Thursday, May 17, 2007

Quick Overview

  • U.S. Jobless claims were down 5,000 last week to 293,000, the lowest in four months.

  • The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's index of regional manufacturing increased from 0.2 to 4.2 in April, stronger than expected.

  • U.S. Index of leading indicators was down 0.5% in April with eight of the ten components showing a decrease.

  • Japan's GDP was up 0.6% in the first quarter of 2007 and up 2.0% YoY.

  • Canada's consumer price index was up 2.2% YoY, down from a 2.3% gain in March.

  • The International Copper Study Group is forecasting that world production of copper will exceed use by 270,000 tons this year and by 520,000 tons in 2008.

  • The DoE said that underground supplies of natural gas were up 95 billion cubic feet at 1.842 trillion cubic feet.

  • Fed Chairman Bernanke says the central bank is considering tougher rules to crack down on abusive practices by mortgage lenders. But he says the economy should escape without significant harm from the problems in the subprime market.

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