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<strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>Transmitted to <strong>the</strong> CongressFebruary 1975TOGETHER WITHTHE ANNUAL REPORTOF THECOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERSUNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEWASHINGTON : 1975For sale by <strong>the</strong> Superintendent <strong>of</strong> Documents, U.S. Government Printing OfficeWashington, D.C. 20402 - Price $3.25


CONTENTSPageECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 1ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMICADVISERS* 9CHAPTER 1. ECONOMIC POLICY AND OUTLOOK 19CHAPTER 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICY IN 1974 35CHAPTER 3. UNEMPLOYMENT 86CHAPTER 4. INFLATION DURING THE PAST DECADE , . 128CHAPTER 5. GOVERNMENT REGULATION 147CHAPTER 6. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 160CHAPTER 7. THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY IN 1974 187APPENDIX A. INFLATION CONTROL UNDER THE ECONOMIC STABILIZA-TION ACT 219APPENDIX B. REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THECOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS DURING 1974 231APPENDIX C. STATISTICAL TABLES RELATING TO INCOME, EMPLOY-MENT, AND PRODUCTION 243*For a detailed table <strong>of</strong> contents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Councils <strong>Report</strong>, see page 13.(Ill)


ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESIDENTTo <strong>the</strong> Congress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States:The economy is in a severe recession. Unemployment is too high andwill rise higher. The rate <strong>of</strong> inflation is also too high although someprogress has been made in lowering it. Interest rates have fallen from<strong>the</strong> exceptional peaks reached in <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1974, but <strong>the</strong>y reflect<strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation and remain much too high.Moreover, even as we seek solutions to <strong>the</strong>se problems, we must alsoseek solutions to our energy problem. We must embark upon effectiveprograms to conserve energy and develop new sources if we are to reduce<strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> our oil imported from unreliable sources. Failure ordelay in this endeavor will mean a continued increase in this Nation'sdependence on foreign sources <strong>of</strong> oil.We <strong>the</strong>refore confront three problems: <strong>the</strong> immediate problem <strong>of</strong>recession and unemployment, <strong>the</strong> continuing problem <strong>of</strong> inflation, and<strong>the</strong> newer problem <strong>of</strong> reducing America's vulnerability to oil embargoes.These problems are as urgent as <strong>the</strong>y are important. The solutions wehave proposed are <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> careful study, but <strong>the</strong>y will not produceswift and immediate results. I believe that <strong>the</strong>se programs and proposalswill be effective. I urge <strong>the</strong> Congress to adopt <strong>the</strong>m and to help mefollow through with fur<strong>the</strong>r measures that changing circumstances maymake desirable. In our efforts we must recognize that <strong>the</strong> remedies wedevise must be both effective and consistent with <strong>the</strong> long-term objectivesthat are important for <strong>the</strong> future well-being <strong>of</strong> our economy. For<strong>the</strong> sake <strong>of</strong> taking one step forward we must not adopt policies whichwill eventually carry us two steps backward.As I proposed to you in my State <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Union message, <strong>the</strong> economyneeds an immediate 1-year tax cut <strong>of</strong> $16 billion. This is an essentialfirst move in any program to restore purchasing power, rebuild <strong>the</strong> confidence<strong>of</strong> consumers, and increase investment incentives for business.Several different proposals to reduce individual taxes were consideredcarefully in our search for <strong>the</strong> best way to help <strong>the</strong> economy. We chose<strong>the</strong> method that would best provide immediate stimulus to <strong>the</strong> economywithout permanently exacerbating our budget problem. Accordingly, Irecommended a 12 percent rebate <strong>of</strong> 1974 taxes, up to a maximum <strong>of</strong>


$1,000. The rebate will be paid in two large lump-sum payments totaling$12 billion, <strong>the</strong> first beginning in May and <strong>the</strong> second by September.I have also proposed a $4-billion investment tax credit which wouldencourage businessmen to make new commitments and expenditures nowon projects that can be put in place this year or by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> next year.The prompt enactment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> $16-billion tax reduction is a matter <strong>of</strong>utmost urgency if we are to bolster <strong>the</strong> natural forces <strong>of</strong> economic recovery.But in recognizing <strong>the</strong> need for a temporary tax cut, I am not unmindful<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that it will increase <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> budget deficit. Thisis all <strong>the</strong> more reason to intensify our efforts to restrain <strong>the</strong> growth inFederal spending. I have asked Congress to institute actions which willpare $17 billion from <strong>the</strong> fiscal 1976 budget. Even so, we foresee a deficit<strong>of</strong> more than $50 billion for <strong>the</strong> fiscal year beginning July 1. Moreover,even without new expenditure initiatives, <strong>the</strong> budget deficit is likelyto remain excessively large in fiscal 1977. As a consequence, I will proposeno new expenditure programs except those required by <strong>the</strong> energyprogram.I am also asking <strong>the</strong> Congress to join me in finding additional ways toslow <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase in Federal spending. Budget outlays for newprograms or for expansion <strong>of</strong> existing ones would have <strong>the</strong>ir economiceffect long after <strong>the</strong> economic recovery gets under way. It is essential that<strong>the</strong> deficit be reduced markedly as <strong>the</strong> economy begins to return towardfull employment. Control <strong>of</strong> expenditures is <strong>the</strong> only way we can halt anextraordinary increase in <strong>the</strong> portion <strong>of</strong> our incomes which Governmentwill take in <strong>the</strong> future.A simple calculation shows <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problem which we face.Transfer payments to individuals by <strong>the</strong> Federal Government have increased,after adjustment for inflation, by almost 9 percent annually during<strong>the</strong> past two decades. A continuation <strong>of</strong> this trend for <strong>the</strong> next twodecades, along with only modest increases in o<strong>the</strong>r Federal expendituresand in those <strong>of</strong> State and local governments, would lift <strong>the</strong> expendituresby government at all levels from about one-third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gross nationalproduct to more than one-half. Spending on this scale would requirea substantial increase in <strong>the</strong> tax burden on <strong>the</strong> average American family.This could easily stifle <strong>the</strong> incentive and enterprise which is essential tocontinued improvements in productivity and in our standard <strong>of</strong> living.The achievement <strong>of</strong> our independence in energy will be nei<strong>the</strong>r quicknor easy. No matter what programs are adopted, perseverence by <strong>the</strong>American people and a willingness to accept inconvenience will berequired in order to reach this important goal. The American economywas built on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> low-cost energy. The design <strong>of</strong> our industrialplants and production processes reflect this central element in <strong>the</strong> Amer-


The reduction in our dependence on unreliable sources <strong>of</strong> oil will requireGovernment action, but even in this vital area <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> Governmentin economic life should be limited to those functions that it can performbetter than <strong>the</strong> private sector.There are two courses open to us in resolving our energy problem: <strong>the</strong>first is administered rationing and allocation; <strong>the</strong> second is use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>price mechanism. An energy rationing program might be acceptable fora brief period, but an effective program will require us to hold downconsumption for an extended period. A rationing program for a period<strong>of</strong> 5 years or more would be both intolerable and ineffective. The costsin slower decision making alone would be enormous. Rationing wouldmean that every new company would have to petition <strong>the</strong> Governmentfor a license to purchase or sell fuel. It would mean that any new plantexpansion or any new industrial process would require approval. Itwould mean similar restrictions on homebuilders, who already find itimpossible in much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nation to obtain natural gas hookups. After5 or 10 years such a rigid program would surely sap <strong>the</strong> vitality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>American economy by substituting bureaucratic decisions for those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>market place. It would be impossible to devise a fair long-term rationingsystem. The only practical and effective way to achieve energy independence,<strong>the</strong>refore, is by allowing prices <strong>of</strong> oil and gas to move higher—high enough to discourage consumption and encourage <strong>the</strong> explorationand development <strong>of</strong> new energy sources.I have, <strong>the</strong>refore, recommended an excise tax on domestic crude oiland natural gas and an import fee on imported oil, as well as decontrol<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> crude oil. These actions will raise <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> all energyintensiveproducts and reduce oil consumption and imports. I haverequested <strong>the</strong> Congress to enact a tax on producers <strong>of</strong> domestic crude oilto prevent windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its as a result <strong>of</strong> price decontrol.O<strong>the</strong>r aspects <strong>of</strong> my program will provide assurances that importswill not be allowed to disrupt <strong>the</strong> domestic energy market. Amendmentsto <strong>the</strong> Clean Air Act to allow more use <strong>of</strong> coal without major environmentaldamage, and incentives to speed <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> nuclearenergy and syn<strong>the</strong>tic fuels will simultaneously increase domestic energyproduction.Taken as a whole, <strong>the</strong> energy package will reduce <strong>the</strong> damage fromany future import disruption to manageable proportions. The energyprogram however will entail costs. The import fee and tax combinationwill raise approximately $30 billion from energy consumers. However,I have also proposed a fair and equitable program <strong>of</strong> permanent taxreductions to compensate consumers for <strong>the</strong>se higher costs. These willinclude income tax reductions <strong>of</strong> $16 billion for individuals, along


