

2.0

3.6

1.6

4.3

Average 1999-2016

1.2

1.3

1.3

0.3

1.7

Average 1999-2007

2.2

1.6

2.1

1.5

3.8

Average 2016-2007

0.3

1.0

0.6

-7.0*

-0.5*

1997

2.6

1.8

2.3

1.8

3.7

1996

1.6

0.8

1.4

1.3

2.7

Note: Absolute percentage change

Source: EUROSTAT

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database

The Flash Eurozone PMI Composite Output Index of the HIS Markit Flash Eurozone PMI®, combining activity in manufacturing and services, decreased from 29.7 in Mar to 13.5 in Apr (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/b9c4af250a8e40efabbb1b120b368e6f). Chris Williamson, Associate Director at IHS Markit, finds that the Markit Flash Eurozone PMI index suggests GDP contracting at quarterly rate close to 7.5 percent (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/b9c4af250a8e40efabbb1b120b368e6f). The IHS Markit Eurozone PMI® Composite Output Index, combining services and manufacturing activity with close association with GDP decreased from 51.6 in Feb to 29.7 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2ef4122fb1ef422bbca79672dd1f15e6). Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, finds slower potential for contraction at around 10 percent in GDP (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2ef4122fb1ef422bbca79672dd1f15e6). The IHS Markit Eurozone Services Business Activity Index decreased from 52.6 in Feb to 26.4 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2ef4122fb1ef422bbca79672dd1f15e6). The IHS Markit Eurozone Manufacturing PMI® decreased from 49.2 in Feb to 44.8 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2a0769b33c2244a4b48a6deb55f72db9). New export orders decreased. Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, finds deteriorating conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2a0769b33c2244a4b48a6deb55f72db9). Table EUR provides the data table for the euro area.

Table EUR, Euro Area Economic Indicators

GDP

IVQ2019 ∆% 0.1; IVQ2019/IVQ2018 ∆% 1.0 Blog 9/13/15 11/22/15 12/13/15 2/14/16 3/13/16 5/1/16 5/15/16 6/12/16 8/7/16 8/14/16 9/11/16 11/20/16 12/11/16 02/26/17 3/12/17 5/21/17 6/11/17 8/20/17 9/10/17 11/26/17 12/10/17 2/18/18 3/11/18 5/20/18 6/10/18 8/19/18 9/16/18 11/18/18 12/16/18 3/10/19 5/26/19 6/9/19 9/15/19 12/29/19 3/22/20

Unemployment 

Mar 2020: 7.4 % unemployment rate; Mar 2020: 12.156 million unemployed

Blog 5/3/20

HICP

Mar month ∆%: 0.5

12 months Mar ∆%: 0.7
Blog 4/26/20

Producer Prices

Euro Zone industrial producer prices Feb ∆%: -0.6
Feb 12-month ∆%: -1.3
Blog 4/5/20

Industrial Production

Jan Month ∆%: 2.3; 12 months ∆%: -1.9

Earlier Data:
Blog 5/19/15

Retail Sales

Feb month ∆%: 0.9
Feb 12 months ∆%: 3.0

Earlier Data:
Blog 3/15/15

Confidence and Economic Sentiment Indicator

Sentiment 67.0 Apr 2020

Consumer -22.7 Feb 2020

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/5/15

Trade

Jan-Feb 2020/Jan-Feb 2019 Exports ∆%: 0.9
Imports ∆%: -0.7

Feb 2020 12-month Exports ∆% 1.6 Imports ∆% -1.0

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Links to blog comments in Table EUR: https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/29/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/22/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/sharp-contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/8/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html

3/1/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/sharp-worldwide-contraction-of.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

12/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

1/24/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/oscillating-risk-financial-assets-world.html

11/10/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/uncertain-fomc-outlook-of-monetary.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

8/25/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

8/4/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/dollar-appreciation-contraction-of.html

7/21/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/global-manufacturing-stress-world.html

7/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/twenty-million-unemployed-or.html

6/9/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/increase-of-valuations-of-risk.html

5/26/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

3/10/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/dollar-revaluation-twenty-one-million.html

12/16/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/slowing-world-economic-growth-and.html

9/16/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

8/19/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/world-inflation-waves-lost-economic.html

6/10/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

5/20/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-revaluation-united-states_24.html

3/11/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/twenty-three-million-unemployed-or.html

2/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/united-states-inflation-trend-or.html

12/10/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

11/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-lost-economic-cycle-of-global_25.html

9/10/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

8/20/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

6/11/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/flattening-us-treasury-yield-curve.html

5/21/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/dollar-devaluation-world-inflation.html

3/12/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/increasing-interest-rates-twenty-four.html

2/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

12/11/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/rising-values-of-risk-financial-assets.html

11/20/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/interest-rate-increase-could-well.html

11/13/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/dollar-revaluation-and-valuations-of.html

11/6/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-case-for-increase-in-federal-funds.html

9/11/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/interest-rate-uncertainty-and-valuation.html

8/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

8/7/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/global-competitive-easing-or.html

6/12/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/considerable-uncertainty-about-economic.html

5/15/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

5/1/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/economic-activity-appears-to-have.html

3/13/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/monetary-policy-and-fluctuations-of_13.html

3/6/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/twenty-five-million-unemployed-or.html

2/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/subdued-foreign-growth-and-dollar.html

12/13/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/liftoff-of-interest-rates-with-volatile_17.html

4/19/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/global-portfolio-reallocations-squeeze.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/global-exchange-rate-struggle-recovery.html

EUROSTAT estimates the rate of unemployment in the euro area at 7.3 percent in Feb

2020, as shown in Table VD-1. The number of unemployed in Mar 2020 was 12.156 million, which was lower by 0.477 million than 12.633 million in Mar 2019. The rate of unemployment fell from 7.7 percent in Mar 2019 to 7.4 percent in Mar 2020.

Table VD-1, Euro Area, Unemployment Rate and Number of Unemployed, % and Millions, SA 

Unemployment Rate %

Number Unemployed
Millions

Mar 2020

7.4

12.156

Feb

7.3

11.959

Jan

7.3

11.999

Dec 2019

7.3

12.098

Nov

7.4

12.135

Oct

7.4

12.169

Sep

7.5

12.296

Aug

7.5

12.298

Jul

7.6

12.409

Jun

7.5

12.374

May

7.6

12.433

Apr

7.6

12.506

Mar

7.7

12.633

Feb

7.8

12.755

Jan

7.8

12.755

Dec 2018

7.8

12.801

Nov

7.9

12.918

Oct

8.0

13.080

Sep

8.0

13.073

Aug

8.0

13.127

Jul

8.1

13.222

Jun

8.2

13.433

May

8.3

13.480

Apr

8.4

13.676

Mar

8.5

13.785

Feb

8.5

13.869

Jan

8.6

14.027

Dec 2017

8.6

14.068

Nov

8.7

14.201

Oct

8.8

14.321

Sep

8.9

14.481

Aug

9.0

14.655

Jul

9.1

14.753

Jun

9.1

14.735

May

9.2

14.933

Apr

9.2

14.967

Mar

9.4

15.199

Feb

9.4

15.293

Jan

9.5

15.487

Dec 2016

9.6

15.654

Nov

9.8

15.865

Oct

9.8

15.856

Sep

9.9

16.011

Aug

9.9

16.038

Jul

10.0

16.174

Jun

10.1

16.376

May

10.1

16.445

Apr

10.2

16.567

Mar

10.2

16.568

Feb

10.4

16.757

Jan

10.4

16.739

Dec 2015

10.5

16.875

Nov

10.5

16.892

Oct

10.6

17.079

Sep

10.6

17.079

Aug

10.7

17.148

Jul

10.8

17.311

Jun

11.0

17.659

May

11.0

17.738

Apr

11.1

17.825

Mar

11.2

17.968

Feb

11.2

17.981

Jan

11.3

18.121

Dec 2014

11.3

18.244

Nov

11.5

18.535

Oct

11.5

18.521

Sep

11.5

18.505

Aug

11.5

18.407

Jul

11.6

18.599

Jun

11.5

18.478

May

11.7

18.709

Apr

11.7

18.760

Mar

11.8

18.916

Feb

11.9

19.013

Jan

11.9

19.083

Dec 2013

11.9

19.024

Nov

11.9

19.093

Oct

11.9

19.148

Sep

12.0

19.296

Aug

12.0

19.273

Jul

12.0

19.324

Jun

12.1

19.356

May

12.1

19.354

Apr

12.1

19.382

Mar

12.0

19.294

Feb

12.1

19.315

Jan

12.0

19.252

Dec 2012

11.9

19.030

Nov

11.8

18.940

Oct

11.7

18.826

Sep

11.6

18.588

Aug

11.5

18.438

Jul

11.5

18.362

Jun

11.4

18.255

May

11.3

18.091

Apr

11.2

17.921

Mar

11.1

17.692

Feb

10.9

17.408

Jan

10.8

17.178

Dec 2011

10.7

17.079

Nov

10.6

16.892

Oct

10.5

16.652

Sep

10.4

16.495

Aug

10.2

16.269

Jul 

10.2

16.131

Jun

10.0

15.947

May

10.0

15.873

Apr

10.0

15.786

Mar

10.0

15.875

Feb

10.0

15.877

Jan

10.1

15.959

Dec 2010

10.1

16.029

Source: EUROSTAT

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

Table VD-2 shows the disparity in rates of unemployment in the euro area with 7.4 percent for the region as a whole and 12.156 million unemployed but 3.5 percent for Germany and 1.531 million unemployed. At the other extreme is Spain with rate of unemployment of 14.5 percent and 3.369 million unemployed. The rate of unemployment of the European Union in Mar 2020 is 6.6 percent with 14.141 million unemployed.

