Economists are looking for an increase of 1.5 percent in nonfarm productivity for the second
quarter. This would just about offset the first quarter's drop of 1.2 percent.
(Forecast range: 0.5 to 2.0 percent)
Unit labor costs are predicted to increase at a 3.4 percent in the second quarter after posting larger gains in the two previous
quarters. (Forecast range: 2.1 to 5.0 percent)
Consumer installment credit is expected to expand by $8.0 billion in June, somewhat faster than
the $6.5 billion gain recorded in May. This partly reflects stronger motor vehicle sales for the month. (Forecast range: $5.0 to $10.0 billion)
Wednesday
Market players and economists will be scrutinizing the Beige Book that will cover material roughly through August 3.
Thursday
Market participants are expecting new jobless claims to jump 34,000 in the week ended August 4 from last week's 346,000 level. (Forecast range: 4,000 to 44,000)
Friday
The producer price index is expected to decrease 0.3 percent in July, following June's 0.4 percent
drop. This incorporates declines in energy prices. (Forecast range: 0.0 to -0.6 percent) Excluding food and energy prices, the PPI should
inch up 0.1 percent for the month, the same as in June. (Forecast range: 0.0 to 0.3 percent)