UCLA Accounting GDP Bureau of Economic Analysis Question

For each of the economic indicators below, complete the following:
a. Access the indicator web site per the instructions listed below.
b. Fill-in the questions (highlighted in red) for each indicator.
c. Rate each indicator (circle Positive, Neutral, Negative).
d. Total your ratings at the bottom of document.
e. Write a one paragraph analysis of the current state of the economy.
1. GDP – Google “Current GDP Bureau of Economic Analysis”
Current quarter GDP % change = ________________
Rate GDP as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
2. CPI –Google “Current CPI Bureau of Labor Statistics”
Change over the last 12 months = _________________
Rate CPI as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
3. PPI – Google “Current PPI Bureau of Labor Statistics”
Final Demand Change over last 12 months = ___________________
Rate PPI as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
4. CCS – Google “Confidence Board Consumer Confidence Index”
Current Index =
Rate CCS as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
5. CES – Google “CES Bureau of Labor Statistics”
What is the current (non-farm) unemployment rate = _________________
Rate CES as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
6. Retail Sales – Google “Retail Sales Census Bureau”
What is the current month Advanced Monthly Sales % change = _______________
Rate Retail Sales as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
7. Housing Starts – Google “New Residential Construction Census Bureau”
What is the % change in Housing Starts year over year = _________________
Rate Housing Starts as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
8. S&P 500 – Google “S&P 500”
What is the current index = ______________
Review the graph for one year and rate the S&P 500.
What was the index one year ago _____________
Rate S&P 500 as
Positive
Neutral
Negative
Total ratings from above
# POSITIVE =
# NEUTRAL =
# NEGATIVE =
Based on your ratings for the indicators, summarize in one paragraph your opinion as to the
current state of the economy. Reference data from above in assembling your answer.