Table VD-2, Unemployed and Unemployment Rate in Countries and Regions, Millions and %

Mar 2020

Unemployment Rate %

Unemployed Millions

Euro Zone

7.4

12.156

Germany

3.5

1.531

France

8.4

2.497

Netherlands

2.9

0.273

Finland

6.5

0.179

Portugal

6.4**

0.332**

Ireland

5.4

0.137

Italy

8.4

2.132

Greece

16.4*

0.767*

Spain

14.5

3.369

Belgium

5.3

0.272

European Union

6.6

14.141

*Jan 2020 **Feb 2020

Source: EUROSTAT

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

Chart VD-1 of EUROSTAT illustrates the wide difference in rates of unemployment in countries and regions.

clip_image016

Chart VD-1, Unemployment Rate in Various Countries and Regions

Source: EUROSTAT

http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

VE Germany. Table VE-DE provides yearly growth rates of the German economy from 1971 to 2019, price adjusted chain-linked and price and calendar-adjusted chain-linked (https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2019/11/PE19_448_811.html). Germany’s GDP fell 5.7 percent in 2009 after growing below trend at 1.1 percent in 2008. Recovery had been robust in contrast with other advanced economies. The German economy grew at 4.2 percent in 2010, 3.9 percent in 2011 and 0.4 percent in 2012. Growth stabilized to 0.4 percent in 2013, increasing to 2.2 percent in 2014. The German economy grew at 1.7 percent in 2015 and grew at 2.2 percent in 2016. Germany’s GDP increased 2.5 percent in 2017 and increased 1.5 percent in 2018. The German economy grew at 0.6 percent in 2019.

The Federal Statistical Agency of Germany analyzes the fall and recovery of the German economy in its earlier website (http://www.destatis.de/jetspeed/portal/cms/Sites/destatis/Internet/EN/Content/Statistics/VolkswirtschaftlicheGesamtrechnungen/Inlandsprodukt/Aktuell,templateId=renderPrint.psml):

“The German economy again grew strongly in 2011. The price-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 3.0% compared with the previous year. Accordingly, the catching-up process of the German economy continued during the second year after the economic crisis. In the course of 2011, the price-adjusted GDP again exceeded its pre-crisis level. The economic recovery occurred mainly in the first half of 2011. In 2009, Germany experienced the most serious post-war recession, when GDP suffered a historic decline of 5.1%. The year 2010 was characterised by a rapid economic recovery (+3.7%).”

Table VE-DE, Germany, GDP ∆% on Prior Year

Price Adjusted Chain-Linked

Price- and Calendar-Adjusted Chain Linked

Average ∆% 1991-2019

1.4

Average ∆% 1991-2018

1.4

Average ∆% 1991-1999

1.4

Average ∆% 2000-2007

1.3

Average ∆% 2003-2007

2.2

Average ∆% 2007-2019

1.2

Average ∆% 2009-2018

2.1

2019

0.6

0.6

2018

1.5

1.5

2017

2.5

2.8

2016

2.2

2.1

2015

1.7

1.5

2014

2.2

2.2

2013

0.4

0.5

2012

0.4

0.6

2011

3.9

4.0

2010

4.2

4.0

2009

-5.7

-5.6

2008

1.0

0.7

2007

3.0

3.1

2006

3.8

4.0

2005

0.7

0.9

2004

1.2

0.7

2003

-0.7

-0.7

2002

-0.2

-0.2

2001

1.7

1.8

2000

2.9

3.1

1999

1.9

1.7

1998

2.0

1.8

1997

1.8

1.9

1996

0.8

0.8

1995

1.5

1.6

1994

2.4

2.5

1993

-1.0

-1.0

1992

1.9

1.5

1991

5.1

5.2

1990

5.3

5.5

1989

3.9

4.0

1988

3.7

3.4

1987

1.4

1.3

1986

2.3

2.3

1985

2.3

2.6

1984

2.8

2.9

1983

1.6

1.5

1982

-0.4

-0.5

1981

0.5

0.6

1980

1.4

1.3

1979

4.2

4.3

1978

3.0

3.1

1977

3.3

3.5

1976

4.9

4.5

1975

-0.9

-0.9

1974

0.9

1.0

1973

4.8

5.0

1972

4.3

4.3

1971

3.1

3.0

1970

NA

NA

Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland (Destatis)

https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2020/02/PE20_056_811.html

The Flash Germany Composite Output Index of the IHS Markit Flash Germany PMI®, combining manufacturing and services, decreased from 35.0 in Mar to 17.1 in Apr. The index of manufacturing output reached 19.4 in Apr, decreasing from 41.0 in Mar, while the index of services decreased to 15.9 in Apr from 31.7 in Mar. The overall Flash Germany Manufacturing PMI® decreased from 45.4 in Mar to 34.4 in Apr (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/a9371943f5294f65877f5c3729537725). New orders decreased and new export orders decreased. Phil Smith, Principal Economist at IHS Markit, finds sharply decreasing manufacturing of Germany with contracting services (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/a9371943f5294f65877f5c3729537725). The IHS Markit Germany Composite Output Index of the IHS Markit Germany Services PMI®, combining manufacturing and services with close association with Germany’s GDP, decreased from 50.7 in Feb to 35.0 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/6f1bcffaf451400a809cfd3055a2a715). Phil Smith, Principal Economist at IHS Markit, finds contracting conditions of Germany (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/6f1bcffaf451400a809cfd3055a2a715). The Germany Services Business Activity Index decreased from 52.5 in Feb to 31.7 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/6f1bcffaf451400a809cfd3055a2a715)). The IHS Markit/BME Germany Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®), showing close association with Germany’s manufacturing conditions, decreased from 48.0 in Feb to 45.4 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/8908505a1cdd47e6a9c1f8a37231033a). New export orders decreased. Phil Smith, Principal Economist at IHS Markit, finds deteriorating conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/8908505a1cdd47e6a9c1f8a37231033a). Table DE provides the country data table for Germany.

Table DE, Germany, Economic Indicators

GDP

IVQ2019 0.0 ∆%; IVQ2019/IVQ2018 NCSA ∆% 0.3 CA 0.4

2016/2015: 2.2 CA 2.1

2017/2016: 2.5 CA 2.8

2018/2017: 1.5 CA 1.5

2019/2018: 0.6 CA 0.6

GDP ∆% 1970-2019

Blog 8/26/12 5/27/12 11/25/12 2/24/13 5/19/13 5/26/13 8/18/13 8/25/13 11/17/13 11/24/13 1/26/14 2/16/14 3/2/14 5/18/14 5/25/14 8/17/14 9/7/14 11/16/14 11/30/14 2/15/15 3/1/15 5/17/15 5/24/15 8/16/15 8/30/15 11/22/15 11/29/15 2/14/16 2/28/16 5/15/16 5/29/16 8/14/16 8/28/16 11/20/16 11/27/16 2/19/17 02/26/17 05/14/17 5/28/17 8/20/17 8/27/17 11/26/17 2/18/18 2/25/18 5/20/18 5/27/18 8/19/18 9/2/18 11/18/18 11/25/18 4/14/19 5/26/19 9/1/19 12/1/19 3/8/20

Consumer Price Index

Mar month NSA ∆%: 0.1
Mar 12-month NSA ∆%: 1.3
Blog 1/20/19 12/15/19 4/26/20

Producer Price Index

Feb month -0.4 12 months 0.1
Blog 3/17/19 4/5/20

Industrial Production

MFG Production Feb month CSA ∆%: 0.5
12-month NSA: NA -3.5

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/12/15

Machine Orders

MFG Feb month ∆%: -1.4
Feb 12-month ∆%: 0.4

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/12/15

Retail Sales

Mar Month ∆% -5.6

12-Month ∆% -2.8

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/5/15

Employment Report

Unemployment Rate SA Mar 3.5%
Blog 5/3/20

Trade Balance

Exports Feb 12-month NSA ∆%: 0.4
Imports Feb 12 months NSA ∆%: -2.9
Exports Feb month CSA ∆%: 1.3; Imports Feb month CSA minus 1.6

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/12/15

Links to blog comments in Table DE: https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/29/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/8/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html

3/1/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/sharp-worldwide-contraction-of.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

12/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

12/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

11/24/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/oscillating-risk-financial-assets-world.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/27/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_26.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/dollar-appreciation-decreasing.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

9/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/revaluation-of-us-dollar-falling-yields.html

