Who Is Surprised by Economic Data? (Part II)

This is the second time I have asked this question in recent weeks:

Factory orders in surprise decline (CNN Money)

Durable-Goods Orders Decline [WSJ]
Demand for expensive goods fell 1.7% in February, an unexpected decline, while a barometer of capital spending by businesses tumbled 2.6%, a second straight drop. 8:34 a.m.

Durable Goods Orders in U.S. Unexpectedly Decline as Machinery Plummets (Bloomberg)
Orders for U.S. durable goods unexpectedly fell in February, led by the biggest slump ever in demand for machinery that indicates companies are becoming more reluctant to invest as the economy heads into a recession.

Durable goods orders slip unexpectedly
New orders for long-lasting U.S.-made manufactured goods unexpectedly fell 1.7 percent during February and a key gauge of companies' appetite for investment also shrank, according to data on Wednesday that will reinforce concern the economy has chilled.

Really, who is surprised by weak economic data -- other than clueless cheerleaders? And why do headline writers keep using that phrase...?

Previously:
Who Are These People Surprised by Economic Data?

Comments

[Tony Soprano:]

Barry sounds like Reuters reporting the news with his own spin or thruthiness.

Just another spin doctor on the street.

2008 Mar 27 06:56 AM

[sammyg123:]

Here's another good article that supports what Barry is saying. It also speaks of what a recovery might look like from this. The credit markets are still frozen, as shown by the withdrawal of the clear channel deal. Banks unwilling to lend means less economic activity. The numbers shouldn't be surprising.

www.kitco.com/ind/Nadl...

2008 Mar 27 07:49 AM

[cynic69:]

Barry
These stupid headlines are written by folks who just graduated college and are long the market.
Gale Whitaker

2008 Mar 27 10:47 AM