with direct rebates <strong>of</strong> $2 billion to low-income citizens who pay little orno taxes, corporate tax reductions <strong>of</strong> $6 billion, a $2-billion increase inrevenue sharing payments to State and local governments, and a $3-billionincrease in Federal expenditures.Although appropriate fiscal and energy policies are central to restoring<strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> our economy, <strong>the</strong>y will be supplemented by initiatives ina number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r areas. I was pleased to sign into law in Decemberunemployment compensation legislation which provides extended benefitsand expanded coverage for <strong>the</strong> unemployed. The budget also provides fora significant expansion in public service employment. I also urge <strong>the</strong>Congress to remove <strong>the</strong> remaining restrictions on agricultural productionand enact legislation to streng<strong>the</strong>n financial institutions and assist <strong>the</strong>financial position <strong>of</strong> corporations. I have also asked for actions tostreng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Administration's antitrust investigative power and topermit more competition in <strong>the</strong> transportation industry.We sometimes discover when we seek to accomplish several objectivessimultaneously that <strong>the</strong> goals are not always completely compatible.Action to achieve one goal sometimes works to <strong>the</strong> detriment <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r.I recognize that <strong>the</strong> $16-billion anti-recession tax cut, which adds to analready large Federal deficit, might delay achieving price stability. Buta prompt tax cut is essential. My program will raise <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> energyto consumers; but when completed this necessary adjustment should nothamper our progress toward <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> a much slower rate <strong>of</strong> increasein <strong>the</strong> general price level in <strong>the</strong> years ahead.As we face our short-term problems, we cannot afford to ignore <strong>the</strong>future implications <strong>of</strong> our policy initiatives. Fiscal and monetary policiesmust support <strong>the</strong> economy during 1975. In supporting <strong>the</strong> economy,however, we must not allow victory in <strong>the</strong> battle against inflation to slipbeyond our grasp. It is vital that we look beyond <strong>the</strong> unemployment problemto <strong>the</strong> need to achieve a reduction in inflation not only in 1975 butalso in 1976 and beyond.The future economic well-being <strong>of</strong> our Nation requires restoring agreater measure <strong>of</strong> price stability. This will call for more responsiblepolicies by your Government. The stakes are high. Inflation reduces <strong>the</strong>purchasing power <strong>of</strong> our incomes, squeezes pr<strong>of</strong>its, and distorts our capitalmarkets. The ability <strong>of</strong> our free economy to provide an ever higherstandard <strong>of</strong> living would be weakened. We must not be lulled into a beliefthat inflation need no longer be a major concern <strong>of</strong> economic policy nowthat <strong>the</strong> rate at which prices are increasing appears to be slowing.The proposals I have made to deal with <strong>the</strong> problems <strong>of</strong> recession,inflation, and energy recognize that <strong>the</strong> American economy is more andmore a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world economy. What we do affects <strong>the</strong> economies <strong>of</strong>


o<strong>the</strong>r nations, and what happens abroad affects our economy. Closecommunication, coordination <strong>of</strong> policies, and consultations with <strong>the</strong>leaders <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r nations will be essential as we deal with our economicand financial difficulties, many <strong>of</strong> which are common to all <strong>the</strong> industrialcountries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Western World.We are already cooperating to ensure that <strong>the</strong> international monetarysystem withstands <strong>the</strong> pressures placed on it by higher oil prices. Thepassage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trade Reform Act <strong>of</strong> 1974 will make it possible to begincritical negotiations this year on fur<strong>the</strong>r liberalizing <strong>the</strong> internationaltrading system, and we will continue to work with o<strong>the</strong>r countries towardsolutions to <strong>the</strong> special problems <strong>of</strong> food and energy.The economic problems that have emerged during <strong>the</strong> 1970's are difficult.Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m reflect years <strong>of</strong> misdirection. Our efforts to solve <strong>the</strong>Nation's economic difficulties must be directed toward solutions that willnot give rise to even bigger problems later. The year 1975 must be <strong>the</strong>one in which we face our economic problems and start <strong>the</strong> course towardreal solutions.FEBRUARY 4, 1975.


THE ANNUAL REPORTOF THECOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS


LETTER OF TRANSMITTALCOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS,Washington, D.C., January 31,1975.THE PRESIDENT:SIR: The Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers herewith submits its Annual<strong>Report</strong>, January 1975, in accordance with Section 4(c) (2) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> EmploymentAct <strong>of</strong> 1946.Respectfully,ALAN GREENSPAN,Chairman.bWILLIAM J. FELLNER.GARY L. SEEVERS.11


CONTENTSPageCHAPTER 1. ECONOMIC POLICY AND OUTLOOK 19The Programs to Stimulate <strong>the</strong> Economy and Conserve Energy. 20The Energy Tax Offsets 22Summary 23The Fiscal 1976 Budget 24Financing <strong>the</strong> Deficit 25Aid to <strong>the</strong> Unemployed 26The Outlook With New Policies 26Nonresidential Fixed Investment 27Inventories 28Housing 28Government Purchases 28Consumption 29<strong>Economic</strong> Aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Energy Program 29Short-Run Policies 30Longer-Run Measures 31International <strong>Economic</strong> Relations 32CHAPTER 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICY IN 1974 35Demand and Output 37Business Fixed Investment 38Inventory Investment 40Housing 41Consumer Income and Spending 41Net Exports 45Comparisons <strong>of</strong> Output Change 45Prices, Wages, and Pr<strong>of</strong>its 47Prices 47Wage Rates 50Nonfinancial Corporations 52Real Income 54Labor Market Developments 5613563-280 O - 75 - 2


PageCHAPTER 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICY IN 1974—ContinuedFiscal Policy in 1974 59Federal Expenditures 60Federal Receipts 61Balances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Budget 62The State and Local and <strong>the</strong> Combined Budget Balances. 65Money and Credit 66Monetary Aggregates 66Interest Rates 68Credit Markets 70Assistance to <strong>the</strong> Mortgage Market 72Energy Developments in 1974 73Costs <strong>of</strong> Higher Energy Prices 73Prices 75Production 77Consumption 80Imports and Exports 81Inventories 82Natural Gas: A Special Case 83CHAPTER 3. UNEMPLOYMENT 86Definition and Measurement <strong>of</strong> Unemployment 87Sources and Nature <strong>of</strong> Unemployment 88Frictional Unemployment 88Structural Unemployment 89Seasonal Unemployment 91Cyclical Unemployment 91Inflation and Unemployment 94Duration <strong>of</strong> Unemployment 97International Comparisons 98The Distribution <strong>of</strong> Unemployment 102Differentials Due to Labor Force Turnover 102The Male-Female Differential for Experienced Workers. . 105Student and Nonstudent Teenagers 106Veterans and Nonveterans 107Unemployment Differentials by Education 108Unemployment Differences by Race 110Unemployment <strong>of</strong> Persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish Origin 114Unemployment and Income Maintenance Programs 116Unemployment, Income, and Poverty 116Unemployment Insurance System 119Public Service Employment 12414


PageCHAPTER 4. INFLATION DURING THE PAST DECADE 128Periods <strong>of</strong> Price Instability 130Excessive Growth in Aggregate Demand, 1965-74 131The Unstable Trade<strong>of</strong>f 136Special Factors and <strong>the</strong> Lagged Price Response 139Indexation and <strong>the</strong> Tax Structure 141CHAPTER 5. GOVERNMENT REGULATION . 147The Rationale for Regulation 147The Federal Antitrust Laws 149Regulation <strong>of</strong> Monopoly 150Regulation <strong>of</strong> Competition .. 151Examples <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Regulation 152Transportation 152Financial Institutions 155Natural Gas 156Regulatory Reform 159CHAPTER 6. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 160Developments in 1974 161Long-Term Changes in Agriculture 165The Decline in Excess Capacity 165A Changing World Agriculture 170Greater Price Instability 173Policy Challenges and Options 177Agricultural Development 178The Instability Problem 180Food Assistance 183Guidelines for Domestic Farm Policy 184Farm Policy in 1975 and Beyond 185CHAPTER 7. THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY IN 1974 187Stagnation and Inflation in <strong>the</strong> Industrial World in 1974 188International Repercussions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Oil Price Increases 190The Less Developed Countries in 1974 196Recent Developments in International Finance 197Managed Floating 200Recent Exchange Rate Developments 203Changes in International Reserves 205U.S. International Transactions in 1974 208The Balances 212Supplement—The Eurocurrency and Eurodollar Markets 212APPENDIXES:A. Inflation Control Under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Act.... 219B. <strong>Report</strong> to <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong><strong>Economic</strong> Advisers During 1974 231C. Statistical Tables Relating to Income, Employment, andProduction 24315


