Economy Slumps to 4-Year Low

Weak home sales, high oil prices drive slowdown
By J. Kelman,  Newser User
Posted Apr 27, 2007 11:11 AM CDT
Economy Slumps to 4-Year Low
Brick layers build a stairway and facade on a new home   (Getty Images)

The country's economic growth has dwindled to its lowest rate in four years, with the housing slowdown, high energy prices, and a looming trade deficit driving lower-than-expected numbers released today. The economy grew 1.3% in the first quarter of 2007, down from 2.5% in the last three months of 2006, and below the rate of inflation.

In Commerce Department figures released today, one bright spot was consumer spending, which continued to look solid. Housing statistics were particularly worrisome, but monetary policymakers' hands may be tied. "Given the Fed's focus on inflation right now, they're not in a position to stimulate growth," senior market economist Kevin Logan of Dresdner Kleinwort said. (More economic growth stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X