June Data In

Industrial production in the U.S. rose .5% in June according to the Federal Reserve however the 2nd quarter total fell below the 1st quarter total by a 3.1% annualized return. Manufacturing output gained .2% in June boosted by a 5.4% output increase in motor vehicles and parts. Remember that in June many automakers got back striking union members which attributed to the industry boost in output. Dark days ahead as GM's announcement this week will certainly effect production.

U.S. Manufacturing still continues to underperform the general economy and would be in dire straits were it not for the weak dollar.

Productivity increase? Really?

I read an interesting article in the New York Times today. They were quoting a survey from a company called Basex and to say the least I was surprised.

U.S. companies lose $650B a year in productivity. That's Billion with a B. They term the phenomena "information overload." The average American worker turns to their Outlook or email client over 50 times a day. Instant messaging takes the productivity killer title with a suprising average of 77 times a day used. I find that number hard to believe.

Overall the message is clear. Are the conveniences of 2008 helping or hindering our productivity? Well I just killed 10 minutes on this blog....