Analysts say China’s economy is producing less than it could if labor and capital were fully employed. To close this gap in 2026, China’s economy would need to grow by more than 5.3 percent.—economist.com China’s Real GDP According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country’s annual real GDP reached approximately 140 trillion … Continue reading China’s Output Gap
Category: MAT3
Monitoring Macroeconomic Performance
Keywords: GDP, Real GDP, Employment, Unemployment, Natural unemployment, Full employment, Price level, Inflation rate
Parkin 14e Chapters 4, 5
Bade-Parkin 9e Chapters 5, 6, 7
Parkin-Bade Canada 11e Chapters 4, 5
Parkin-Bade Australia 2e Chapters 5, 6, 7
Parkin-Powell-Matthews 11e Chapters 20, 21
Cheaper Walmart Thanksgiving Meal
Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal contains 15 products, six fewer than 2024’s. Items like pecan pie and sweet potato are out, and quantities have decreased—for example, one can of cream of mushroom soup versus two last years. Walmart store brands replace a large proportion of name brands. The meal is 25% cheaper.—cnn.com
The U.S. Unemployment Situation
The labor market grew in August 2025. The number of workers and the number of people looking for work increased.— bls.gov
America’s Labor Market
America’s once rock-solid labor market is softening: wage growth for job-hoppers has slowed, and unemployment is rising among fresh university graduates who are struggling to convince employers to take a chance on them. —economist.com
Rising Food Prices Put Pressure on Central Banks in Developing Countries
Rising food prices are a particular concern for central banks in developing countries, where food makes up a larger share of household budgets. —ft.com
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Real GDP in the United States increased at an annual rate of 1.4 percent in the first quarter of 2024, down from 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. Compared to the fourth quarter, the deceleration in U.S. real GDP primarily reflected decelerations in consumer spending, exports, and government spending. These movements were partly … Continue reading Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
March Inflation Data
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that from the preceding month, the PCE price index for March increased 0.3 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.3 percent. From the same month one year ago, the PCE price index for March increased 2.7 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index … Continue reading March Inflation Data
December Jobs Report
The labor market added 216,000 jobs in December. The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the unemployment rate was 3.7% for the month, flat from the rate in November. The labor force participation rate ticked lower to 62.5%, down from 62.8%. Average weekly hours worked moved down slightly from 34.4 to 34.3.—finance.yahoo.com
Payrolls Soared by 336,000 in September
With the addition of 336,000 jobs, the unemployment rate remained unchanged in September at 3.8%. The labor force participation rate, those working against the total size of the workforce, held steady at 62.8%. The employment-to-population ratio also held steady at 60.4%.—cnbc.com
Consumer Prices Rose By 3.2% Annually in July
For the first time in more than 12 months, the pace of consumer price hikes accelerated on an annual basis to 3.2%. Prices in July rose 0.2% on a monthly basis.—cnn.com