List <strong>of</strong> Tables and ChartsTablesp a ge1. Federal Budget Receipts and Expenditures Associated WithStimulus and Energy Programs, National Income AccountsBasis, 1975-76 242. Changes in Gross National Product in Current and ConstantDollars, 1968 to 1974 383. Change in Nonfarm Business Inventories in Constant (1958)Dollars, 1973-74 404. Personal Consumption Expenditures in Constant Prices, 1973-74. 435. Disposition <strong>of</strong> Real Disposable Personal Income, 1960-74 456. Changes in Industrial Production and Nonfarm Payroll Employmentand Man-Hours Associated With Two- and Three-Quarter Declines in Real Gross National Product, SelectedPeriods, 1948-74 467. Changes in Selected Price Measures During 1974 488. Components <strong>of</strong> Percent Change in Compensation Per Man-Hour in <strong>the</strong> Private Nonfarm Sector, 1965-74 519. Changes in Major Collective Bargaining Settlements, 1973-74. . 5210. Changes in Prices, Costs, and Pr<strong>of</strong>its Per Unit <strong>of</strong> Output forNonfinancial Corporations, 1969 to 1974 5311. Changes in Selected Measures <strong>of</strong> Income, Earnings, and Taxes,1969-74 5512. Labor Market Indicators, 1973-74 5713. Changes in Employment in <strong>the</strong> Private Nonfarm Economy:Total and Selected Energy-Related Industries, November1973 to March 1974 5914. Federal Government Receipts and Expenditures, National IncomeAccounts Basis, Calendar Years 1973-74 6015. Actual and Full-Employment Federal and State and LocalGovernment Receipts and Expenditures, National IncomeAccounts Basis, Calendar Years 1971-74 6416. Measures <strong>of</strong> Monetary Growth and Monetary Policy, 1972-74. 6817. Net Funds Raised in U.S. Capital Markets by NonfinancialSectors, 1968-74 7118. Refiner Acquisition Cost <strong>of</strong> Crude Petroleum and Percent <strong>of</strong>Imported and Domestic Crude Petroleum in RefineryInputs, 1973-74 7619. Changes in Wholesale Prices <strong>of</strong> Selected Fuels, 1964 to 1974... 7720. Indicators <strong>of</strong> Domestic Petroleum Industry Investment, 1969-74 7821. Gross Consumption <strong>of</strong> Energy by Major Source, 1965-74 8022. Petroleum Inventories Expressed as Days <strong>of</strong> Consumption,1972-74 8323. Average Price Paid by Utilities for Major Fuels, 1972-74 8416


Tables24. Dimensions <strong>of</strong> Unemployment and Weekly Hours Worked:Comparison <strong>of</strong> Selected Years <strong>of</strong> High and Low Unemployment,1957-74 9225. Unemployment Rates by Selected Demographic and IndustrialGroups: Comparison <strong>of</strong> Selected Years <strong>of</strong> High and LowUnemployment, 1957-74 9326. Unemployment Rates in <strong>the</strong> United States and Seven O<strong>the</strong>rDeveloped Countries, Selected Periods, 1969-74 9927. Long-Term Unemployment in <strong>the</strong> United States and Six O<strong>the</strong>rDeveloped Countries, Selected Periods, 1970-74 10028. Distribution <strong>of</strong> Unemployed by Reason for Unemployment, byAge and Sex, 1973-74 10329. Civilian Unemployment Rates by Age and Sex, Under AlternativeDefinitions, 1969-74 10330. Reason for Separation From Last Job for Persons Not in <strong>the</strong>Labor Force but who Worked During <strong>the</strong> Previous 12 Months,by Age and Sex, 1973... 10431. Unemployment Rates for Male Vietnam Era Veterans andNonveterans 20 to 34 Years, by Age, 1970-74 10832. Unemployment Rates by Education, Sex, and Age, 1962 and1972 10933. Unemployment Rates by Race, Spanish Heritage, and Sex,March 1970Ill34. Unemployment Rates for Males in <strong>the</strong> Urban South and UrbanNon-South, by Race and Age, Selected Years, 1940-70 11335. Work Experience <strong>of</strong> Family Heads Below <strong>the</strong> Low-IncomeLevel, by Sex, 1959 and 1972 11836. Insured Unemployment as Percent <strong>of</strong> Total Unemploymentand Unemployment Benefits as Percent <strong>of</strong> Average WeeklyEarnings, 1948-73 12237. Changes in <strong>the</strong> GNP Implicit Price Deflator and <strong>the</strong> ConsumerPrice Index, 1930-74 13038. Growth Rates <strong>of</strong> Consumer Prices and Money Stock for <strong>the</strong>United States and Five O<strong>the</strong>r Developed Countries, 1965-74. 13339. Comparisons <strong>of</strong> Behavior <strong>of</strong> Selected Variables Before andAfter Cyclical Peaks, 1947-74 14040. Pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> Nonfinancial Corporations, Selected Periods, 1965-73. 14441. Farm Output and Productivity, Selected Years, 1940-71 16642. Farm Population and Farm Employment, Selected Years,1930-74 16843. World Net Imports and Exports <strong>of</strong> Grain, Selected Periods,1934-73 17244. Indicators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Variance <strong>of</strong> Farm Prices in Constant Dollars,Selected Periods, 1910-71 17617


TablesPage45. Changes in Real Gross National Product and Major Componentsfor Selected Industrial Countries, 1962 to 1974 18946. Balance on Current Account <strong>of</strong> Major Areas, 1973-74 19247. Composition and Distribution <strong>of</strong> International Reserve Assets,Selected Months, 1973-74 20648. U.S. Merchandise Trade by Principal End Use Categories,1973-74 20949. U.S. Balance <strong>of</strong> Payments Transactions, 1973-74 21050. External Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currencies <strong>of</strong>Banks in Selected Countries, 1970-73 21551. Foreign-Currency Denominated Claims <strong>of</strong> Banks in <strong>Report</strong>ingEuropean Countries, 1973 216Charts1. Changes in GNP, Real GNP, GNP Price Deflator, and <strong>the</strong>Unemployment Rate 362. Prices <strong>of</strong> Raw and Crude Industrial Commodities 493. Changes in Wholesale Industrial Prices 494. Unemployment Rate 585. Interest Rates 696. Domestic Energy Production 797. Unemployment Rate and Prices 958. Inflation and <strong>the</strong> Unemployment Rate 1389. Farm Prices <strong>of</strong> Wheat and Corn in Constant Dollars 17410. Farm Prices <strong>of</strong> Beef Cattle and Hogs in Constant Dollars 17511. Change in <strong>the</strong> Value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. Dollar Relative to Select dForeign Currencies 20518


CHAPTER 1<strong>Economic</strong> Policy and OutlookTHE STORY OF THE PAST YEAR was one <strong>of</strong> inflation andrecession. Several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> forces that added to <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation alsoexerted downward pressure on economic activity. The sharp rise in oilprices resulted in a large transfer <strong>of</strong> purchasing power to <strong>the</strong> oil-producingcountries. Inflation, strong demands for credit, and <strong>the</strong> unwillingness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>monetary authorities to underwrite a continued acceleration <strong>of</strong> inflationdrove interest rates upward, causing a slump in housing. Ano<strong>the</strong>r debilitatingeffect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher and variable rate <strong>of</strong> inflation was <strong>the</strong> sharp rise inuncertainty regarding future rates <strong>of</strong> price increase. The general rise inprices was instrumental in reducing real incomes in ano<strong>the</strong>r way. Inflationpushed individuals into higher tax brackets <strong>the</strong>reby causing a significanttransfer <strong>of</strong> real income from individuals to <strong>the</strong> government sector. Inflationalso caused a similar updrift in <strong>the</strong> tax liabilities <strong>of</strong> business. The resultwas to shift <strong>the</strong> budget in <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>of</strong> restraint, by considerably morethan had been anticipated at this time last year.As 1975 begins, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate stands at its highest level since1958 and production and employment are declining sharply. The declinein activity during <strong>the</strong> closing months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year ga<strong>the</strong>red so much momentumthat developments beyond <strong>the</strong> current quarter are difficult to gauge.It is quite likely, however, that <strong>the</strong> contraction <strong>of</strong> business activity andrising unemployment will continue for several more months. Although <strong>the</strong>rate <strong>of</strong> inflation is still high, it has begun to moderate. One can observeactual declines in prices <strong>of</strong> crude industrial materials and a slowdown in<strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> price advance among important categories <strong>of</strong> goods sold inwholesale and retail markets.The most pressing concern <strong>of</strong> policy is to halt <strong>the</strong> decline in productionand employment so that growth <strong>of</strong> output can resume and unemploymentcan be reduced. The momentum <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline is so great that a quick turnaroundand a strong recovery in economic activity are not yet assured. Butprompt action on <strong>the</strong> Administration's proposals to stimulate <strong>the</strong> economyshould hasten <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recession and contribute to <strong>the</strong> pace <strong>of</strong> recoveryduring <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. The policies that we use to support<strong>the</strong> economy in 1975 must be consistent with a fur<strong>the</strong>r reduction in inflationin 1976 and <strong>the</strong>reafter. This will obviously require discipline both in <strong>the</strong>Federal budget and in <strong>the</strong> monetary policies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve.19


