Revising Economic Indicators: Here's Why the Numbers Can Change

In late June, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that the economy grew at a 1.9 percent annual rate in the first quarter of 2011. This, our third estimate for the quarter, turned out to be lower than our initial estimate of a 2.2 percent growth rate made in late April.

Quarterly GDP by Industry Data Improves Understanding of the Economy

In 2009, annual gross domestic product (GDP) for durable goods manufacturing showed a double-digit decline. The industry was the leading annual contributor to the bottoming out of the U.S. economy for that year.

If You Respond to BEA's International Surveys, Please Read This!

New changes in the method of informing businesses about requirements for submitting Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) surveys will increase the efficiency of the process and reduce paperwork for both survey respondents and BEA.

May Trade Gap is $48.7 Billion

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $50.6 billion (revised) in April to $48.7 billion in May, as imports decreased and exports increased.

What is the U.S. Current Account?

The U.S. current account is the broadest measure of trade and income flows between the United States and the rest of the world. Together with the capital and financial account, it is a component of the international transactions accounts compiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Real Disposable Personal Income Picks Up

Personal income increased 0.2 percent in May, the same increase as in April. The increase in wages and salaries was less than 0.1 percent in May, compared with an increase of 0.1 percent in April.

GDP Growth Slows in First Quarter

Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 1.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012 after rising 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter, according to estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The first-quarter growth rate was unchanged from the second estimate released in May.

Personal Income in States Grows

State personal income growth accelerated to 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2012, from 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. Personal income rose in 47 of the 50 states, fell in Kansas and Mississippi, and was unchanged in Oklahoma.

Value of Foreign Investment in the U.S. Increased More than Value of U.S. Investment Abroad in 2011

The U.S. net international investment position at yearend 2011 was –$4,030.3 billion (preliminary), as the value of foreign investment in the United States exceeded the value of U.S. investment abroad. At yearend 2010, the U.S.

New Global Guidelines Offer 'How To' for More Consistent and Reliable Data

Globalization, the financial crisis, the Great Recession, and Europe’s fiscal problems underscore just how important it is for countries to produce timely, accurate, and consistent data.

New Study Provides Profile of U.S. Firms that Export and Import Services

Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that the United States has historically maintained a trade surplus in private services.  So what types of firms are involved in this kind of trade abroad?  Thanks to a new BEA study we have a better understanding of the kinds of Ameri

Travel and Tourism Spending Increases

Inflation-adjusted spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 3.4 percent in the first three months of this year, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports. It had increased at a rate of 4.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The slightly slower pace in the f