8/25/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

8/18/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/global-decline-of-yields-of-government.html

8/4/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/dollar-appreciation-contraction-of.html

7/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fomc-uncertain-outlook-frank-h-knights.html

7/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/twenty-million-unemployed-or.html

6/2/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

5/26/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

5/5/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

4/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/04/recovery-without-hiring-labor.html

1/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/01/world-inflation-waves-world-financial_24.html

11/25/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/weaker-world-economic-growth-with.html

11/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/weakening-gdp-growth-in-major-economies.html

9/2/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/revision-of-united-states-national.html

8/19/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/world-inflation-waves-lost-economic.html

5/27/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-strengthening-world-inflation.html

5/20/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-revaluation-united-states_24.html

2/25/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/world-inflation-waves-united-states.html

2/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/united-states-inflation-trend-or.html

11/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-lost-economic-cycle-of-global_25.html

8/27/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/dollar-devaluation-and-interest-rate.html

5/28/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

5/14/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million_14.html

2/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

02/19/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/world-inflation-waves-united-states.html

11/27/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/dollar-revaluation-rising-yields-and.html

11/20/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/interest-rate-increase-could-well.html

11/13/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/dollar-revaluation-and-valuations-of.html

11/6/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-case-for-increase-in-federal-funds.html

8/28/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/and-as-ever-economic-outlook-is.html

8/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

5/29/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/appropriate-for-fed-to-increase.html

5/15/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

2/28/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

2/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/subdued-foreign-growth-and-dollar.html

11/29/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/dollar-revaluation-constraining.html

11/22/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/interest-rate-liftoff-followed-by.html

08/30/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/fluctuations-of-global-financial.html

08/16/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/exchange-rate-and-financial-asset.html

5/24/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/interest-rate-policy-and-dollar.html

5/17/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-financial.html

4/12/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/dollar-revaluation-recovery-without.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/irrational-exuberance-mediocre-cyclical.html

2/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/g20-monetary-policy-recovery-without.html

11/30/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

11/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/fluctuating-financial-variables.html

9/7/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/competitive-monetary-policy-and.html

8/17/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/weakening-world-economic-growth.html

5/25/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

5/18/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-inflation-waves-squeeze-of.html

3/2/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/financial-risks-slow-cyclical-united.html

2/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/theory-and-reality-of-cyclical-slow.html

1/26/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/capital-flows-exchange-rates-and.html

11/24/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/risks-of-zero-interest-rates-world.html

11/17/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/risks-of-unwinding-monetary-policy.html

8/25/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/interest-rate-risks-duration-dumping.html

8/18/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/duration-dumping-and-peaking-valuations.html

Germany’s labor market continues to show strength not found in most of the advanced economies, as shown in Table VE-1A. The number unemployed, not seasonally adjusted, increased from 1.51 million in Mar 2019 to 1.67 million in Mar 2020, or 10.6 percent, while the unemployment rate increased from 3.5 percent in Mar 2019 to 3.8 percent in Mar 2020. The number of persons in employment, not seasonally adjusted, increased from 41.88 million in Mar 2019 to 42.39 million in Mar 2020, or 1.2 percent, while the employment rate increased from 67.5 percent in Mar 2019 to 68.1 percent in Mar 2020. The number unemployed, seasonally adjusted, increased 0.7 percent from 1.52 million in Feb 2020 to 1.53 million in Mar 2020, while the unemployment rate increased from 3.4 percent in Feb 2020 to 3.5 percent in Mar 2020. The number of persons in employment, seasonally adjusted decreased from 42.83 million in Feb 2020 to 42.50 million in Mar 2020, or minus 0.8 percent. The employment rate seasonally adjusted decreased from 68.8 in Feb 2020 to 68.3 in Mar 2020.

Table VE-1A, Germany, Unemployment Labor Force Survey

Mar 2020

Feb 2020

Mar 2019

NSA

Number
Unemployed Millions

1.67

∆% Mar 2020 /Feb 2020:

11.3

∆% Mar 2020/Mar 2019: 10.6

1.50

1.51

% Rate Unemployed

3.8

3.4

3.5

Persons in Employment Millions

42.39

∆% Mar 2020/ Feb 2020: -0.8

∆% Mar 2020/ Mar 2019: 1.2

42.75

41.88

Employment Rate

68.1

68.7

67.5

SA

Number
Unemployed Millions

1.53

∆% Mar 2020/Feb 2020: 0.7

∆% Mar 2020/Mar 2019: 10.9

1.52

1.38

% Rate Unemployed

3.5

3.4

3.2

Persons in Employment Millions

42.50

∆% Mar 2020/Feb 2020: -0.8

∆% Mar 2020/Mar 2019: 1.2

42.83

41.99

Employment Rate

68.3

68.8

67.7

NSA: not seasonally adjusted; SA: seasonally adjusted

Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland

https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2020/04/PE20_150_132.html

Table VE-2A provides the unemployment rate in Germany, seasonally adjusted (SA) but not calendar adjusted (NCA), available in the data bank of EUROSTAT. There is significant decrease from 10.7 percent in Dec 2005 to 3.5 percent in Mar 2020.

Table VE-2A, Germany, Unemployment Rate in Percent of Labor Force, SA NCA, Eurostat Data Bank