The formulation <strong>of</strong> economic policy is complicated by <strong>the</strong> need formuch stronger actions to tackle <strong>the</strong> Nation's energy problems. New energypolicies have been proposed which will provide an enduring framework for<strong>the</strong> adjustment that began after <strong>the</strong> oil embargo. The adjustment to lowerlevels <strong>of</strong> consumption and importation will impose fur<strong>the</strong>r costs upon <strong>the</strong>economy in <strong>the</strong> short run in order to avoid mounting political and economiccosts in <strong>the</strong> long run. The energy program will raise prices at a time wheninflation is serious. On balance, however, <strong>the</strong> program will provide importantbenefits. Moreover, as formulated it is consistent with <strong>the</strong> values and<strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> an efficient market-oriented economy.THE PROGRAMS TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY ANDCONSERVE ENERGYTo provide support for <strong>the</strong> economy, <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> on January 13 proposedtax relief for individuals and business. For individuals <strong>the</strong> programcalls for a tax rebate equivalent to 12 percent <strong>of</strong> total 1974 personal taxliabilities up to a limit <strong>of</strong> $1,000 per return. The rebate would totalapproximately $12 billion and would be paid in two instalments, <strong>the</strong> firstin May and <strong>the</strong> second in September.For business <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> proposed a 1-year increase in <strong>the</strong> investment taxcredit to 12 percent. Except for utilities, which now have a 4 percent credit,<strong>the</strong> present credit is equal to 7 percent <strong>of</strong> investment in equipment. Forelectric utility investment in generating capacity that does not use oil orgas, <strong>the</strong> higher tax credit would remain in force through 1977. The increasein <strong>the</strong> tax credit is expected to reduce tax liabilities <strong>of</strong> businesses by approximately$4 billion during 1975. The credit will apply to machinery andequipment put into service during 1975, as well as to orders placed during1975 and put into service by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1976.The tax cut will not prevent a decline in real output from 1974 to1975 but it will reduce <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year-over-year decline—perhaps byone-half <strong>of</strong> 1 percent to 1 percent in terms <strong>of</strong> real GNP—and will contributeto <strong>the</strong> recovery in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1975. An assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>economic effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stimulus program is complicated by a number <strong>of</strong>factors. We cannot be certain 'how much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax cut will be saved ra<strong>the</strong>rthan spent, but past experience suggests that most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax cut will be spent,and a large fraction <strong>of</strong> it this year. Saving will be high initially, but as <strong>the</strong>year progresses spending will increase.The investment tax credit may have some immediate effect in stimulatingpurchases <strong>of</strong> certain types <strong>of</strong> equipment, but it is most likely to begin to affectspending appreciably in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1975. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> time limitationsapplicable to <strong>the</strong> tax credit, businessmen have an incentive to undertakesome investment now that <strong>the</strong>y would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have undertaken only later.In view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that new orders for durable goods generally and formachinery and equipment specifically have fallen rapidly in recent months,20


any addition to orders at <strong>the</strong> present time is quite important in itself, even ifit does not raise fixed investment immediately.The Administration's energy program aims at discouraging energy consumptionand encouraging domestic production by raising <strong>the</strong> relative price<strong>of</strong> energy. Prices are increased through removal <strong>of</strong> controls in combinationwith a series <strong>of</strong> taxes, but <strong>the</strong> tax proceeds are refunded so as to keep consumerpurchasing power roughly unchanged once <strong>the</strong> program has becomefully effective. The major components <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Administration's energy programare:—Price decontrol for crude oil and deregulation for new natural gas.—A windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its tax on crude oil.—An import fee which will rise to $2 per barrel on imported oil, accompaniedby an excise tax <strong>of</strong> $2 per barrel on domestic oil and an equivalenttax <strong>of</strong> 37 cents per thousand cubic feet on natural gas.—Creation <strong>of</strong> a strategic oil reserve <strong>of</strong> up to 1.3-billion barrels with earlyaction to require <strong>the</strong> stepped-up holding <strong>of</strong> private oil inventories.—Protection <strong>of</strong> domestic energy producers against excessive risks fromabrupt declines in prices <strong>of</strong> imported petroleum.—Expanded production from <strong>the</strong> Naval Petroleum Reserves and o<strong>the</strong>rFederal oil deposits.—Expanded production and use <strong>of</strong> coal and nuclear energy.—Development <strong>of</strong> a syn<strong>the</strong>tic fuels industry.—Various measures designed to increase <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> energy 7consumption.An important source <strong>of</strong> uncertainty regarding <strong>the</strong> stimulus program concerns<strong>the</strong> timing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy package. The reasoning behind <strong>the</strong> decisionto embark on an energy conservation program is outlined fur<strong>the</strong>r on. Herewe note some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price and fiscal aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy program.It is estimated that <strong>the</strong> imposition <strong>of</strong> import fees, excise taxes on crudeoil and natural gas, and <strong>the</strong> decontrol <strong>of</strong> domestic crude oil by April 1, 1975,will directly add about $30 billion (annual rate) to <strong>the</strong> Nation's oil and gasbill. Ultimately prices should rise by an equivalent amount. The windfallpr<strong>of</strong>its tax (WPT) is designed to capture <strong>the</strong> increase in pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> domesticoil producers attributable to decontrol. The increase in receipts from importfees, excise taxes, and <strong>the</strong> windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its tax will be returned to individuals,businesses, and governments mainly through a set <strong>of</strong> tax reductions, with aportion taking <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> increased Federal Government expenditures.The energy program will be introduced gradually. On February 1 animport fee <strong>of</strong> $1 per barrel was imposed through <strong>President</strong>ial action. Thisfee will rise to $2 on March 1 and to $3 on April 1. However, for purposes<strong>of</strong> economic projections <strong>the</strong> Administration has assumed that Congresswill levy a $2 tax on domestic crude oil and pass <strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy programwith an effective date <strong>of</strong> April 1 <strong>of</strong> this year. This would make <strong>the</strong>final increase in <strong>the</strong> import fee unnecessary.21


The initial effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> import fee will be to raise prices <strong>of</strong> imported oiland <strong>of</strong> domestic oil that is now uncontrolled. Toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>se constitute some60 percent <strong>of</strong> total U.S. oil consumption. This effect will be reinforced onApril 1 by <strong>the</strong> decontrol <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remaining part <strong>of</strong> domestic petroleum production.In <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, <strong>the</strong> average price <strong>of</strong> crude oilis expected to rise by approximately $4.20 per barrel over current levels as aresult <strong>of</strong> decontrol and <strong>the</strong> $2 per barrel excise tax. It is expected that <strong>the</strong>increase will be reflected with a lag in higher prices for gasoline, fuel oil, ando<strong>the</strong>r petroleum products and eventually in higher electricity prices. By <strong>the</strong>end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1975, when all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program will be effective,<strong>the</strong> consumer price index is estimated to be 1.3 percent higher than itwould be without <strong>the</strong> proposed program. Not all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher price <strong>of</strong> crudeoil and natural gas will affect prices in final markets this quickly. At firstsome <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher petroleum prices will reduce pr<strong>of</strong>its ra<strong>the</strong>r than increase<strong>the</strong> prices charged by users <strong>of</strong> refined petroleum inputs, especially whereprices are regulated. The pr<strong>of</strong>its squeeze is not expected to last long, however,and by <strong>the</strong> latter part <strong>of</strong> 1976 all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increased cost should show upin <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> higher prices <strong>of</strong> those goods and services that consume crudeoil and natural gas directly and indirectly. The $30-billion impact is estimatedto be about 2 percent <strong>of</strong> GNP. About 90 percent <strong>of</strong> it will be reflectedin higher prices by <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> this year. For all <strong>of</strong> 1975 we estimatethat <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator will be about 1 percent higher than it wouldhave been without <strong>the</strong> program.Rising prices not compensated for by <strong>of</strong>fsetting tax cuts will reduce realincomes to a slight extent in <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1975. Consequently, <strong>the</strong> effect<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stimulus proposals will be partially <strong>of</strong>fset by <strong>the</strong> energy proposalsduring <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, to <strong>the</strong> extent that oilimports and hence <strong>the</strong> transfer <strong>of</strong> purchasing power to foreign oil producersare reduced <strong>the</strong> demand for domestic goods would be increased.By <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>the</strong> stimulus from both programs will be substantiallygreater.THE ENERGY TAX OFFSETSThe energy taxes are to be turned back to <strong>the</strong> economy in a variety <strong>of</strong>ways. (Estimates below are annual rates based on calendar year 1975.)—For individual taxpayers, rates are being reduced and <strong>the</strong> lowincomeallowance is being raised in such a way that total taxeswill be cut by an estimated 12 percent from what <strong>the</strong>y wouldo<strong>the</strong>rwise be in 1975. The increase in <strong>the</strong> low-income allowanceto $2,600 for joint returns from its present level <strong>of</strong> $1,300 meansthat a family <strong>of</strong> four will pay no taxes if its income is $5,600or less. This part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program, which would involve a reductionin withholding schedules starting June 1, would return anestimated $16 billion.22


