These GDP Numbers are Pretty Underwhelming

By Matthew McMullan
Oct 30 2015 |
Here come more imports! | Photo by Wilson Hui

Wonder what the trade and jobs data will be like next week?

Good news for people who like slightly worrisome news: The U.S. economy only grew 1.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015, according to the Commerce Department.

This is just another sign that the global slowdown, namely in China, and the strong dollar are hampering trade and U.S. exports. CNN reports:

The economy's slow growth comes after a slew of other weak numbers. The September jobs report was disappointing, American manufacturing is on the verge of shrinking and inflation and wages remain relatively flat.

Exports have also declined this year for the first time since the Great Recession.

Graph prepared by CNN

Next week we’ll have new trade figures and a hot ‘n’ fresh jobs report to peruse. If you’re holding your breath in anticipation of some great data that shows manufacturing is on the upswing – factories hiring and exports booming in relation to our exports – please breathe deeply, right now!