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Trends and projections for the US economy as of April 18, 2002 are given, along with a statistical analysis.

The 2001-2002 recession in the US may be coming to an end. Greater consumer confidence, business confidence, and the stock market are some of the leading signs of this.

The economies of the United States, Asia, and Europe are for the year 2001 are analyzed, along with projections for the year 2002. Global stock markets and business cycles are also researched.

The future of the stock exchange in the year 2002 is analyzed, taking equity returns, the free market, and the risk of terrorism into consideration. Stocks versus bonds is the key factor facing investors.

A analysis of the economic slow-down in 2001 is presented, with focus on projecting future trends and performances. Issues regarding consumer spending, productivity and wages are discussed. Particular attention is given to the potential problems of credit quality and oil.

US economic conditions in view of the Sep 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are analyzed and discussed. The attacks have pushed the US into recession.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon on Sep 11, 2001, will make economic difficulties in the US go from bad to worse. Estimated earnings for the Standard and Poor's 500 are expected to decrease by 16% but a rebound is expected in 2002.

Trends and projections for the US economy as of July 2001 are analyzed. The sluggish economy is expected to be revived by tax cuts and lower interest rates.

Consumer spending is expected to continue until capital spending resumes in the US. A recession is not expected but the US economy will be slow until late in 2001.

A statistical analysis of the US economy for the 1st qtr of the year 2001 is presented in detail. Bear markets, tax cuts, and budget plans are also given, as well as an evaluation of the actions of Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan.

Issues are presented concerning the general outlook of the US economy in 2001. Statistics are included which detail inflation, real growth, oil prices and consumer indicators. The cost of oil is discussed.

A description of the state of the US economy at the end of the third quarter of 2000 and predictions for the next five quarters are presented, with focus on the confident mood prevailing in the US despite some poor indications.

A review of the US economy for 2000 is presented. The market will continue to grow particularly if the Federal Reserve decides to increase interest rates only once more in 2000. Productivity continues to grow rapidly whilst the economy generally slows.

A review of the economy at the start of 2000 and economic forecasts for the rest of the year are presented. The economy for 2000 is likely to be stable and growth will slow compared to 1999. Productivity is likely to rise by around 2.5%-3% whilst the Federal Reserve may choose to increase interest rates in May.

Consumer spending and business investment has kept the US economy strong during 1999 and this is expected to continue. However, the balance of trade, inflows of foreign capital, and other issues need to be addressed.

An analysis of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policies and their effects on the US economy is presented. The US economy posted a 4% growth in real GDP for 2nd qtr 1999, and there are no threats to its continuing strength and stability. The Fed's main objective of keeping inflation low to promote economic growth is one reason for the success of the US economy for the past two decades. The Fed presents an indication of the directions of monetary policies through the pronouncements of the Federal Open Market Committee.

The US economy continues to be strong as evidenced by its substantial growth, low unemployment and modest inflation levels. Despite these positive economic indicators, there are concerns that near-term economic conditions could be jeopardized by the Y2K problem, lower stock market returns and the Federal Reserve's policy on inflation given the economy's strong growth rates. For the year 2000, inflation is expected to be stable, the number of jobs will increase but at a slower rate.

The economy has been better than expected, with consumer spending and business investment in information technology leading real GDP to a real annual rate of 4.5% during 1st qtr 1999. The growth is attributable more to the Fed than to the Internet, technology, and computers, which are normally credited for such growth. Although the quarter just ended is expected to be the year's strongest, prospects for GDP growth for 1999 looks stable, particularly with the favorable American savings rate and the continuous decrease in trade deficit.

Economists have mixed forecasts for the US economy in 1999 as economic problems in Russia and Asia also loom over the markets of Brazil and Latin America. Forecasts remain divided over the probability of a US recession in 1999 due to a poor showing in the sectors of exports, investments, government spending, housing, and consumer spending. Experts are apprehensive of a worsening of the Asian financial crisis, which has adversely affected the local economy, fearing a spread to Latin America will substantially cripple the export market.

Consumers continue to shore up the domestic economy even as inventories, trade, and government spending experienced slowdowns. Consumer spending registered a 5.8% increase in real annual rate during the second quarter of 1998. The figure makes up more than 68% of the total gross domestic product. Consumers also provided the momentum for the current housing boom which yielded an average of 1.57 million-unit housing starts for the first half of 1998. Meanwhile, second quarter GDP increased by a measly 1.4% although this is better than earlier negative industry projections.