—Low-income households that pay no taxes and certain low-incometaxpayers will receive a special distribution <strong>of</strong> up to $80 per adultafter application to <strong>the</strong> Internal Revenue Service. This would return$2 billion. Disbursements are expected to start in <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> thisyear.—The program calls for a tax credit <strong>of</strong> 15 percent <strong>of</strong> expenditures—up to a maximum expenditure <strong>of</strong> $1,000 per homeowner—for outlaysthat improve residential <strong>the</strong>rmal efficiency. Credits could beclaimed during <strong>the</strong> next 3 years. This aspect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program wouldreturn $0.5 billion per year.—The Federal Government would use $3 billion to cover its share<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> costlier energy bill, while State and local governments wouldreceive an additional $2 billion in revenue sharing grants.—Business would receive $6 billion through a reduction in <strong>the</strong> corporatetax rate from 48 percent to 42 percent.SUMMARYTable 1 brings toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> various parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Administration's stimulusand energy programs. Receipts and expenditures, defined on <strong>the</strong> nationalincome accounts (NIA) basis, are shown as seasonally adjusted quarterlytotals, not at annual rates.The stimulus or temporary part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> combined program appears as reductionsin personal and corporate tax receipts. In addition to refunds toindividuals <strong>of</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir 1974 tax liabilities, personal tax receipts includean allowance for <strong>the</strong> investment tax credit applicable to unincorporatedbusiness. This credit is considered a reduction in liabilities for <strong>the</strong> entireyear and consequently is spread over -all quarters <strong>of</strong> 1975.The import fees, excise taxes, and windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its taxes, which are viewedas permanent, are all treated as indirect business taxes. The permanent<strong>of</strong>fsets to <strong>the</strong>se taxes appear as reductions in personal and corporate incometaxes and as increases in Government expenditures.Proceeds from <strong>the</strong> energy taxes are returned to those individuals who payincome taxes primarily by reductions in withholding schedules. Withholdingschedules will be adjusted in <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1975 in such a waythat an entire year's reduction in tax liabilities will be made over a 7-monthperiod. Consequently, withholding will be increased after <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter<strong>of</strong> 1975 but not up to <strong>the</strong> rates <strong>of</strong> early 1975.Low-income households, who pay less than $80 per adult in income taxes,will receive transfer payments starting in <strong>the</strong> third quarter. Governmentpurchases are increased in <strong>the</strong> budget to cover <strong>the</strong> Federal share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>higher oil bill, while State and local governments are <strong>the</strong> beneficiaries <strong>of</strong>increased grants from <strong>the</strong> Federal Government.These figures are an accounting <strong>of</strong> receipts and expenditures and do notnecessarily reflect <strong>the</strong>ir impact on <strong>the</strong> behavior <strong>of</strong> individuals and businesses.None<strong>the</strong>less <strong>the</strong>y demonstrate that energy taxes partially <strong>of</strong>fset tax cuts23


in <strong>the</strong> spring and that <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program is greatest in <strong>the</strong> secondhalf <strong>of</strong> 1975, especially in <strong>the</strong> third quarter.THE FISCAL 1976 BUDGETBecause <strong>of</strong> concern that a too expansionary budget carries <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong>worsening <strong>the</strong> inflation, <strong>the</strong> Administration has proposed a slower rate <strong>of</strong>increase in spending from fiscal 1975 to fiscal 1976 than from fiscal 1974to fiscal 1975. The new budget calls for outlays <strong>of</strong> $349.4 billion, a rise <strong>of</strong>11.5 percent compared to a rise <strong>of</strong> 16.8 percent from fiscal 1974 to fiscal1975. The <strong>President</strong> has proposed a moratorium on new spending programsexcept for energy as well as numerous actions to reduce spending in existingprograms. The reductions total $17.5 billion and embrace $7.8 billionin proposals made last year and $9.7 billion in new reductions. Taking intoaccount <strong>the</strong> $16 billion in tax cuts to stimulate <strong>the</strong> economy, receipts areexpected to total $297.5 billion, a rise <strong>of</strong> 6.7 percent over fiscal 1975.The deficit is expected to rise from an estimated $34.7 billion to $51.9billion. These are large deficits but <strong>the</strong>y reflect <strong>the</strong> shortfall in receiptsand increased unemployment benefits stemming from <strong>the</strong> weak economy.TABLE 1.—Federal budget receipts and expenditures associated with stimulus and energyprograms, national income accounts basis, 1975—76[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; seasonally adjusted quarterly totals]Receipt or expenditure19751976IIIBy type:Total receipts.Personal taxes.Stimulus..Energy....-0.1000-1.6-7.7-5.1-2.6-9.7-15.4-7.3-8.1-3.0-8.40-8.40.4-4.8-.3-4.50.0-4.9-.3-4.6Indirect business taxes.Corporate taxes..StimulusEnergy2.2-2.2-1.48.3-2.2-.8-1.48.1-2.4-.8-1.57.9-2.5-.8-1.77.7-2.6-.8-1.87.6-2.7-.8-2.0Total expenditures.0.51.81.81.81.8Purchases <strong>of</strong> goods and servicesGrants-in-aid to State and localgovernmentsTransfer payments000o".8.5.5.8.5.5Total expenditures minus total receiptsBy program:.12.111.44.81.41.7Stimulus taxes-5.9-8.1-.8-1.1-1.1Net energy taxesImport fees, excises, and windfallpr<strong>of</strong>its taxes...Tax <strong>of</strong>fsets.82.2-1.44.38.3-4.0-1.58.1-9.6-2.27.9-10.11.47.7-6.31.07.6-6.6Energy expendituresTotal expenditures minus total receipts.1.52.11.811.41.84.81.81.41.81.7Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury, Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>Advisers.24


For <strong>the</strong> calendar year <strong>the</strong> full-employment surplus on a national incomeaccounts basis is expected to decline by $9 billion from 1974 to 1975.FINANCING THE DEFICITThe financing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large deficits will pose problems which are noteasy to evaluate. The economic circumstances <strong>of</strong> 1975 are quite differentfrom those encountered in past recessions, like <strong>the</strong> recession <strong>of</strong> 1958.If prices are stable, any large decline in output lowers <strong>the</strong> demand forprivate credit, and this slack is taken up only in part by <strong>the</strong> normalincrease in <strong>the</strong> budget deficit resulting from lower tax collections andhigher unemployment benefits. Even a discretionary stimulus that wouldpartly counteract ra<strong>the</strong>r than merely cushion a large decline <strong>of</strong> aggregatedemand would probably not create serious financing problems under suchconditions. The reason is that if unemployment is widespread and factors<strong>of</strong> production are in highly elastic supply, cost pressures are minimal andprivate investment and credit demands are likely to be low.The present situation is far different from past recessions, but <strong>the</strong> deficitas presently estimated can probably be financed without serious problemsin 1975. The private demand for credit will decline at least somewhat, andprobably substantially, as <strong>the</strong> direct result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> low level <strong>of</strong> housing, reducedconsumer purchases <strong>of</strong> durable goods, and <strong>the</strong> sharp swing from inventoryaccumulation to inventory liquidation. The drop in real output, however,has brought less relief in <strong>the</strong> credit markets than it would have under lessinflationary conditions. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, imbalances have developed in <strong>the</strong>financial structure <strong>of</strong> businesses in recent years because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> disproportionatereliance on debt financing in general and short-term debt in particular.As <strong>the</strong> desired private refinancing is made more difficult by <strong>the</strong> deficitfinancing, businesses may abandon investment projects more readily thanin <strong>the</strong> past, ra<strong>the</strong>r than risk fur<strong>the</strong>r unbalancing <strong>the</strong>ir capital structure andincreasing <strong>the</strong>ir credit market exposure.One way <strong>of</strong> preventing significant displacement <strong>of</strong> private investment in asubstantially underemployed economy would be to increase <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> moneysupply growth to reduce Federal financing pressures. Under such conditions,an increase in monetary growth need not be inflationary in <strong>the</strong> shortrun, especially if <strong>the</strong>re is a large unsatisfied demand for liquidity. On <strong>the</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r hand, should large deficits continue well after <strong>the</strong> recovery has takenhold, maintaining such a course <strong>of</strong> monetary accommodation could sparkan increase in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation. For this reason it is essential that anymonetary accommodation to large fiscal deficits be permitted only so longas <strong>the</strong> effective underemployment <strong>of</strong> resources remains large and <strong>the</strong>re isample room for above-average growth. O<strong>the</strong>rwise, future price level trendswill be affected adversely and <strong>the</strong> deficit will become increasingly "unproductive"in real terms.25


