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. 

     Housing Starts (millions)

Wednesday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET                     Actual:        

                       Median                      Aug19  Jul19    Jun19

Housing Starts        +1.250m                       --   +1.191m +1.241m

Building Permits      +1.307m                       --   +1.317m +1.232m

          Comments: Housing starts are expected to rebound after a slowdown 

in July, helped by lower mortgage rates amid continued interest rate 

cuts. Building permits are likely to see a solid increase as well 

after a seven-month high in July of 1.317m. 

Weekly Jobless Claims (thousands) September Week 16

Thursday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. ET                   Actual:        

                       Median                     Sep14    Sep7    Aug31   

Claims                +215k                        --      +204k   +217k

          Comments: Jobless claims are forecasted to increase by 215,000, a 

more trend-like figure after hitting a five-month low of 204,000 in the 

week ended Sept. 7. 

     Q2 Current Account Balance (billions) 

Thursday, September 19 at 8:30 a.m. ET                   Actual:        

                       Median                 Q219      Q119        Q418  

Balance             -$125.7b                   --    -$130.4b   -$143.9b

          Comments: The U.S. current account deficit is projected to narrow 

to -$125.7 billion in the second quarter from -$130.4 billion in the 

first. 

     Leading Indicators (percent change)

Thursday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. ET                   Actual:               

                    Median                         Aug19  Jul19    Jun19

Percent             +0.1%                           --    +0.5%    -0.1%

          Comments: Leading indicators are expected to rise by 0.1% in 

August, slowing from a stronger July reading of 0.5%.

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

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