The Current State of the Following Economic Factors

The current unemployment rate according the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the month of September 2013 is 7.2% which is lower than the annual average of 8.1%.

The expectations index in August was 89.0% but fell in September to 84.1%. According to Lynn Franco the director of economic indicators for the Conference Board, “Consumer confidence decreased in September as concerns about the short-term outlook for both jobs and earnings resurfaced, while expectations for future business conditions were little changed.” (Para. 3)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in September total non-farm payroll employment rose by 148,000 in September. While average hourly earnings only increased by $0.03 and weekly hours were unchanged. The industries where employment increased include; construction, transportation, wholesale trade, and warehousing.

As of October 25, 2013 The United States Department of Treasury reports the following measures of interest rates:

Measurement — The Treasury Yield Curve — The Treasury (Real) Yield Curve

10 Years 2.53 0.34

20 Years 3.30 0.97

30 Years 3.60 1.30

The Treasury Long Term Rates

10 Years 3.28

20 Years 3.30

30 Years N/A

Measurement — Treasury Bill Rates – Discount

13 Weeks 0.04

26 Weeks 0.08

52 Weeks 0.10

References:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics- (2013) information retrieved from:

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

The Conference Board – Consumer Measures (2013) information retrieved from:

http://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerdata.cfm

U.S. Department of Treasury- (2013) information retrieved from:

http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=longtermrate