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.         

GDP for First Quarter (advance estimate)

 Friday, April 26 at 8:30 a.m. ET                        Actual:        

               Median         Range                  1Q19a   4Q18   3Q18

 GDP            +2.0%    +1.5% to +2.5%                 --  +2.2%  +3.4% 

 Chain Prices   +1.8%    +1.5% to +2.5%                 --  +1.7%  +1.8%

     Comments: Analysts see GDP rising by 2.0 in the first quarter's 

advance estimate, below the 2.2% gain in the fourth quarter. Analysts 

cite the fading effects of a tax stimulus, the parital government 

shutdown, and severe weather conditions as the key negative factors and 

residential construction and exports as positive factors. The chain 

price index is expected to rise to a 1.8% rate from the 1.7% gain in 

the previous quarter. 

University of Michigan Survey for April (final)          

 Friday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. ET                       Actual:

                Median        Range                  Apr19f Apr19p Mar19

 Consumer Sent    97.3    97.0 to 97.7                   --  96.9   98.4

     Comments: The Michigan Sentiment index is expected to be revised up 

to a reading of 97.3 in March. This would keep the index below the 98.4 

reading in March.

--MNI Washington Bureau; +1 (973) 494-2611; email: harrison.clarke@marketnews.com

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