Mar 2020

3.5

Feb

3.4

Jan

3.2

Dec 2019

3.2

Nov

3.2

Oct

3.2

Sep

3.1

Aug

3.1

Jul

3.1

Jun

3.1

May

3.1

Apr

3.2

Mar

3.2

Feb

3.2

Jan

3.2

Dec 2018

3.3

Nov

3.3

Oct

3.3

Sep

3.4

Aug

3.4

Jul

3.4

Jun

3.4

May

3.4

Apr

3.4

Mar

3.5

Feb

3.5

Jan

3.5

Dec 2017

3.6

Nov

3.6

Oct

3.6

Sep

3.7

Aug

3.7

Jul

3.8

Jun

3.8

May

3.8

Apr

3.8

Mar

3.9

Feb

3.9

Jan

3.9

Dec 2016

3.9

Nov

3.9

Oct

4.0

Sep

4.0

Aug

4.1

Jul

4.2

Jun

4.2

May

4.3

Apr

4.3

Mar

4.3

Feb

4.3

Jan

4.4

Dec 2015

4.4

Nov

4.5

Oct

4.5

Sep

4.5

Aug

4.6

Jul

4.6

Jun

4.7

May

4.7

Apr

4.7

Mar

4.7

Feb

4.8

Jan

4.8

Dec 2014

4.9

Nov

4.9

Oct

5.0

Sep

5.0

Aug

5.0

Jul

5.0

Jun

5.0

May

5.0

Apr

5.0

Mar

5.1

Feb

5.1

Jan

5.1

Dec 2013

5.1

Nov

5.1

Oct

5.1

Sep

5.2

Aug

5.2

Jul

5.2

Jun

5.2

May

5.3

Apr

5.3

Mar

5.3

Feb

5.4

Jan

5.4

Dec 2012

5.3

Nov

5.3

Oct

5.3

Sep

5.3

Aug

5.3

Jul

5.4

Jun

5.4

May

5.4

Apr

5.4

Mar

5.4

Feb

5.4

Jan

5.5

Dec 2011

5.5

Nov

5.6

Oct

5.6

Sep

5.7

Aug

5.7

Jul

5.8

Jun

5.8

May

5.9

Apr

6.0

Mar

6.1

Feb

6.2

Jan

6.4

Dec 2010

6.5

Dec 2009

7.5

Dec 2008

7.2

Dec 2007

8.1

Dec 2006

9.4

Dec 2005

10.7

Source: Source: EUROSTAT

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

The unemployment rate in Germany as percent of the labor force in Table VE-2A stood at 6.5 percent in Sep, Oct and Nov 2012, increasing to 6.7 percent in Dec 2012, 7.4 percent in Jan 2013, 7.3 in Mar 2013 and 7.1 percent in Apr 2013. The unemployment rate fell to 6.8 percent in May 2013 and 6.6 percent in Jun 2013 and rose to 6.8 percent in Jul-Aug 2013. The rate fell to 6.6 percent in Sep 2013 and 6.5 percent in Oct 2013 and Nov 2013. The unemployment rate increased to 6.7 percent in Dec 2013 and 7.3 percent in Jan 2013. The unemployment rate reached 7.3 percent in Feb 2014 and 7.1 percent in Mar 2014. The unemployment rate fell to 6.8 percent in Apr 2014 and 6.6 percent in May 2014. The unemployment rate fell to 6.5 percent in Jun 2014, increasing to 6.6 percent in Jun 2014 and 6.7 percent in Aug 2014. The unemployment rate fell to 6.5 percent in Sep 2014 and 6.3 percent in Oct 2014 and Nov 2014. The unemployment rate increased to 6.4 percent in Dec 2014 and 7.0 percent in Jan 2015, falling to 6.9 percent in Feb 2015 and 6.5 percent in Apr 2015. The unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent in May 2015 and 6.2 percent in Jun 2015. The unemployment rate increased to 6.3 percent in Jul 2015 and 6.4 percent in Aug 2015. The unemployment rate fell from 6.4 percent in Aug 2015 to 6.1 percent in Dec 2015, increasing to 6.7 percent in Jan 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 6.6 percent in Feb 2016 and 6.5 percent in Mar 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent in Apr 2016, decreasing to 6.0 percent in May 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent in Jun 2016, increasing to 6.0 percent in Jul 2016. The unemployment rate increased to 6.1 percent in Aug 2016, moving to 6.1 percent in Aug 2016 and 5.9 percent in Sep 2016. The rate decreased to 5.7 percent in Nov 2016, increasing to 5.8 in Dec 2016 and 6.3 percent in Jan 2017. The rate stabilized at 6.3 percent in Feb 2017. The unemployment rate fell to 6.0 percent in Mar 2017 and fell to 5.8 percent in Apr 2017. The unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in May 2017 and fell to 5.5 percent in Jun 2017, decreasing to 5.5 percent in Sep 2017. The unemployment rate increased to 5.6 percent in Jul 2017, increasing to 5.7 percent in Aug 2017. The unemployment rate decreased to 5.5 percent in Sep 2017 decreasing to 5.4 percent in Oct 2017 and to 5.3 percent in Nov 2017. The unemployment rate stabilized at 5.3 percent in Dec 2017, increasing to 5.8 in Jan 2018. The unemployment rate fell to 5.7 percent in Feb 2018, decreasing to 5.5 percent in Mar 2018. The unemployment rate fell to 5.3 percent in Apr 2018, decreasing to 5.1 percent in May 2018. The unemployment rate fell to 5.0 percent in Jun 2018. The unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent in Jul 2018, increasing to 5.2 percent in Aug 2018. The unemployment rate decreased to 5.0 percent in Sep 2018. The unemployment decreased to 4.9 percent in Oct 2018. The unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent in Nov 2018, increasing to 4.9 percent in Dec 2018. The unemployment rate increased to 5.3 percent in Jan 2019 and stabilized at 5.3 percent in Feb 2019. The rate is much lower than 11.1 percent in 2005 and 9.6 percent in 2006.

Table VE-2A, Germany, Unemployment Rate in Percent of Labor Force

Feb 2019

5.3

Jan

5.3

Dec 2018

4.9

Nov

4.8

Oct

4.9

Sep

5.0

Aug

5.2

Jul

5.1

Jun

5.0

May

5.1

Apr

5.3

Mar

5.5

Feb

5.7

Jan

5.8

Dec 2017

5.3

Nov

5.3

Oct

5.4

Sep

5.5

Aug

5.7

Jul

5.6

Jun

5.5

May

5.6

Apr

5.8

Mar

6.0

Feb

6.3

Jan

6.3

Dec 2016

5.8

Nov

5.7

Oct

5.8

Sep

5.9

Aug

6.1

Jul

6.0

Jun

5.9

May

6.0

Apr

6.3

Mar

6.5

Feb

6.6

Jan

6.7

Dec 2015

6.1

Nov

6.0

Oct

6.0

Sep

6.2

Aug

6.4

Jul

6.3

Jun

6.2

May

6.3

Apr

6.5

Mar

6.8

Feb

6.9

Jan

7.0

Dec 2014

6.4

Nov

6.3

Oct

6.3

Sep

6.5

Aug

6.7

Jul

6.6

Jun

6.5

May

6.6

Apr

6.8

Mar

7.1

Feb

7.3

Jan

7.3

Dec 2013

6.7

Nov

6.5

Oct

6.5

Sep

6.6

Aug

6.8

Jul

6.8

Jun

6.6

May

6.8

Apr

7.1

Mar

7.3

Feb

7.4

Jan

7.4

Dec 2012

6.7

Nov

6.5

Oct

6.5

Sep

6.5

Aug

6.8

Jul

6.8

Jun

6.6

May

6.7

Apr

7.0

Mar

7.2

Feb

7.4

Jan

7.3

Dec 2011

6.6

Nov

6.4

Oct

6.5

Sep

6.6

Aug

7.0

Jul

7.0

Jun

6.9

May

7.0

Apr

7.3

Mar

7.6

Feb

7.9

Jan

7.9

Dec 2010

7.1

Dec 2009

7.8

Dec 2008

7.4

Dec 2007

8.1

Dec 2006

9.6

Dec 2005

11.1

Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland

https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/Indicators/ShortTermIndicators/ShortTermIndicators.html

Chart VE-1A shows the long-term decline of the rate of unemployment in Germany from more than 12 percent in early 2005 to 6.6 percent in Dec 2011, increasing to 6.7 percent in Dec 2012, 6.8 percent in Apr 2013 and 6.6 percent in May 2013. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 6.8 percent in Aug 2013, falling to 6.6 percent in Sep 2013 and 6.5 percent in Oct 2013. The rate remained at 6.5 percent in Nov 2013, increasing to 6.7 percent in Dec 2013 and 7.3 in Jan 2014. The rate remained at 7.3 percent in Feb 2014, declining to 7.1 percent in Mar 2014. The rate fell to 6.8 percent in Apr 2014, 6.6 percent in May 2014 and 6.5 percent in Jun 2014. The rate increased to 6.6 percent in Jul 2014 and 6.7 percent in Aug 2014, falling to 6.5 percent in Sep 2014. The rate fell to 6.3 percent in Oct 2014 and 6.3 percent in Nov 2014, increasing to 6.4 percent in Dec 2014. The rate increased to 7.0 percent in Jan 2015, falling to 6.9 percent in Feb 2015 and 6.8 percent in Mar 2015. The unemployment rate fell to 6.5 percent in Apr 2015 and 6.3 percent in May 2015. The unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent in Jun 2015, increasing to 6.3 percent in Jul 2015 and 6.4 percent in Aug 2015. The unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent in Sep 2015 and 6.0 percent in Oct 2015. The unemployment rate stabilized at 6.0 percent in Nov 2015, increasing to 6.1 percent in Dec 2015. The unemployment rate increased to 6.7 percent in Jan 2016 and fell to 6.6 percent in Feb 2016 and 6.5 percent in Mar 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent in Apr 2016, decreasing to 6.0 percent in May 2016 and 5.9 percent in Jun 2016. The unemployment rate increased to 6.0 percent in Jul 2016 and 6.1 percent in Aug 2016. The unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent in Sep 2016, 5.8 percent in Oct 2016 and 5.7 percent in Nov 2016. The unemployment rate increased to 5.8 percent in Dec 2016 and 6.3 percent in Jan and Feb 2017. The unemployment rate decreased to 6.0 percent in Mar 2017 and decreased to 5.8 percent in Apr 2017. The unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in May 2017 and fell to 5.5 percent in Jun 2017, increasing to 5.6 percent in Jul 2017. The rate of unemployment increased to 5.7 percent in Aug 2017, decreasing to 5.5 percent in Sep 2017. The rate of unemployment decreased to 5.4 percent in Oct 2017, decreasing to 5.3 percent in Nov 2017 and 5.3 percent in Dec 2017. The rate of unemployment increased to 5.8 in Jan 2018, decreasing to 5.7 in Feb 2018. The rate of unemployment fell to 5.5 percent in Mar 2018, decreasing to 5.3 percent in Apr 2018 and decreasing to 5.1 percent in May 2018. The unemployment rate fell to 5.0 percent in Jun 2018, increasing to 5.1 percent in Jul 2018. The unemployment rate increased to 5.2 percent in Aug 2018, decreasing to 5.0 percent in Sep 2018. The unemployment rate decreased to 4.9 percent in Oct 2018, decreasing to 4.8 percent in Nov 2018. The unemployment rate increased to 4.9 percent in Dec 2018, increasing to 5.3 percent in Jan 2019. The unemployment rate stabilized at 5.3 percent in Jan-Feb 2019.

clip_image017

Chart VE-1A, Germany, Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, Percent

Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland

https://www.destatis.de/EN/FactsFigures/Indicators/ShortTermIndicators/ShortTermIndicators.html

VF France. Table VF-FR provides growth rates of GDP of France with the estimates of Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (INSEE). The long-term rate of GDP growth of France from IVQ1949 to IVQ2019 is quite high at 3.1 percent. France’s growth rates were quite high in the four decades of the 1950s, 1960, 1970s and 1980s with an average growth rate of 4.0 percent compounding the average rates in the decades and discounting to one decade. The growth impulse diminished with 2.0 percent in the 1990s and 1.8 percent from 2000 to 2007. The average growth rate from 2000 to 2019, using fourth quarter data, is 1.2 percent because of the sharp impact of the global recession from IVQ2007 to IIQ2009. Cobet and Wilson (2002) provide estimates of output per hour and unit labor costs in national currency and US dollars for the US, Japan and Germany from 1950 to 2000 (see Pelaez and Pelaez, The Global Recession Risk (2007), 137-44). The average yearly rate of productivity change from 1950 to 2000 was 2.9 percent in the US, 6.3 percent for Japan and 4.7 percent for Germany while unit labor costs in USD increased at 2.6 percent in the US, 4.7 percent in Japan and 4.3 percent in Germany. From 1995 to 2000, output per hour increased at the average yearly rate of 4.6 percent in the US, 3.9 percent in Japan and 2.6 percent in Germany while unit labor costs in US fell at minus 0.7 percent in the US, 4.3 percent in Japan and 7.5 percent in Germany. There was increase in productivity growth in the G7 in Japan and France in the second half of the 1990s but significantly lower than the acceleration of 1.3 percentage points per year in the US. Lucas (2011May) compares growth of the G7 economies (US, UK, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Canada) and Spain, finding that catch-up growth with earlier rates for the US and UK stalled in the 1970s.

