GDP down but Consumer Component Strong.
GDP (4thQ2014)
– Real GDP quarter/quarter (seasonally adjusted, annualized) +2.6%. Previous was +5.0%
– GDP price index -quarter/quarter (seasonally adjusted, annualized) +0.0%. Previous was +1.4%.
The +2.6% growth is in line with expectations as opposed to the “what the heck was this” +5.0% of the 3rd quarter.
Consumer Spending was up and that is a healthy sign for the economy.
This is the initial release of 4thQ22014 GDP and, except for consumer spending, the other GDP components have 2 months of data and 1 month of guessing.
To me, the fact that Consumer Confidence is enormous and Consumer Spending is up are more important than the dip in GDP.