Monetary policy faces great difficulties in <strong>the</strong> year ahead and will requirecareful and continuous evaluation by <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve. The uncertaintiesthat underlie <strong>the</strong> outlook for 1975 add to <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> a flexiblemonetary policy. Monetary policy must be conducted so as to encouragea near-term recovery in <strong>the</strong> economy and a resumption <strong>of</strong> sustainableeconomic growth. Toward this end, reasonable growth in money and creditwill be required—growth which, one hopes, will encourage a freer flow <strong>of</strong>credit and lower interest rates in private credit markets. Whe<strong>the</strong>r moreaccommodating credit conditions will in fact develop depends importantlyon <strong>the</strong> ease with which <strong>the</strong> enlarged Federal deficit is financed, and also on<strong>the</strong> progress that is achieved in moderating <strong>the</strong> Nation's rate <strong>of</strong> inflation as1975 progresses.A special problem for monetary policy is posed by <strong>the</strong> energy conservationprogram, <strong>the</strong> initial effects <strong>of</strong> which will be to raise <strong>the</strong> price level. To adegree, this one-time increase in prices will require additional financing,so as to avoid a contractive effect on <strong>the</strong> real economy. However, rapidmonetary growth would run <strong>the</strong> risk that inflationary pressures would onceagain be increased, later on if not in 1975, undermining <strong>the</strong> Nation'sfundamental need to regain <strong>the</strong> basis for reasonable price stability. Thatmust not be permitted to happen.AID TO THE UNEMPLOYEDIn response to <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in unemployment in <strong>the</strong> latter part <strong>of</strong>1974, and in anticipation <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r increases in 1975, <strong>the</strong> Administrationinitiated legislation to increase <strong>the</strong> duration and coverage <strong>of</strong> unemploymentinsurance benefits and to create employment by funding additional publicservice jobs. In December 1974, <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> signed <strong>the</strong> Emergency UnemploymentCompensation Act, which extends <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> benefits by 13weeks beyond <strong>the</strong> prevailing limits. Unemployed workers can now receiveup to 52 weeks <strong>of</strong> benefits. The Emergency Jobs and Unemployment AssistanceAct, also signed in December, grants unemployment benefits, for upto 26 weeks, for <strong>the</strong> first time to workers in occupations and industries thatwere not covered by <strong>the</strong> regular State or Federal programs. This act providescoverage for an estimated 12 million workers, primarily agricultural,domestic, and State and local government employees. While <strong>the</strong>se programsare administered by <strong>the</strong> States, <strong>the</strong> funds are entirely from Federal sources.The Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act also amends<strong>the</strong> Comprehensive Employment and Manpower Training Act (1973) toexpand Federal funding for State and local public service jobs. The budgetprovides funds that will permit an increase in <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> public servicejobs from 85,000 in fiscal 1974 to 280,000 in 1975 and 1976.THE OUTLOOK WITH NEW POLICIESGiven <strong>the</strong> above assumptions regarding energy, fiscal, and monetarypolicies, <strong>the</strong> economy is likely to continue its downward course in <strong>the</strong> firsthalf <strong>of</strong> 1975 and to move onto <strong>the</strong> road <strong>of</strong> recovery in <strong>the</strong> second half. The26


first-half decline is likely to be severe, however, and <strong>the</strong> subsequent recoverywill still leave <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> output in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter about <strong>the</strong> same asa year earlier. For 1975 as a whole real GNP will probably be about3 percent below <strong>the</strong> average <strong>of</strong> 1974. The rate <strong>of</strong> inflation will be very highin <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year—higher than it would be in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>energy policy—but it should subside in <strong>the</strong> second half. For all <strong>of</strong> 1975,prices as measured by <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator should be 11 percent higher thanprices in 1974. By <strong>the</strong> final quarter an inflation rate <strong>of</strong> about 7 percent isprojected, not counting <strong>the</strong> pay increase scheduled for Federal civilianand military personnel. The projections <strong>of</strong> real GNP and <strong>the</strong> deflator yielda nominal GNP <strong>of</strong> about $1,500 billion, which is some 7% percent greaterthan <strong>the</strong> 1974 figure. Given <strong>the</strong> large decline in real output, <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate should average about 8 percent for <strong>the</strong> year, moving abovethat level before midyear but coming down from <strong>the</strong> peak in <strong>the</strong> secondhalf.The uncertainties are so great at <strong>the</strong> present time that <strong>the</strong> projectionscited above, although presented as specific numbers, are subject to anunusually wide margin <strong>of</strong> error. The past several months have witnessed aprogressive scaling down <strong>of</strong> output projections and a scaling up <strong>of</strong> unemploymentprojections.NONRESIDENTIAL FIXED INVESTMENTEarly in January <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce published a survey <strong>of</strong>plant and equipment plans that projected a rise <strong>of</strong> 4J4 percent in nominaloutlays from 1974 to 1975. In view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prospective rise in capital goodsprices <strong>the</strong> survey results imply a sizable decline in real outlays. Large nominalincreases ranging from 14 to 28 percent were scheduled by producers <strong>of</strong>basic materials, such as steel, paper, chemicals and petroleum, and by miningfirms, railroads, and gas utilities. Very small rises or decreases wereprojected by electric utilities, air transport, and commercial firms. Thedeterioration <strong>of</strong> sales, output, and pr<strong>of</strong>its since this survey was taken willprobably lead to a scaling down <strong>of</strong> even this small overall planned increase,although <strong>the</strong> large expansion plans <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> basic industries willprovide an element <strong>of</strong> stability. The plans reported in this survey camein too early to be affected by <strong>the</strong> proposed investment tax credit.There seems little likelihood <strong>of</strong> preventing a decline in real nonresidentialinvestment in <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1975. The pronounced slump in real outlaysfor producers' durable equipment in <strong>the</strong> final quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 was heavilyconcentrated in outlays for automobiles and trucks. But <strong>the</strong> closing months<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year also witnessed decreases in <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> a broad range <strong>of</strong>machinery and equipment as businessmen canceled orders or delayed deliverieson contracts made earlier. These cutbacks will take <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong>reduced deliveries in <strong>the</strong> first half. The liberalization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> investmenttax credit, coupled with <strong>the</strong> turnaround in economic activity and a reboundin pr<strong>of</strong>its, should bring rising real outlays in <strong>the</strong> second half. The mainimpact <strong>of</strong> a liberalized investment tax credit will be felt late in <strong>the</strong> year. For27