The US is seeing a stable economy and a strong job market for the first quarter of 1998. The unemployment rate is at 4.6%, the lowest recorded level within 24 years. Inflation is low, with a reported increase of 1.6% in terms of CPI for the 12 months ending in January 1998. The stock market has had three good years, which is from 1995 to 1997. However, analysts are still worried of the effect of the Asian financial crisis but many still express confidence on the economy, given the low inflation and unemployment rates.

US economy can expect a steady market for 1998 due to consumers and business investments. Consumer spending is projected to retain the 1997 growth in real terms at 3.3% and business capital spending of 35% for 1998 may come close to 40% real growth in 1997. However, US exports for 1998 can only hope to grow at less than 3% compared to 11% in 1997. The cause of the slowdown is the weakening banks in Japan and the deteriorating economies in Asia such as Korea's and Malaysia's. US economy may also decelerate in the mid-1998 as business and consumers anticipate recession.

The US stock market dropped at about 7.2% on October 27, 1997. This decline was attributed to the continuing economic crisis in Asia, particularly that of the collapse of the Hong Kong stock market. However, the drop did not resemble that of the 1987 nor the 1929 stock market crash. Economic growth is forecasted to be slow in 1998 due to reduced exports to Asian countries. GDP growth for the third quarter is posted at 3.5%, with earnings reported at 10% to 15% higher than the same quarter in 1996.

Continued strong economic growth is being seen for the US economy for 1997. A growth of 3.6% was posted for 1997 second quarter due to greater exports and economic advantages brought about by consumer spending and business investments. No recession and a slower economic growth are being predicted to happen in 1998. The economic slowdown forecasted is being attributed to the tightening of the Fed in late 1997 and early 1998.

The current economic conditions of low inflation and unemployment show that the new paradigm is working for the economy. The economy remains strong and based on posted earnings and gross domestic product will continue to be stable. Growth is expected to be between 2% to 3%, unemployment by 5% and inflation rate at 3% through 1997 and into 1998. Second quarter GDP was posted at 2.2% real growth, with business investment accounting for the bulk of the growth. Investment on durable equipment increased at an annual rate of 20% in the second quarter.

The economy continues to be strong. Unemployment rate posted in May 1997 is at 4.8%. Consumer spending on durable goods is expected to increase by 4% in the second quarter of 1997. Businesses remain stable, with increases reported from profits and capital spending. Information processing technology accounts for the increases in the stock market and earnings. Investment on technology and equipment increased by more than 30%. There is overall good confidence on the economy.

The US economy is off to a good start in 1997, but the continuation of its strong performance is still in question. It has been enjoying economic expansion since 1991, and a recession is not being predicted for 1997. The value of stocks in financial markets remains on a sound level, although a sudden shift of events is anticipated as earnings per share must reach a 10% rise in the future. On the other hand, the federal government is likely to implement fiscal tightening in the course of a possible recession or before inflation arises.

A moderate economic growth is expected in the US in 1997. Specifically, economic resurgence, increase in interest rates and a slower year-end are anticipated. The 1996 results showed moderate growth and continued moderate inflation with both consumer spending and business investments contributing to the profits. However, interest rate expectations were overoptimistic while residential construction and housing expectations were underestimated.

The status of the economy mid-way through 1996 and Pres. Bill Clinton's economic score card were evaluated. Gross domestic product grew at 2.3% in the first quarter. Consumer confidence continues to be high as evidenced by 15.7 million units of cars and light trucks sold in May and housing starts which totalled 1.47 million in the first quarter of 1996. Business capital spending is still increasing though at a slower rate. Pres. Clinton's economic policy efforts was rated a 'B' while his policy results were rated an 'A.' Various statistics on employment, interest rates, consumer finance, retail activity and corporate profits were also presented.

Economic conditions in the US show that consumer spending is at a 3.5 percent real annual rate which indicates the strength in the consumer's staying power. There is a small increase in growth which caused a drop in business investments. The local government showed slight spending but was offset by defense spending. Housing investments are strong and with consumer sentiment no damages are seen. Inflation is only at three percent which shows lesser risks in the economy.

