Long Term Perspective

Export demand was sluggish in 1998 and 1999 as foreign economies in the throes of recession tried to get back on their feet. Export growth increased at a healthy clip in 2000 even as the foreign exchange value of the dollar appreciated.

Short Term Perspective

Export growth has started to slip in the past few months. On a year-over-year basis, September merchandise exports posted their smallest increase since May.

Real GDP vs. Final Sales   •   Real Consumer Spending vs. Real Income   •   Debt Burden vs. Savings Rate

Business Fixed Investment vs. Net Cash Flow   •   New Orders   •   Housing Starts vs. Mortgage Rates

Merchandise Exports vs. Trade Weighted Dollar   •   Merchandise Imports vs. Trade Weighted Dollar