Table VF-FR, France, Average Growth Rates of GDP Fourth Quarter, 1949-2018

Period

Average ∆%

1949-2019

3.1

2007-2019*****

0.9

2007-2018****

0.9

2007-2017***

0.8

2007-2016**

0.6

2007-2015*

0.5

2007-2014

0.4

2000-2019

1.2

2000-2018

1.2

2000-2017

1.2

2000-2016

1.1

2000-2015

1.1

2000-2014

1.1

2000-2007

1.8

1990-1999

2.0

1980-1989

2.7

1970-1979

3.7

1960-1969

5.7

1950-1959

4.2

*IVQ2007 to IVQ2015 **IVQ2007 to IVQ2016 ***IVQ2007 to IVQ2017 ****IVQ2007 to IVQ2018 *****IVQ2007 to IVQ2019

Source: Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques

https://www.insee.fr/en/statistiques/4463866

https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2411675#arbo:montrerbranches=theme312

The IHS Markit Flash France Composite Output Index decreased from 28.9 in Mar to 11.2 in Apr (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/bb206898f00343d5a0bb6b66138e0f19). Eliot Kerr, Economist at IHS Markit, finds sharply contracting conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/bb206898f00343d5a0bb6b66138e0f19). The IHS Markit France Composite Output Index, combining services and manufacturing with close association with French GDP, decreased from 52.0 in Feb to 28.9 in Mar, indicating contracting activity of the private sector (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/7e43bf78da794dbdaf931c806366b653). Eliot Kerr, Economist at IHS Markit that compiles the France Services PMI®, finds contracting activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/7e43bf78da794dbdaf931c806366b653). The IHS Markit France Services Activity index increased from 52.5 in Feb to 27.4 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/7e43bf78da794dbdaf931c806366b653). The IHS Markit France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index® decreased to 43.2 in Mar from 49.8 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/36ef6cf2f4b948c7b107470e953e8f37). Eliot Kerr, Economist at IHS Markit, finds deteriorating manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/36ef6cf2f4b948c7b107470e953e8f37). Table FR provides the country data table for France.

Table FR, France, Economic Indicators

CPI

Mar month ∆% 0.1
12 months ∆%: 0.7
4/26/20

PPI

Mar month ∆%: -1.7 Mar 12 months ∆%: -2.7

Blog 4/5/20

GDP Growth

IVQ2019/IIIQ2019 ∆%: -0.1
IVQ2019/IVQ2018 ∆%: 0.9
Blog 3/31/13 5/19/12 6/30/13 9/29/13 11/17/13 12/29/13 2/16/14 4/6/14 5/18/14 6/29/14 8/17/14 9/28/14 11/16/14 12/28/14 2/15/15 3/29/15 5/17/15 6/28/15 8/16/15 9/27/15 11/15/15 12/27/15 1/31/16 2/28/16 3/27/16 5/1/16 6/5/16 06/26/16 8/7/16 9/4/16 9/25/16 10/30/16 12/4/16 1/1/17 2/12/17 3/5/17 3/26/17 5/7/17 6/4/17 6/25/17 8/20/17 9/3/17 11/12/17 12/10/17 12/31/17 2/11/18 3/4/18 4/1/18 5/6/18 6/3/18 6/24/18 9/2/18 11/11/18 12/9/18 12/30/18 3/10/19 3/31/19 5/5/19 6/2/19 8/11/19 9/8/19 11/3/19 3/8/20

Industrial Production

Manufacturing Jan 1.2 Quarter ∆%: -1.1 YOY -1.7

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/12/15

Consumer Spending

Engineered Goods
Mar ∆%: -43.1 12-Month Engineered Goods Month
∆%: -42.3

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/5/15

Employment

Unemployment Rate: IVQ2019 7.9%
Blog 2/16/20

Trade Balance

Feb Exports ∆%: month 5.1 12 months -1.0

Imports ∆%: month 2.8

12 months 0.9

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/12/15

Confidence Indicators

Historical average 100

Feb Mfg Business Climate 102

Earlier Data:

Blog 3/29/15

Links to blog comments in Table FR: https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/15/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-markets-stress-in.html

3/8/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html

2/23/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/16/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/recovery-without-hiring-in-lost.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/19/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk_14.html

12/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/27/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_26.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

9/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/dollar-appreciation-decreasing.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

8/18/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/global-decline-of-yields-of-government.html

8/11/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/competitive-exchange-rate-policies.html

7/28/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/dollar-appreciation-in-anticipations-of.html

7/14/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fomc-uncertain-outlook-frank-h-knights.html

6/30/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

6/2/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

5/5/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

3/31/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/inverted-yield-curve-of-treasury_30.html

12/30/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

12/9/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/fluctuation-of-valuations-of-risk.html

11/11/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/oscillation-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/2/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/revision-of-united-states-national.html

8/19/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/world-inflation-waves-lost-economic.html

7/29/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/revision-of-united-states-national.html

6/24/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/world-inflation-waves-united-states.html

6/3/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/stronger-dollar-mediocre-cyclical.html

5/6/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

04/01/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/mediocre-cyclical-united-states_31.html

3/4/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

2/11/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/collateral-effects-of-unwinding.html

12/31/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/dollar-devaluation-cyclically.html

12/10/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

11/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-lost-economic-cycle-of-global_25.html

11/12/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

9/3/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

8/20/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

6/25/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/united-states-commercial-banks-united.html

6/4/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

5/7/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

3/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

3/5/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/12/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

1/1/17 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/rules-versus-discretionary-authorities.html

12/4/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/rising-yields-and-dollar-revaluation.html

10/30/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/mediocre-cyclical-united-states_30.html

9/25/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-economic-outlook-is-inherently.html

9/4/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/interest-rates-and-valuations-of-risk.html

8/7/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/global-competitive-easing-or.html

6/26/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/of-course-considerable-uncertainty.html

6/5/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/financial-turbulence-twenty-four.html

5/1/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/economic-activity-appears-to-have.html

3/27/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/contraction-of-united-states-corporate.html

2/28/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

1/31/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/closely-monitoring-global-economic-and.html

12/27/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/dollar-revaluation-and-decreasing.html

11/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/interest-rate-policy-conundrum-recovery.html

9/27/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/monetary-policy-designed-on-measurable.html

08/16/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/exchange-rate-and-financial-asset.html

6/28/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/international-valuations-of-financial.html

5/17/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-financial.html

4/12/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/dollar-revaluation-recovery-without.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/29/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/dollar-revaluation-and-financial-risk.html

2/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/g20-monetary-policy-recovery-without.html

12/28/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

11/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/fluctuating-financial-variables.html

9/28/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/financial-volatility-mediocre-cyclical.html

8/17/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/weakening-world-economic-growth.html

6/29/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/financial-indecision-mediocre-cyclical.html

5/18/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-inflation-waves-squeeze-of.html

4/6/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/interest-rate-risks-twenty-eight.html

2/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/theory-and-reality-of-cyclical-slow.html

12/29/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/collapse-of-united-states-dynamism-of.html

11/17/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/risks-of-unwinding-monetary-policy.html

9/29/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/mediocre-and-decelerating-united-states.html

6/30/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/tapering-quantitative-easing-policy-and.html

5/19/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/word-inflation-waves-squeeze-of.html

