Manufacturing in U.S. Expands Unexpectedly

Ken O’Brien

Manufacturing unexpectedly expanded in September after three months of contraction, reflecting stronger orders that ease concern the U.S. economy will slow further.

The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index rose to 51.5 last month from 49.6 in August, the Tempe, Arizona-based group said yesterday. Readings above 50 show expansion, and the September measure exceeded the most optimistic forecast in a Bloomberg survey.

U.S. Car Sales Up Double Digits In August

U.S. automakers saw double-digit gains in auto sales in August, despite economic woes, the Associated Presss reports. Total auto sales in the U.S. were projected at 1.2 million for the month, according to the report.

Here are the "Big Three" and their sales totals and percentage increases:

The Facts Are In: Stimulus Worked - Republican Plan Fails

Ken O’Brien

from: www.plunderbund.com

Following his string of primary victories on Tuesday, Mitt Romney took to the podium and rallied the Republican faithful. In a scathing criticism of President Obama’s economic policies, he said, “It’s still about the economy ... and we’re not stupid.”

I sincerely hope he’s right in saying that the American people are not stupid.

I also sincerely hope that people follow the advice he gave on February third, “If people think the economy is going in the right direction they should vote for President Obama.”

Romney vs. Economic Reality

Ken O’Brien

Willard Mitt Romney said yesterday, “If people think the economy is going in the right direction they should vote for President Obama.”

Well, for the vast number of Americans the direction of the economy has more to do with employment (i.e. jobs) than with any other single factor.

Despite all the rhetoric and sniping from Republicans, there is no doubt that our current state of affairs occurred on their watch during the Bush Administration. In the lead up to the earlier quote, Romney said, “President Obama did not cause our economic problems, but his policies made them worse.”