Morning Journal-Capricious government bullying

Economics
This Week’s Data

The International Council of Shopping Centers reported weekly sales of major retailers down 1.7% versus the prior week but up 1.5% versus the comparable period last year; Redbook Research reported month to date retail chain store sales down 0.5% versus the similar timeframe lat month but up 1.1% on a year over year basis.

The May Case Shiller home price index rose 0.9% versus expectations of +0.5%.
http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/07/case-shiller-house-prices-increased-22.html

The July Chicago PMI came in at 53.7 versus estimates of 52.5 and June’s reading of 52.9.
http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/07/misc-chicago-pmi-increases-slightly.html

The July Conference Board’s consumer confidence index was reported at 65.9 versus forecasts of 61.5 and June’s 62.0.
http://advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/Conference-Board-Consumer-Confidence-Index.php

Weekly mortgage applications rose a meager 0.2% while purchase applications declined 2.0%.
http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/08/mba-refinance-activity-highest-in-three.html

The ADP private payroll report showed an increase in jobs but less than anticipated:
http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2012/08/adp-private-employment-increased-163000.html