USA – What has happened on households’ consumption?
Households’ consumption has been particularly weak during the first five months of this year. I have already written on this issue (here, here and there) but the real question is…
Philippe Waechter's blog
Video – What makes a good economist? and What are the challenges for the next generation?
What makes a good economist? What are the challenges for the next generation?
US – Three Charts on Consumption Expenditures – A complement
As I was at the airport yesterday to write my last post on US consumption (here), I wasn’t able to add charts. This post is just an addendum with three…
In May, US households consumption dropped
In May, US households consumption dropped by -0.1% after -0.2% in April. Carry over growth for the second quarter is just 1.2% at the end of May. This figure must…
USA – Two charts to highlight the new GDP growth estimate
GDP growth was deeply revised downward for the first quarter. The first estimate at the end of April was +0.1% (annual rate). One month later it was revised downward at…
France – Housing Starts are back to 1998 level – Housing crisis
The chart below shows housing starts in France since the beginning of 1995. The sum over 12 months is at 312 000 in May 2014 and can be compared to…
Japan – The negative impact of the higher VAT rate on sales can still be seen in May
The increase of the VAT rate on April the 1st was an important event in Japan but also for the world economy. The success or failure of the Abenomics was…
What about Households’ liabilities in the Euro Area?
Speech at a dinner on June, 12 Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen I will not speak directly of the current economic outlook. It will come with my conclusion. I will…