economists

Economists say falling prices are a sign the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel.

The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger.

Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.

A survey of leading economists showed Monday that the likelihood of a prolonged recession has increased significantly as economic conditions continue to deteriorate.

One year ago, economists were worried about inflation. Now, they are worried about deflation — prices for everything from corn to soybeans to gold are falling.

While it might seem like lower prices could be a good thing, unchecked deflation can bring economic activity to a standstill.

Economists say the risks of deflation should not be ignored.

The Labor Department reports that the nation's unemployment rate rose 6.5 percent last month. The number of jobs lost were a lot higher than expected.

The report indicates that the downturn in the economy this year has been even deeper and more dramatic than most economists had expected.

The jobless rate is at a 14-year high.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment insurance last week was higher than economists expected, indicating continued weakness in the nation's economy.

A survey of top economists released Monday shows that the vast majority of them believe the economy has fallen into a recession that will continue throughout all of 2009.

New orders for manufactured big-ticket items rose in September, the government said Wednesday, surprising economists and indicating some resilience in the manufacturing sector.

Gas prices have tumbled 30% from their record high in July and are poised to fall farther. But economists say that cheaper gas won't be enough to revive a struggling economy.

The number of out-of-work Americans filing new claims for unemployment insurance last week edged off a seven-year high but was higher than economists' estimates, according to a government report released Thursday.