Focus on Economic Data: United States International Trade in Goods and Services - September 2001
Type:
E-book, Lesson PlanDescription:
The U.S. international trade deficit in goods and services decreased by a small amount to $28.8 billion in July from $29.1 billion in June as imports (-$2.4 b) decreased slightly more rapidly than exports (-$2.2 b). The purpose of the international trade lesson is to provide the most recent data on international trade, interpretations of trends and causes of changes in trade deficits and surpluses, and a number of relevant student and classroom activities.
Subjects:
- Social Studies > General
- Social Studies > Economics
Education Levels:
- Grade 9
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
Keywords:
Exchange Rate - Exports - ImportsLanguage:
EnglishAccess Privileges:
MembersLicense Deed:
Creative Commons Attribution Non-CommercialCollections:
None
CURRENT KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
as of May 5, 2013Inflation
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers decreased 0.2 percent in March after increasing 0.7 percent in February. The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.1 percent in March after rising 0.2 percent in February.
Employment and Unemployment
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 165,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 7.5 percent. Employment increased in professional and business services, food services and drinking places, retail trade, and health care.
Real GDP
Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013 (that is, from the fourth quarter to the first quarter), according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter, real GDP increased 0.4 percent.
Federal Reserve
To support continued progress toward maximum employment and price stability, the Committee expects that a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy will remain appropriate for a considerable time after the asset purchase program ends and the economic recovery strengthens. In particular, the Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and currently anticipates that this exceptionally low range for the federal funds rate will be appropriate at least as long as the unemployment rate remains above 6-1/2 percent...
For the complete lesson, go to Focus on Economic Data: United States International Trade in Goods and Services - September 2001 on EconEdLink.
