GDP

GDP

2nd quarter 2009      - 0.7%

3rd quarter 2009         2.2%

4th quarter 2009          5.6%

1st quarter 2010          2.7%

2nd quarter 2010         1.7%

3rd quarter 2010          2.6%

The 3rd quarter GDP has to be welcome sight! The trend from the 4th qt ’09 to 2nd qt. ’10 was down. Many economists were predicting a double dip recession due to these trends and government spending. It would seem the data indicates an improvement in the economy - let's hope the trend continues.

If the shopping crowds are any indication this Christmas, I would expect the GDP to either be flat lined or trend up. There are a lot of shoppers and everyone seems to be carrying a shopping bag. At least for consumer spending, this is a good sign. Let’s hope that the economy continues to improve and the federal government stops spending!

Release dates in 2011

Gross Domestic Product

                                 2010                                                        2011

                                 4th Qt                      1st QT                      2nd QT                           3rd QT

Advance....           January 28                  April 28                     July 29                             October 27

Second.....            February 25               May 26                      August 26                        November 22

Third......              March 25                   June 24                       September 29                 December 22