VG Italy. Table VG-IT provides revised percentage changes of GDP in Italy of quarter on prior quarter and quarter on same quarter a year earlier. In IVQ2019, the GDP of Italy decreased 0.3 percent and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2019 and increased 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2019, Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2019 and increased 0.2 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2018, the GDP of Italy increased 0.1 percent and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP decreased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2018 and increased 0.4 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2018, the GDP of Italy changed 0.0 percent and increased 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2018 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2017, the GDP of Italy increased 0.5 percent and increased 1.9 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2017 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2017, the GDP of Italy increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.8 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.6 percent in IQ2017 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IVQ2016, the GDP of Italy increased 0.3 percent and increased 1.4 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIQ2016 and increased 1.6 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIQ2016, GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 1.2 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.3 percent in IQ2016 and increased 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IVQ2015 and increased 1.3 percent relative to a year earlier. In IIIQ2015, GDP increased 0.2 percent and increased 0.6 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2015 and 0.5 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2015 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IVQ2014 and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IIIQ2014 and changed 0.0 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIQ2014 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Italy increased 0.1 percent in IQ2014 and increased 0.1 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP decreased 0.2 percent in IVQ2013 and fell 0.9 percent relative to a year earlier. The GDP of Italy increased 0.2 percent in IIIQ2013 and fell 1.5 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIQ2013 and fell 2.2 percent relative to a year earlier. Italy’s GDP fell 0.8 percent in IQ2013 and declined 2.9 percent relative to IQ2013. GDP had been growing during six consecutive quarters but at very low rates from IQ2010 to IIQ2011. Italy’s GDP fell in seven consecutive quarters from IIIQ2011 to IQ2013 at increasingly higher rates of contraction from 0.5 percent in IIIQ2011 to 0.9 percent in IVQ2011, 1.1 percent in IQ2012, 0.8 percent in IIQ2012 and 0.5 percent in IIIQ2012. The pace of decline accelerated to minus 0.8 percent in IVQ2012 and minus 0.8 percent in IQ2013. GDP contracted cumulatively 5.3 percent in seven consecutive quarterly contractions from IIIQ2011 to IQ2013 at the annual equivalent rate of minus 3.1 percent. The year-on-year rate has fallen from 2.2 percent in IVQ2010 to minus 3.2 percent in IVQ2012, minus 2.9 percent in IQ2013, minus 2.2 percent in IIQ2013 and minus 1.5 percent in IIIQ2013. GDP fell 0.9 percent in IVQ2013 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2014 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.1 percent in IIQ2014 relative to a year earlier. GDP changed 0.0 percent in IIIQ2014 relative to a year earlier and changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2014 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.1 percent in IQ2015 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.5 percent in IIQ2015 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.6 percent in IIIQ2015 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.3 percent in IVQ2015 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.5 percent in IQ2016 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.2 percent in IIQ2016 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IIIQ2016 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.4 percent in IVQ2016 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IQ2017 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.8 percent in IIQ2017 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.6 percent in IIIQ2017 relative to a year earlier and increased 1.9 percent in IVQ2017 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 1.3 percent in IQ2018 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.9 percent in IIQ2018 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.4 percent in IIIQ2018 relative to a year earlier and changed 0.0 percent in IVQ2018 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.2 percent in IQ2019 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.4 percent in IIQ2019 relative to a year earlier. GDP increased 0.5 percent in IIIIQ2019 relative to a year earlier and increased 0.1 percent in IVQ2019 relative to a year earlier. Using seasonally and calendar adjusted chained volumes in the dataset of EUROSTAT (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/), the GDP of Italy in IVQ2019 of €430,058.5million (https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/239232) is lower by 5.0 percent relative to €452,802.5 million in IQ2008 (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/). Using seasonally and calendar adjusted chained volumes in the dataset of EUROSTAT (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/), the GDP of Italy increased from €392,018.4 million in IQ1998 to €452,802.5 million in IQ2008 at the annual equivalent rate of 1.5 percent. The fiscal adjustment of Italy is significantly more difficult with the economy not growing especially on the prospects of increasing government revenue. The strategy is for reforms to improve productivity, facilitating future fiscal consolidation.

Table VG-IT, Italy, GDP ∆%

Quarter ∆% Relative to Preceding Quarter

Quarter ∆% Relative to Same Quarter Year Earlier

IVQ2019

-0.3

0.1

IIIQ2019

0.1

0.5

IIQ2019

0.1

0.4

IQ2019

0.2

0.2

IVQ2018

0.1

0.0

IIIQ2018

-0.1

0.4

IIQ2018

0.0

0.9

IQ2018

0.1

1.3

IVQ2017

0.5

1.9

IIIQ2017

0.4

1.6

IIQ2017

0.3

1.8

IQ2017

0.6

1.6

IVQ2016

0.3

1.4

IIIQ2016

0.5

1.6

IIQ2016

0.2

1.2

IQ2016

0.3

1.5

IVQ2015

0.5

1.3

IIIQ2015

0.2

0.6

IIQ2015

0.4

0.5

IQ2015

0.2

0.1

IVQ2014

-0.2

0.0

IIIQ2014

0.1

0.0

IIQ2014

0.0

0.1

IQ2014

0.1

0.1

IVQ2013

-0.2

-0.9

IIIQ2013

0.2

-1.5

IIQ2013

0.0

-2.2

IQ2013

-0.8

-2.9

IVQ2012

-0.8

-3.2

IIIQ2012

-0.5

-3.3

IIQ2012

-0.8

-3.2

IQ2012

-1.1

-2.3

IVQ2011

-0.9

-0.9

IIIQ2011

-0.5

0.6

IIQ2011

0.1

1.5

IQ2011

0.3

2.2

IVQ2010

0.6

2.2

IIIQ2010

0.5

1.9

IIQ2010

0.7

1.9

IQ2010

0.3

0.8

IVQ2009

0.3

-2.3

IIIQ2009

0.5

-5.0

IIQ2009

-0.3

-6.6

IQ2009

-2.8

-7.2

IVQ2008

-2.5

-3.5

IIIQ2008

-1.2

-1.4

IIQ2008

-0.9

0.0

IQ2008

1.0

1.0

IV2007

-0.3

0.0

IIIQ2007

0.2

1.5

IIQ2007

0.1

1.7

IQ2007

0.0

2.2

Source: Istituto Nazionale di Statistica https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/239232

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/

The HIS Markit Italy Composite Output Index decreased from 50.7 in Feb to 20.2 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/1788346479664c5290a4b36005e8f7e7).The IHS Markit Italy Business Activity Index decreased from 52.1 in Feb to 17.4 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/1788346479664c5290a4b36005e8f7e7). Lewis Cooper, Economist at IHS Markit that compiles the Italy Services PMI®, finds contracting conditions (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/1788346479664c5290a4b36005e8f7e7). The IHS Markit Italy Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®), decreased from 48.7 in Feb to 40.3 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2cb86088b24840b9a9d606ec647b1e72). New export orders decreased. Lewis Cooper, Economist at HIS Markit that compiles the Italian Manufacturing PMI®, finds weak manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/2cb86088b24840b9a9d606ec647b1e72). Table IT provides the country data table for Italy.

Table IT, Italy, Economic Indicators

Consumer Price Index

Apr month ∆% 0.1

12 months ∆% 0.0
Blog 5/3/20

Producer Price Index

Mar month ∆%: -1.3 Mar 12-month ∆%: -4.9

Blog 4/5/20

GDP Growth

IVQ2019/IIIQ2019 SA ∆%: minus 0.3
IVQ2019/IVQ2018 NSA ∆%: 0.1
Blog 3/17/13 6/16/13 8/11/13 9/15/13 11/17/13 12/15/13 2/16/14 3/16/14 5/18/14 6/15/14 8/10/14 8/31/14 10/19/14 11/16/14 12/7/14 2/15/15 3/15/15 5/17/15 5/31/15 8/16/15 9/6/15 11/15/15 12/6/15 2/14/16 3/6/16 5/15/16 6/5/16 8/14/16 9/11/16 11/20/16 12/4/16 02/26/17 3/12/17 5/21/17 6/4/17 8/20/17 9/3/17 11/26/17 12/10/17 2/18/18 3/11/18 5/20/18 6/10/18 9/9/18 12/16/18 3/10/19 5/26/19 6/9/19 9/15/19 12/29/19 3/22/20 4/12/20

Labor Report

Mar 2020

Participation rate 64.3%

Employment ratio 58.8%

Unemployment rate 8.4%

Youth Unemployment 28.0%

Blog 5/3/20

Industrial Production

Jan month ∆%: 3.7
12 months CA ∆%: -0.1

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Retail Sales

Jan month ∆%: 0.0

Jan 12-month ∆%: 1.3

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/26/15

Business Confidence

Mfg Jan 99.9, Sep 99.0

Construction Jan 142.7 Sep 143.2

Earlier Data:

Blog 4/5/15

Trade Balance

Balance Feb SA €6299 million
Exports Feb month SA ∆%: 1.1; Imports month ∆%: -3.8
Exports 12 months Feb NSA ∆%: 7.0 Imports 12 months NSA ∆%: -0.7

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/19/15

Links to blog comments in Table IT: 4/12/20

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

4/5/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-of-economic-activity-in.html

3/22/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/sharp-contraction-of-valuations-of-risk.html

3/15/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-markets-stress-in.html

3/8/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/stress-of-world-financial-markets-fomc.html

3/1/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/sharp-worldwide-contraction-of.html

2/9/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

2/2/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/decreasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

12/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

12/1/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/dollar-appreciation-decreasing.html

9/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/uncertain-fomc-outlook-of-monetary.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

9/8/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/increase-in-valuations-of-risk.html

8/11/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/competitive-exchange-rate-policies.html

8/4/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/dollar-appreciation-contraction-of.html

7/21/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/global-manufacturing-stress-world.html

7/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/twenty-million-unemployed-or.html

6/30/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

6/9/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/increase-of-valuations-of-risk.html

5/26/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/contraction-of-risk-financial-assets.html

3/10/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/dollar-revaluation-twenty-one-million.html

12/16/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/slowing-world-economic-growth-and.html

9/9/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

5/20/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-revaluation-united-states_24.html

3/11/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/twenty-three-million-unemployed-or.html

