Posted on: Thursday, June 30, 2005
Economy's 1st-quarter growth rate good sign
By Jeannine Aversa
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Even in the face of high energy prices, the economy turned in a solid performance in the first quarter of 2005, suggesting the expansion should stay on firm footing.
That compared with a 3.5 percent growth rate estimated a month ago and matched the showing over the final three months of 2004.
GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States. In the opening quarter of 2005, it climbed to $11.1 trillion on an annualized basis, adjusted for inflation.
Brisk spending on housing projects, more investment by business in equipment and software, and a trade deficit that was less of a drag on economic growth all played a role in the higher first-quarter GDP reading.
"The economy is performing well. Sturdy growth with modest inflation," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Economy.com.
That is especially heartening, given the high energy prices. "It illustrates the resilience of the economy and the durability of the current economic expansion," he said.
Oil prices hit records in March and April, and recently set a closing high of $60.54 a barrel. Prices have retreated somewhat since.
On Wall Street, the GDP report failed to inspire investors. The Dow Jones industrials lost 31.15 points to close at 10,374.48.
Zandi is among the economists who believe the economy is growing at a rate of 3.5 percent or better in the current April-June quarter. Others, however, predict it will end up under 3 percent.
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Congress this month that the economy in general "seems to be on a reasonably firm footing." He did raise concerns about the housing market.
Greenspan said it does not appear likely that a national housing bubble, which could pop and send prices tumbling, will develop.
The gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic standing, increased at an annual rate of 3.8 percent from January through March, according to revised figures released by the Commerce Department yesterday.
