New estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show that economic growth slowed in most states and regions of the U.S. in 2007. Real GDP growth slowed in 36 states, with declines in construction and finance and insurance restraining growth in many states.1 Nationally, real economic growth slowed from 3.1 percent in 2006 to 2.0 percent in 2007, one percentage point below the average growth of 3.0 percent for 2002–2006. Read more.

Posted on Jun 06.08 to BEA, Economics   

Since the end of 2006, but particularly since July 2007, food prices1 in the EU2 have increased more rapidly than overall inflation. The same pattern was observed for the euro area3. In April 2008, the annual increase in food prices in the EU was 7.1%, compared with 3.6% for overall inflation, as measured by the all-items HICP. In the euro area, the annual increase in food prices was 6.2%, compared with 3.3% for overall inflation. Read the full report here.

Posted on Jun 02.08 to Economics, European Union   

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) issued the following news release on May 30, 2008:

Personal income increased $20.1 billion, or 0.2 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $23.4 billion, or 0.2 percent, in April, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Read the full report here.

Posted on Jun 02.08 to BEA, Economics   

Did you know that you can access free foreign language courses online? The Foreign Service Institute offers a variety of learning materials for a range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. (more…)

Posted on May 16.08 to Education   

From the U. S. Bureau of Economic Analysis:

Real GDP grew 0.6 percent after growing 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007. Consumer spending for services, inventory investment, and exports increased. In contrast, housing investment and consumer spending for durable goods decreased. Read the full report here.

Posted on May 16.08 to Economics