2/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/united-states-inflation-trend-or.html

12/10/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

11/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-lost-economic-cycle-of-global_25.html

9/3/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

8/20/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

6/4/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

5/21/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/dollar-devaluation-world-inflation.html

3/12/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/03/increasing-interest-rates-twenty-four.html

2/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

12/4/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/rising-yields-and-dollar-revaluation.html

11/20/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/interest-rate-increase-could-well.html

9/11/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/interest-rate-uncertainty-and-valuation.html

8/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/rising-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

6/5/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/financial-turbulence-twenty-four.html

5/15/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

3/6/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/twenty-five-million-unemployed-or.html

2/14/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/subdued-foreign-growth-and-dollar.html

12/6/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/liftoff-of-fed-funds-rate-followed-by.html

11/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/interest-rate-policy-conundrum-recovery.html

9/6/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/interest-rate-policy-dependent-on-what.html

08/16/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/exchange-rate-and-financial-asset.html

5/31/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/dollar-revaluation-squeezing-corporate.html

5/17/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-financial.html

4/26/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/imf-view-of-economy-and-finance-united.html

4/19/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/global-portfolio-reallocations-squeeze.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/global-exchange-rate-struggle-recovery.html

2/15/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/g20-monetary-policy-recovery-without.html

12/7/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/financial-risks-twenty-six-million.html

11/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/fluctuating-financial-variables.html

10/19/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/imf-view-squeeze-of-economic-activity.html

8/31/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/geopo7litical-and-financial-risks.html

8/10/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk_10.html

6/15/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/financialgeopolitical-risks-recovery.html

5/18/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-inflation-waves-squeeze-of.html

3/16/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/global-financial-risks-recovery-without.html

2/16/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/theory-and-reality-of-cyclical-slow.html

12/15/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/theory-and-reality-of-secular.html

11/17/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/risks-of-unwinding-monetary-policy.html

9/15/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

8/11/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/recovery-without-hiring-loss-of-full.html

6/16/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/recovery-without-hiring-seven-million.html

3/17/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/recovery-without-hiring-ten-million.html

Data on Italy’s labor market since 2004 are in Table VG-1A. The unemployment rate has risen from 6.2 percent in Dec 2006 to 8.4 percent in Mar 2020. The rate of youth unemployment for ages 15 to 24 years increased from 20.3 percent in Dec 2006 to 28.0 percent in Mar 2020. As in other advanced economies, unemployment has reached high levels.

Table VG-1, Italy, Labor Report

Participation Rate %

Employment Ratio %

Unemployment Rate %

Unemployment
Rate 15-24 Years %

Mar 2020

64.3

58.8

8.4

28.0

Feb

65.1

58.9

9.3

29.2

Jan

65.2

58.9

9.5

29.1

Dec 2019

65.4

58.9

9.6

28.7

Nov

65.6

59.2

9.5

28.4

Oct

65.4

59.0

9.6

28.0

Sep

65.6

59.1

9.8

28.9

Aug

65.5

59.1

9.6

28.0

Jul

65.7

59.1

9.9

29.0

Jun

65.7

59.2

9.8

27.9

May

65.8

59.0

10.0

29.6

Apr

65.8

59.0

10.1

30.0

Mar

66.0

59.0

10.4

30.0

Feb

65.7

58.7

10.4

31.2

Jan

65.6

58.7

10.4

31.7

Dec 2018

65.6

58.7

10.3

32.0

Nov

65.6

58.5

10.5

32.1

Oct

65.8

58.6

10.7

32.9

Sep

65.5

58.6

10.3

32.0

Aug

65.5

58.7

10.2

32.1

Jul

65.5

58.6

10.4

31.5

Jun

65.9

58.6

10.8

32.8

May

65.8

58.7

10.6

32.0

Apr

65.9

58.5

10.9

33.0

Mar

65.8

58.4

10.9

32.5

Feb

65.4

58.2

10.8

33.4

Jan

65.5

58.2

11.0

32.4

Dec 2017

65.3

58.1

10.9

32.1

Nov

65.7

58.3

11.0

32.9

Oct

65.5

58.1

11.1

34.3

Sep

65.6

58.1

11.2

34.9

Aug

65.6

58.0

11.4

34.5

Jul

65.6

58.0

11.4

34.8

Jun

65.3

57.9

11.1

34.8

May

65.3

57.7

11.4

36.7

Apr

65.2

57.8

11.1

35.6

Mar

65.4

57.7

11.5

36.1

Feb

65.4

57.8

11.4

35.1

Jan

65.4

57.6

11.7

37.3

Dec 2016

65.4

57.6

11.8

38.3

Nov

65.4

57.4

11.9

39.4

Oct

65.1

57.3

11.7

36.8

Sep

65.2

57.4

11.8

36.5

Aug

64.8

57.2

11.5

36.3

Jul

65.0

57.3

11.6

38.0

Jun

65.0

57.3

11.7

36.7

May

64.9

57.3

11.5

37.1

Apr

64.8

57.1

11.7

37.5

Mar

64.5

56.9

11.5

38.0

Feb

64.3

56.6

11.7

38.7

Jan

64.4

56.8

11.5

39.1

Dec 2015

64.3

56.7

11.6

38.2

Nov

64.1

56.7

11.4

37.2

Oct

64.3

56.7

11.6

39.7

Sep

64.0

56.6

11.4

39.1

Aug

64.1

56.7

11.4

39.4

Jul

63.9

56.3

11.7

38.0

Jun

64.2

56.2

12.2

42.2

May

64.0

56.0

12.2

41.0

Apr

64.0

56.1

12.2

41.6

Mar

64.0

55.9

12.5

42.4

Feb

64.0

56.0

12.3

42.5

Jan

63.9

55.9

12.4

41.3

Dec 2014

64.0

56.0

12.3

41.0

Nov

64.3

55.8

13.1

43.2

Oct

64.2

55.9

12.8

42.1

Sep

64.2

55.9

12.7

42.0

Aug

63.7

55.7

12.4

42.5

Jul

64.0

55.8

12.6

43.5

Jun

63.7

55.8

12.1

42.2

May

63.9

55.7

12.6

42.8

Apr

63.5

55.4

12.5

43.1

Mar

63.8

55.6

12.6

43.4

Feb

63.7

55.4

12.8

42.8

Jan

63.6

55.4

12.8

43.1

Dec 2013

63.5

55.5

12.5

42.2

Dec 2012

63.5

56.1

11.4

37.9

Dec 2011

62.8

56.7

9.5

31.6

Dec 2010

61.9

56.8

8.1

28.2

Dec 2009

62.2

56.9

8.3

26.5

Dec 2008

62.5

58.2

6.8

22.6

Dec 2007

62.9

58.7

6.6

21.5

Dec 2006

62.4

58.4

6.2

20.3

Dec 2005

62.5

57.7

7.5

23.5

Dec 2004

62.4

57.5

7.8

23.8

Source: Istituto Nazionale di Statistica

https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/242058

VH United Kingdom. Annual data in Table VH-UK show the strong impact of the global recession in the UK with decline of GDP of 4.2 percent in 2009 after dropping 0.3 percent in 2008. Recovery of 1.9 percent in 2010 is relatively low in comparison with annual growth rates in 2007 and earlier years. Growth was only 1.5 percent in 2011 and 1.5 percent in 2012. Growth increased to 2.1 percent in 2013 and 2.6 percent in 2014. Growth fell to 2.4 percent in 2015, and 1.9 percent in 2016.  GDP grew 1.9 percent in 2017. GDP grew 1.3 percent in 2018, growing 1.4 percent in 2019. The bottom part of Table VH-UK provides average growth rates of UK GDP since 1948. The UK economy grew at 2.5 percent per year on average between 1948 and 2019, which is relatively high for an advanced economy. The growth rate of GDP between 2000 and 2007 is higher at 2.8 percent. Growth in the current cyclical expansion from 2010 to 2019 has been only at 1.9 percent as advanced economies struggle with weak internal demand and world trade. GDP in 2019 is higher by 14.8 percent relative to 2007 while it would have been 39.3 higher at trend of 2.8 percent as from 2000 to 2007.

