Return to Transcripts main page

Breaking News

Consumer Price Index, Housing Starts Higher Than Expected

Aired July 18, 2001 - 08:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
COLLEEN MCEDWARDS, CNN ANCHOR: The Consumer Price Index, for June, number is out. It is up 0.2 percent for June. That's a little higher than what was expected. The Consumer Price Index is something that analysts look for for signs of inflation, a good sense of how the economy going.

Also, housing starts for June, that number is up 3.9 percent. That is also greater than expected -- also, something that analysts look for to measure consumer confidence, how people are willing to spend their money. We'll give you much more on this as the hour goes on and the day goes on here on CNN.

The Federal Reserve chairman, Alan Greenspan, is going to be speaking before Congress, as he does twice a year. He's no doubt watching these numbers this morning too and it may affect what he has to say about whether or not there'll be any more interest rate hikes, six already this year.

So, those are the numbers for you right now. And we'll much more on this as we go on.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com