US Data: Highlights of MNI Survey of Economic Forecasts

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

upcoming U.S. economic indicators provided by participants in the MNI   

weekly survey. The comment section presents the key elements behind the 

median forecasts.   

Weekly Jobless Claims for February 17 week                              

 Thursday, February 22 at 8:30 a.m. ET                      Actual:     

                 Median         Range                Feb17  Feb10  Feb03

 Weekly Claims     230k     225k to 233k                --   230k   223k

     Comments: The level of initial jobless claims is expected to remain

at 230,000 in the February 17 employment survey week after a rebound of 

7,000 in the previous week. Claims were at a level of 216,000 in the    

January 13 survey week, a decades-low level. The four-week moving       

average would fall by only 250 in the coming week, as the 231,000 level 

in the January 20 week drops out of the calculation, assuming the MNI   

forecast is correct and there are no revisions.                         

Leading Indicators for January (percent change)                         

 Thursday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET                     Actual:     

                 Median         Range                Jan18  Dec17  Nov17

 Leading Index    +0.6%    +0.4% to +0.7%               --  +0.6%  +0.5%

     Comments: The index of leading indicators is forecast to rise by   

0.6% in January, maintaining the string of solid gains. Positive        

contributions are expected from a strong jump in building permits,      

higher stock prices, falling jobless claims and rising consumer         

expectations.                                                           

--MNI Washington Bureau; +1 202-371-2121; email: holly.stokes@marketnews.com

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