Table VH-UK, UK, Gross Domestic Product, ∆%

∆% on Prior Year

1998

3.6

1999

3.4

2000

3.4

2001

3.0

2002

2.3

2003

3.3

2004

2.4

2005

3.2

2006

2.8

2007

2.4

2008

-0.3

2009

-4.2

2010

1.9

2011

1.5

2012

1.5

2013

2.1

2014

2.6

2015

2.4

2016

1.9

2017

1.9

2018

1.3

2019

1.4

Average Growth Rates ∆% per Year

1948-2019

2.5

1950-1959

3.1

1960-1969

3.1

1970-1979

2.6

1980-1989

3.2

1990-1999

2.4

2000-2007

2.8

2007-2013*

2.5

2007-2014*

5.1

2007-2015

0.9

2007-2016

1.0

2007-2017

1.1

2007-2018

1.1

2007-2019

1.2

2000-2019

1.7

*Absolute change from 2007 to 2013 and 2007 to 2014

Source: UK Office for National Statistics

https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp/bulletins/quarterlynationalaccounts/octobertodecember2019

The HIS Markit Flash UK PMI® Composite Output Index fell from 52.4 in Jun to 47.7 in Jul, which is the lowest in 87 months (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Survey//PressRelease.mvc/b68c3686a48c40198505b81e4e55cd81). Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at Markit, finds the index suggests pace of contraction of GDP at 0.4 percent in IIIQ2016 (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Survey//PressRelease.mvc/b68c3686a48c40198505b81e4e55cd81). The HIS Markit/CIPS Flash UK Composite PMI decreased from 36.0 in Mar 2020 to 12.9 in Apr 2020 (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/0cc61064d82b43249fc9e7218dbce20b). Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at HIS Markit finds that the index suggests contracting of the UK economy at close to 7 percent (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/0cc61064d82b43249fc9e7218dbce20b). The HIS Markit/CIPS UK Composite Output Index decreased from 53.0 in Feb 2020 to 36.0 in Mar 2020 (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/61f043b216da42618ff2559dd8435bc6). Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit, finds contracting activity (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/61f043b216da42618ff2559dd8435bc6). The Business Activity Index of the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Services PMI® decreased from 53.2 in Feb to 34.5 in Mar (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/61f043b216da42618ff2559dd8435bc6). The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) decreased to 47.8 in Mar from 51.7 in Feb (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/615ff58bd51c4d31b2ff0b4c851f2157). New export orders decreased. Rob Dobson, Director at IHS Markit that compiles the Markit/CIPS Manufacturing PMI®, finds deteriorating manufacturing (https://www.markiteconomics.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/615ff58bd51c4d31b2ff0b4c851f2157). Table UK provides the economic indicators for the United Kingdom.

Table UK, UK Economic Indicators

CPI

Mar month ∆%: 0.0
Mar 12-month ∆%: 1.5
Blog 4/26/20

Output/Input Prices

Output Prices: Mar 12-month NSA ∆%: 0.3 excluding food, petroleum ∆%: 0.9
Input Prices: Mar 12-month NSA
∆%: minus 2.9
Excluding ∆%: 3.9
Blog 4/26/20

GDP Growth

IVQ2019 prior quarter ∆% 0.0; year earlier same quarter ∆%: 1.1
Blog 3/31/13 4/28/13 5/26/13 7/28/13 8/25/13 9/29/13 10/27/13 12/1/13 12/22/13 2/2/14 3/2/14 4/6/14 5/4/14 5/25/14 6/29/14 7/27/14 8/17/14 10/5/14 10/26/14 11/30/14 12/28/14 2/1/15 3/1/15 4/5/15 5/3/15 5/31/15 7/5/15 8/2/15 9/6/15 10/4/15 11/1/15 11/29/15 12/27/15 1/31/16 2/28/16 4/3/16 5/1/16 5/29/16 7/3/16 7/31/16 9/4/16 10/9/16 10/30/16 11/27/16 1/1/17 2/5/17 2/26/17 4/9/17 5/7/2017 5/28/17 7/9/17 7/30/17 8/19/17 10/8/17 10/29/17 11/26/17 12/31/17 2/4/18 2/25/18 4/8/18 5/6/18 5/2718 7/8/18 8/19/18 10/7/18 11/18/18 12/30/18 2/17/19 4/7/19 5/19/19 7/7/19 8/18/19 10/6/19 11/17/19 1/5/20 2/23/19 4/12/20

Industrial Production

Jan 2020/Jan 2019 ∆%: Production Industries -2.9; Manufacturing -3.6

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/12/15

Retail Sales

Jan month ∆%: 0.9
Jan 12-month ∆%: 0.8

Earlier Data:
Blog 4/26/15

Labor Market

Dec-Feb 2020 Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
Blog 4/26/20 LMGDP 5/17/15

GDP and the Labor Market

IQ2015 Employment 104.8

IQ2008 =100

GDP IQ15=104.0 IQ2008=100

Blog 5/17/14

Trade Balance UK Trade in Goods and Services

Balance Feb SA -£3161 million
Exports Feb month SA ∆%: 4261.3; Imports month ∆%: minus 94.0
Exports 12 months Feb NSA ∆%: 8.0 Imports 12 months NSA ∆%: 543.4

EARLIER DATA:
Blog 4/12/15

Links to blog comments in Table UK: https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

4/12/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/04/united-states-imbalances-of-internal.html

3/29/2020 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-rise-of-valuations-of-risk.html

2/23/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/26/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/declining-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

1/5/20 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/fluctuating-valuations-of-risk.html

12/29/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/diverging-economic-conditions-and.html

11/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/increasing-valuations-of-risk-financial_16.html

11/3/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/decrease-of-fomc-policy-rate-monetary.html

10/20/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/dollar-depreciation-fluctuating.html

10/6/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/10/volatility-of-valuations-of-risk.html

9/22/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/uncertain-fomc-outlook-of-monetary.html

9/15/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/09/competitive-exchange-rate-and-interest.html

8/18/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/global-decline-of-yields-of-government.html

7/21/2019 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/global-manufacturing-stress-world.html

7/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/twenty-million-unemployed-or.html

5/19/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/decreasing-valuations-of-risk-financial.html

4/7/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/04/flattening-yield-curve-of-treasury.html

2/17/19 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/dollar-revaluation-with-increases-in.html

12/30/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

11/18/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/weakening-gdp-growth-in-major-economies.html

10/7/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

8/19/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/08/world-inflation-waves-lost-economic.html

7/8/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/07/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

5/27/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/dollar-strengthening-world-inflation.html

5/6/2018 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

4/8/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/twenty-two-million-unemployed-or.html

2/25/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/world-inflation-waves-united-states.html

2/4/18 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/twenty-four-million-unemployed-or.html

12/31/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/dollar-devaluation-cyclically.html

11/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-lost-economic-cycle-of-global_25.html

10/29/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/10/dollar-revaluation-and-increase-of.html

10/8/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/10/twenty-one-million-unemployed-or.html

8/27/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/dollar-devaluation-and-interest-rate.html

7/30/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/data-dependent-monetary-policy-with_30.html

7/9/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/rising-yields-twenty-two-million.html

5/28/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

2/26/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

2/5/17 https://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/02/twenty-six-million-unemployed-or.html

1/1/17 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/rules-versus-discretionary-authorities.html

11/27/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/dollar-revaluation-rising-yields-and.html

10/30/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/mediocre-cyclical-united-states_30.html

10/9/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/twenty-four-million-unemployed-or.html

9/4/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/09/interest-rates-and-valuations-of-risk.html

7/31/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/business-fixed-investment-has-been-soft.html

7/3/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/financial-asset-values-rebound-from.html

5/29/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/appropriate-for-fed-to-increase.html

5/1/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/economic-activity-appears-to-have.html

4/3/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/proceeding-cautiously-in-monetary.html

2/28/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

1/31/16 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/closely-monitoring-global-economic-and.html

12/27/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/dollar-revaluation-and-decreasing.html

11/29/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/dollar-revaluation-constraining.html

11/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/interest-rate-increase-considered.html

10/4/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/10/labor-market-uncertainty-and-interest.html

9/6/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/interest-rate-policy-dependent-on-what.html

08/02/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/turbulence-of-valuations-of-financial.html

7/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/turbulence-of-financial-asset.html

5/31/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/dollar-revaluation-squeezing-corporate.html

5/17/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/fluctuating-valuations-of-financial.html

5/3/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/dollar-devaluation-and-carry-trade.html

4/26/2015 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/imf-view-of-economy-and-finance-united.html

4/12/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/dollar-revaluation-recovery-without.html

4/5/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/volatility-of-valuations-of-financial.html

3/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/irrational-exuberance-mediocre-cyclical.html

2/1/15 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/financial-and-international.html

12/28/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

11/30/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/valuations-of-risk-financial-assets.html

10/26/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/financial-oscillations-world-inflation.html

10/5/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/world-financial-turbulence-twenty-seven.html

8/17/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/weakening-world-economic-growth.html

7/27/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/world-inflation-waves-united-states.html

6/29/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/financial-indecision-mediocre-cyclical.html

5/25/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

5/4/2014 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/financial-volatility-mediocre-cyclical.html

4/6/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/interest-rate-risks-twenty-eight.html

3/2/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/financial-risks-slow-cyclical-united.html

2/2/14 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/mediocre-cyclical-united-states.html

12/22/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/tapering-quantitative-easing-mediocre.html

12/1/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/exit-risks-of-zero-interest-rates-world.html

10/27/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/twenty-eight-million-unemployed-or.html

9/29/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/mediocre-and-decelerating-united-states.html

8/25/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/interest-rate-risks-duration-dumping.html

7/28/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/duration-dumping-steepening-yield-curve.html

5/26/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/united-states-commercial-banks-assets.html

4/28/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/mediocre-and-decelerating-united-states_28.html

03/31/13 http://cmpassocregulationblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/mediocre-and-decelerating-united-states.html

© Carlos M. Pelaez, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.

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