Economic Updates

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the monthly composite index of manufacturing activity was 59.7 in May, after reaching 60.4 in April. A reading above 50 signals expansion. It was the 10th straight month of expansion.

Total construction spending rose 2.7% to $869 billion in April, following an upwardly revised 0.4% rise in March. April's gain was the biggest since August 2000.

The National Association of Realtors reported that its pending home sales index, a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts, rose 6% in April, after a revised 7.1% increase in March. On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales are up 22.4%.

Factory orders rose 1.2% in April, below the 1.8% increase economists had anticipated. It was the eighth straight gain and follows an upwardly revised 1.7% increase in March.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the monthly composite index of non-manufacturing activity was 55.4 in May, unchanged from 55.4 in April. A reading above 50 signals expansion. It was the fifth consecutive month of growth. Economists had anticipated a reading of 55.6.

The Labor Department reported that in the first quarter productivity rose at an annual rate of 2.8% and labor costs fell at an annual rate of 1.3%.

Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 10,000 to 453,000 for the week ending May 29. Continuing claims for the week ending May 22 rose by 31,000 to 4.66 million. Employers added 431,000 jobs in May, following a 290,000 advance in April. This pushed the unemployment rate down from 9.9% in April to 9.7% in May.

Upcoming on the economic calendar are reports on wholesale trade on June 9, international trade on June 10 and retail sales on June 11.

Provided by:

Judy Haller

Prospect Mortgage

3985 Prince William Co. Pkwy., Suite 104
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Office: (703) 590-7132