US economic growth and inflation has settled at 2.5%. Although the trend seems appealing, especially for the Federal Reserve, it is expected to lead to a further slowdown and eventually a recession. Consumers have already reacted by suppressing their spending. The Federal Reserve will have to resort to easing while it is still capable of doing so.

The performance of the US economy was predicted to be stronger in the second half of 1995 despite the fact that gross domestic product grew by just 0.5% in the second quarter. The weakness of the economy was attributed to a slow down in the growth of inventories, homebuilding and government spending. Positive growth was registered in consumer spending, business investment and imports/exports. Another positive indicator is that the unemployment rate has stabilized at 5.7%. The effects of fiscal policy and the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve on the economy were also discussed.

The GDP report for the 1st qtr. of 1995 is discussed. GDP increased at a 2.7% real annual rate while consumer spending grew by 1.8%. Housing and residential investments fell at a 2.3% real annual rate while business capital spending remained high. An economic recession is also being foreseen in the future due to signs of weaking in the economy and the cyclical pattern of business.

Economic indicators for the 1st qtr. 1995 suggest that the US economy is slowing down. In particular, a three-fourths of a percentage rise in the unemployment rate presages a deceleration in growth, prompting fears of recession. While growth is not likely to speed up in the next quarters of 1995, no recession is expected in 1995 or 1996. Moreover, a sudden resurgence is expected to be followed by anti-inflationary measures from the Federal Reserve. A review of gross domestic product, employment and stock and bond market figures is presented.

The US economy is slowing down due to the anti-inflationary policies being implemented by the Federal Reserve Board (Fed). The slower growth, as evidenced by higher inventories, higher unemployment rates and declining sales, is however, accompanied by a 10% increase in stock market prices. The Fed believes that inflation can be controlled and the economy stabilized through excess industrial capacity and underutilization of resources. To fight inflation, the Fed has set the following goals; a 6% unemployment rate, 85% capacity and a 2.5% real growth rate.

The US economy is expected to experience a gradual decline in the second and third quarter of 1995. The federal reserve will wait for the economy to turn around before changing its monetary policy, while exports are expected to increase. In related news, the steep drop in the US dollar rate was caused by investors releasing their supplies of American dollars in favor of Deutsche Marks and Japanese Yens. The resulting oversupply lowered the currency rate.

The economy was analyzed in terms of softness. The economy's pace will likely decline, but a sharp slowdown nor a collapse has not yet been identified. The predicted growth in the 1st qtr. of 1995 will not match the 4. 5% achieved in the 4th qtr. of 1994. Softness may be seen in the unemployment and wage statistics, the increase in inventories and the slowdown in retail sales. Another symptom of the economy's softness is the Mexican peso devaluation, since the country relies on the Mexican market for approximately one-fifth of its merchandise export growth.

The US economy enjoyed strong growth during 1994 despite the Federal Reserve Board's (Fed) efforts to arrest it. Reports indicate that the Fed will continue its attempts to slow down the US economy in the belief that inflation would result if the current pace of economic growth is maintained. It is also believed that the full impact of past interest rate increases will finally be felt by the economy. The fears of many that another recession is coming are largely unfounded in view of the fundamental strength of the US economy.

The US economy should experience a slowdown in growth in 1995 as interest rates rise further. However, the slowdown is not expected to lead to recession. Instead, it is more likely to set the stage for steady, noninflationary growth in 1996. Inflation is also expected to remain under control in 1995 at around 3.5% and should go lower in 1996. Both the Republicans, who control Congress, and Pres. Clinton, in the White House, are expected to continue the push for gradual deficit reduction, ensuring that contentious budgetary concerns do not affect US growth prospects.

US economic conditions improved considerably in 1994. Unemployment dropped to 5.8% in Oct. 1994, the lowest rate since Oct. 1990. Real GDP growth grew by 4.3% in the last four quarters. Upbeat consumer spending and retail sales have also been reported. Business investment is also booming and good economic conditions are keeping capital spending strong. Capital spending growth, however, will ease as the economy and profits slow down in the middle of 1995.

One of the most pressing concerns economic analysts have about the short-term is the question of what steps the Federal Reserve may take to head off inflation. The US economy continues on its recovery and it remains strong because of its own momentum. Consumer spending has increased althoughj some quarters have expressed concerns that income is not keeping up with the increase in spending.