The Producer Price Index decreased by 0.9% in July to 172.6 (1982=100), expected to decrease by 0.3%, following a1.8% increase in June and a 0.2% increase in May. Over the year, the index has decreased by 6.8%. The index for energy goods fell by 2.4% (seasonally adjusted), following a 6.6% jump in June. Prices for consumer foods decreased by 1.5%, following a 1.1% increase in June. Excluding food and energy prices, Core PPI fell by 0.1%, following a 0.5% increase in the previous month.
Housing Starts in July fell by 1.0% to an annual pace of 581,000 from the 587,000 pace in June (revised upwards from 582,000). Over the year the figure has declined by 37.7% from the July 2008 rate of 933,000. Building Permits also showed a decline in July, by 1.8%, to an annual rate of 560,000, from 570,000 in June (revised from 563,000). Over the year, Building Permits fell by 39.4% from the 924,000 pace in July 2008.
Upcoming Releases
Initial Claims (08/20 at 8:30 AM EST)
Leading Indicators (08/20 at 10:00 AM EST)
Existing Home Sales (08/21 at 10:00 AM EST)
