US Data: Highlights of Market Survey of Economic Forecasts

     WASHINGTON (MNI)  - The following are highlights of forecasts for upcoming

U.S. economic indicators provided by Bloomberg forecasts. The comment section

presents the key elements behind the median forecasts.

November FHFA Home Price Index (percent change)

 Wednesday, January 22 at 9:00 a.m. EST                         

                                                             Actual:

                    Median                             Nov19 Oct19 Sep19    

Index:                 0.3                                --   0.2   0.7

     Comments: The FHFA Home price index is expected to accelerate slightly to

0.3%, reflecting rising but stable home prices. 

December Existing Home Sales (millions)

 Wednesday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET                      

                                                            Actual:        

                      Median                           Dec19  Nov19  Oct19   

Existing Home Sales     5.43                             --   5.35   5.46 

     Comments: December existing home sales are anticipated to rise to 5.43m,

rebounding from November's 5.35m.

Initial Jobless Claims (thousands)

 Thursday, January 23 at 8:30 a.m. EST                         

                                                             Actual:

                    Median                           Jan18  Jan11  Jan04      

Claims:                214                              --    204    214  

     Comments: Jobless claims for the week ending January 18 is expected to rise

slightly but remain stable at 214,000 amid expected seasonal volatility.

December Conference Board Leading Economic Index(percent change)

 Thursday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. ET                         Actual:        

                          Median                     Dec19  Nov19   Oct19

Indicators                  -0.2                        --   flat   -0.2

     Comments: The Leading Economic Index is expected to drop -0.2% after

remaining flat in November and coming in negative from August through October.

The weakness in the forecast likely comes from ongoing weakness in ISM new

factory orders and jobless claims edging slightly higher. However, increased

stock prices and improved conditions for the U.S. Treasury yield curve are

helping to stabilize the Leading Economic Index.  

--MNI Washington Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: ryan.hauser@marketnews.com

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