1975 <strong>the</strong> projection foresees nominal investment about 4 percent above <strong>the</strong>1974 total but real investment down approximately 9 percent.INVENTORIESThe behavior <strong>of</strong> inventory investment is likely to be <strong>the</strong> dominant influenceon <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> production over <strong>the</strong> coming year. At <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1975<strong>the</strong> ratio <strong>of</strong> nonfarm inventories to GNP in real terms was <strong>the</strong> highest since<strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> World War II. It seems fairly likely that <strong>the</strong> physical volume <strong>of</strong>inventories will fall during most and perhaps all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> coming year, wi<strong>the</strong>specially large reductions in <strong>the</strong> first half. Even with a decline in stocks andabove average growth in demand in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, <strong>the</strong> ratio <strong>of</strong>stocks to output at year-end would still be high by post-World War II standards.Although stocks may well decline throughout <strong>the</strong> year, <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong>inventory behavior on <strong>the</strong> change in output should be greatest early this year,when inventory investment turns negative following a high rate <strong>of</strong> involuntaryaccumulation in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. What is already happeningto automobile stocks will be reinforced by similar but less pronounced adjustmentsin o<strong>the</strong>r industries. By midyear, shifts in inventory investment shouldbe contributing to rising overall production. All told, current dollar inventoryliquidation could approach $5 billion in 1975.HOUSINGUnderlying conditions seem ripe for a reversal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> housing decline, eventhough <strong>the</strong> prospect <strong>of</strong> a sharp upturn appears small at this time. The stock<strong>of</strong> housing increased very little during <strong>the</strong> past year because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> low rate <strong>of</strong>starts. Despite very weak demand <strong>the</strong> low rate <strong>of</strong> housing completions keptvacancy rates from rising; <strong>the</strong> vacancy rate in rental housing, for example,stabilized from <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. The rate <strong>of</strong> housingstarts in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 was about one-half <strong>the</strong> estimated underlyingdemand indicated by prospective household formation and replacementdemand.The projection for 1975 calls for private starts to begin rising this springup to an annual rate <strong>of</strong> 1.6 to 1.7 million units in <strong>the</strong> final quarter, withsingle-family homes likely to be in <strong>the</strong> forefront <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recovery. Because <strong>of</strong>financing problems and reduced pr<strong>of</strong>itability, apartment house constructionis not likely to recover until <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1975, although it may show avery weak recovery in <strong>the</strong> first half. Real outlays for residential constructionin 1975 are projected to be about 15 percent below those <strong>of</strong> 1974,and current dollar outlays, about 5 percent.GOVERNMENT PURCHASESFederal outlays for goods and services are expected to rise by about 8/ 2percent from 1974 to 1975, while State and local purchases are expected torise by about 12 percent. Each includes an allowance for <strong>the</strong> higher cost<strong>of</strong> energy under <strong>the</strong> new energy program. In real terms, combined governmentpurchases are expected to show little change from 1974 to 1975, with<strong>of</strong>fsetting decreases and increases in <strong>the</strong> Federal, and State and local totals.28


CONSUMPTIONConsumers hold <strong>the</strong> key to <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic recovery. If <strong>the</strong>yrespond as expected to <strong>the</strong> stimulus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax cuts proposed by <strong>the</strong> Administrationfor <strong>the</strong> spring and summer, real GNP should record a good-sizedadvance in <strong>the</strong> second half, but if not, <strong>the</strong> 1975 recovery could be a sluggishone. The effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax cut on consumer incomes should be reinforced bya turnaround in gross private domestic investment, which has undergone asteep decline since <strong>the</strong> final quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973. In <strong>the</strong> meantime <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong>earned income is being cushioned by increases in unemployment benefits.Last year such benefits totaled more than $7 billion, but with this year's highunemployment <strong>the</strong>y are projected to total more than $18 billion. The latterfigure includes, in addition to regular State programs, about $2^4 billion<strong>of</strong> extended State benefits and $3j4 billion in special unemployment benefitsfor those not previously eligible for unemployment compensation.Consumer income will be bolstered on July 1, 1975, by a scheduled increase<strong>of</strong> $3.0 billion (annual rate) in social security benefits (excludingmedicare benefits). One <strong>of</strong>fset is <strong>the</strong> increase in social security taxes due to<strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> taxable earnings base from $13,200 to $14,100 effective January1, 1975. This tax increases Federal receipts by about $1^2 billion, abouthalf <strong>of</strong> which represents a reduction in personal income.Consumers should be aided by a slower rate <strong>of</strong> inflation in <strong>the</strong> secondhalf <strong>of</strong> 1975 compared with <strong>the</strong> first. The rate <strong>of</strong> inflation will be highestat midyear because it will reflect <strong>the</strong> main impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher energyprices. The rate <strong>of</strong> increase should taper <strong>of</strong>f considerably, even though<strong>the</strong> energy program will be adding to <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> prices throughout <strong>the</strong>year. The rise in disposable income and <strong>the</strong> slower rise in prices yield a substantialincrease in real income in <strong>the</strong> second half.Despite <strong>the</strong> possible negative aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy program this spring,we foresee some improvement in consumer spending in <strong>the</strong> second quarteroccasioned by <strong>the</strong> refunds <strong>of</strong> 1974 tax liabilities. To some extent <strong>the</strong> refundswill induce additional purchases <strong>of</strong> automobiles, furniture, and appliances,even though initially <strong>the</strong> greater part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> refunds is likely to be saved.In <strong>the</strong> third quarter, however, <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r stimulus scheduled for September,coupled with <strong>the</strong> rebates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its tax and <strong>the</strong>stronger recovery, should bring a step-up in consumption that carries into <strong>the</strong>fourth quarter. For all <strong>of</strong> 1975 <strong>the</strong> personal saving rate is likely to be higherthan in 1974.Real consumer spending in 1975 may fall slightly below <strong>the</strong> correspondingtotal for 1974. If so, this would mark <strong>the</strong> second year <strong>of</strong> decline in realconsumer spending. In nominal terms <strong>the</strong> increase over 1974 should be closeto 10 percent.ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE ENERGY PROGRAMThe economy surmounted <strong>the</strong> energy crisis with which 1974 began,but <strong>the</strong> energy problems <strong>of</strong> 1975 and beyond may prove more intransigent.29563-280 O - 75 - 3


Now, a year after <strong>the</strong> embargo, <strong>the</strong>re is widespread agreement that <strong>the</strong>oil-exporting nations will maintain restrictions on oil supplies and thus beable to hold prices far above <strong>the</strong> pre-embargo level for at least <strong>the</strong> period immediatelyahead. It is also agreed that <strong>the</strong> demand for goods and services by<strong>the</strong> oil exporters will rise, but not enough to <strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> large money flowsreceived in exchange for oil exports. Finally, it is realized that supplies <strong>of</strong> oilfrom foreign sources are unreliable and will remain so into <strong>the</strong> indefinitefuture. For <strong>the</strong>se reasons, <strong>the</strong> Administration's energy policy is designed tolower imports and <strong>the</strong>reby reduce our vulnerability to interruptions in <strong>the</strong>supply <strong>of</strong> petroleum. In achieving this goal, <strong>the</strong> Administration is placingmaximum reliance on creating market conditions that will have a lasting influence,ra<strong>the</strong>r than relying on allocations and rationing which at best areonly short-term solutions.An acceptable level <strong>of</strong> security can be achieved in <strong>the</strong> longer run with acombination <strong>of</strong> measures, including standby domestic capacity and strategicoil reserves for an emergency, as well as reduced consumption and increasedproduction from conventional and new energy sources. Except for reducedconsumption, none <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se measures will increase security quickly. Consequently,it is essential that we begin to reduce import vulnerability byreducing demand, and that we promptly initiate programs to establishstandby capacity and to increase energy production and stocks.SHORT-RUN POLICIESTo curtail petroleum imports in <strong>the</strong> short run, <strong>the</strong> energy program wouldreduce total energy consumption by raising its price to <strong>the</strong> equivalent <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> world market price plus $2 per barrel. This policy is better thanrestricting petroleum imports directly. If petroleum imports are rigidly controlled,unexpected variations in energy supply or demand would cause largedisruptive effects because oil imports could not serve <strong>the</strong>ir usual role <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fsetting<strong>the</strong>se fluctuations. Restraining general energy consumption byraising its price is more equitable and more efficient than restraining specificenergy uses. The diverse uses to which energy is put and <strong>the</strong> complex patterns<strong>of</strong> its consumption create extraordinary difficulties, administrativecosts, and inefficiencies when administrative allocation is attempted. Theburden falls more broadly and is handled more efficiently by <strong>the</strong> economywhen it is imposed through <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> market forces. Purchasers <strong>of</strong>energy can decide for <strong>the</strong>mselves where <strong>the</strong>y can best reduce consumption.The elimination <strong>of</strong> price controls on crude oil (effective April 1) willincrease <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> energy and reduce its consumption. The Administrationhas renewed its recommendation that <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> new natural gas befreed from controls, and that prices <strong>of</strong> regulated gas be decontrolled whenexisting contracts expire under <strong>the</strong>ir own terms. This will lead to a gradualbut eventually large increase in natural gas prices. These actions will havesome effect on <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> substitute fuels, such as coal, but price increaseswill come with some delay and will gradually induce additional supplies<strong>of</strong> energy.30


The windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its tax in <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>'s energy program is designedtc prevent increases in pr<strong>of</strong>its on existing oil production that would havelittle, if any, short-term impact on production. The tax is levied on <strong>the</strong>difference between a base price and <strong>the</strong> price actually received. The marginaltax rate rises with <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gap, reaching 90 percent on thatportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price received which is more than $3 per barrel greater than<strong>the</strong> base price. The tax will be phased out over a period <strong>of</strong> several years,as <strong>the</strong> base is gradually adjusted upward.In <strong>the</strong> near term, oil producers will not receive additional revenues onexisting production from <strong>the</strong> combination <strong>of</strong> decontrol and <strong>the</strong> WPT. But<strong>the</strong>y will have a powerful incentive to make new investments, because <strong>the</strong>ywill receive higher prices when new ventures come into production.Decontrol <strong>of</strong> old oil will be insufficient in <strong>the</strong> short run to bring about <strong>the</strong>reduction in imports that energy security requires. The $2 per barrel taxon crude oil and <strong>the</strong> 37 cents per thousand cubic feet tax on natural gaswill raise <strong>the</strong> price paid by consumers above that received by producers inorder to reduce consumption and imports fur<strong>the</strong>r. The revenue from thistax, like o<strong>the</strong>r proposed energy tax revenues, would be returned to consumers<strong>of</strong> energy so that <strong>the</strong>y would have roughly as much purchasingpower as <strong>the</strong>y had before <strong>the</strong> tax.LONGER-RUN MEASURESThe costs <strong>of</strong> energy security are lower in <strong>the</strong> long run than in a shortperiod because security can be achieved by measures that do not rely soheavily on demand restraint. The keystone to long-run policy is a storageprogram <strong>of</strong> up to 1.3 billion barrels, a strategic reserve which is largeenough to replace imports for an extended period. This will permit <strong>the</strong>Nation to continue to import some oil from unreliable sources indefinitelywithout <strong>the</strong> potential costs <strong>of</strong> interruption.Domestic production, encouraged by eliminating both price controls andrelaxing restrictions on exploration in promising areas, would respond stillmore if investors were assured that <strong>the</strong> price <strong>the</strong>y would receive for oil wouldnot be temporarily driven below <strong>the</strong> long-run supply price by events in<strong>the</strong> world market. For this reason protection against large downside pricerisks for conventional oil production are proposed. Producers would thus beassured that large drops in <strong>the</strong> world price <strong>of</strong> oil would not disrupt <strong>the</strong>domestic market. Businesses that invested in energy-saving equipment wouldalso be protected against competitors who avoided such expenditures.A reduction in standards <strong>of</strong> living and potential output compared to whatwe would o<strong>the</strong>rwise enjoy is inevitable with a program to achieve a greaterdegree <strong>of</strong> energy security, though <strong>the</strong> program announced by <strong>the</strong> Administrationis designed to hold such effects to a minimum. The alternative approach—allocationsand rationing—would give rise to structural changes in<strong>the</strong> economy that could have serious, long-run consequences.A productive economy is one which readily responds to change andis open to growth, development, and new initiatives. Those characteristics31


are weakened when market allocation <strong>of</strong> resources is supplanted by administrativecontrol. The restrictions on individual choice that arecaused by fur<strong>the</strong>r centralization <strong>of</strong> decision making are obvious. Not soobvious, but potentially far larger, are <strong>the</strong> economic losses if <strong>the</strong> economybecomes bound to rigid patterns by <strong>the</strong>se measures. An allocation systemtends to favor large and established entities. It is likely to discriminate againstsmall firms and <strong>the</strong> potential entrants from whom innovation could o<strong>the</strong>rwisebe expected. With quasi-permanent controls, <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> competitivemarkets would be lost, superior performance might not be rewarded; inefficiencywould not be punished by losses or bankruptcy. The Administration'sprogram emphasizes <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> incentives for individuals and firms to actin a way consistent with energy security, ra<strong>the</strong>r than mandating particularbehavior.There are risks in <strong>the</strong> Administration's energy program. If <strong>the</strong> worldprice <strong>of</strong> energy were to fall dramatically, <strong>the</strong> United States would be left withhigh energy costs relative to those <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries. If <strong>the</strong> demand andsupply response to higher energy prices is far lower than predicted, <strong>the</strong>nadditional actions may be necessary. If <strong>the</strong> response is higher, <strong>of</strong> course,<strong>the</strong> oil tax can be reduced or eliminated. If <strong>the</strong> world price <strong>of</strong> oil fell toacceptable levels, and if imports were never interrupted, <strong>the</strong> program wouldhave caused unnecessary costs. The program balances <strong>the</strong> extra costs fromlack <strong>of</strong> preparation for import disruptions against <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> preparingfor <strong>the</strong>m. The balance struck does not protect against all contingencies, butit will lead to less vulnerability to import cut<strong>of</strong>fs.The energy program will speed <strong>the</strong> transition to a new energy realitythat was started by <strong>the</strong> embargo. The energy situation in 1975 and beyondis markedly different from that <strong>of</strong> 1973 and before, because energy pricesare much higher. These higher prices will call forth substantial increasesin investment for both greater energy production and for producing lessenergy-intensive goods and services.INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONSRising unemployment, rapid inflation, and <strong>the</strong> energy crisis have placedheavy strains on <strong>the</strong> fabric <strong>of</strong> international economic relationships. Thepressures on <strong>the</strong> world capital markets resulting from <strong>the</strong> financing <strong>of</strong>large deficits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries are growing and may threatento undermine <strong>the</strong> past liberalization <strong>of</strong> capital flows among <strong>the</strong> industrialcountries. The acquisition <strong>of</strong> large amounts <strong>of</strong> liquid assets by<strong>the</strong> Organization <strong>of</strong> Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has posed arisk <strong>of</strong> financial and exchange rate instability that must be contained throughincreased cooperation among <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries as well as with <strong>the</strong>OPEC countries. Some encouraging steps have been taken in this direction.These efforts to deal cooperatively with <strong>the</strong> international financial problemscreated by <strong>the</strong> energy crisis are discussed in Chapter 7.32


<strong>Economic</strong> problems experienced by many countries have created pressuresfor governments to adopt restrictive trade measures. The resolve <strong>of</strong> governmentleaders to avoid such self-defeating measures was considerably streng<strong>the</strong>nedby a decision 3 years ago among U.S., Canadian, Japanese, andEuropean leaders to convene a new round <strong>of</strong> multilateral trade negotiationsto continue <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> trade liberalization begun after World WarII. U.S. participation, however, was contingent upon passage <strong>of</strong> legislationby <strong>the</strong> Congress granting <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> authority to undertake such negotiations.The Congress passed <strong>the</strong> Trade Reform Act <strong>of</strong> 1974 at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong>last year, opening <strong>the</strong> way for full-scale multinational negotiations to beginlater this year.The recent decline in economic growth around <strong>the</strong> world and <strong>the</strong> parallelincrease in unemployment might make it more difficult for most governmentsto commit <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> coming year to major reductions intrade barriers. It is generally recognized, however, that any reductionsresulting from such commitments will be sufficiently gradual to allow firmsand workers to adjust to <strong>the</strong> change in competitive conditions over a period<strong>of</strong> years. Finally, <strong>the</strong> major focus <strong>of</strong> a new round <strong>of</strong> multilateral negotiationsis likely to be on nontariff barriers, which are frequently motivated byobjectives o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> domestic industries. While <strong>the</strong> reduction<strong>of</strong> such barriers can make an important contribution to a more efficientallocation <strong>of</strong> world resources, it will frequently not require major changesin <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> domestic industry.33


CHAPTER 2<strong>Economic</strong> Developments and Policy in 1974LAST YEAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT for <strong>the</strong> American economy.The decline in output and <strong>the</strong> rise in prices were <strong>the</strong> greatest forany peacetime year since <strong>the</strong> early post-World War II period. Unemploymentrose and living standards fell (Chart 1). The year started with <strong>the</strong>economy in <strong>the</strong> grip <strong>of</strong> an energy crisis brought on by <strong>the</strong> Arab oil embargoand by <strong>the</strong> spiraling price <strong>of</strong> imported oil. The decline in output attributableto <strong>the</strong> embargo was subsequently halted and partly reversed. That recoverywas not strong enough to overcome forces <strong>of</strong> contraction, some <strong>of</strong> whichhad been present earlier and some <strong>of</strong> which emerged only late in <strong>the</strong> year.In <strong>the</strong> closing months <strong>of</strong> 1974, demand and output were falling rapidly andunemployment was climbing sharply. The overall rate <strong>of</strong> inflation continuedto be very high, although signs <strong>of</strong> a slower price rise could be seen in wholesaleand retail markets.The pronounced deterioration in demand and <strong>the</strong> severe recession havebeen <strong>the</strong> dominant events <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past few months, but for most <strong>of</strong> 1974aggregate demand reflected numerous crosscurrents. Demand by businessfor new plant and equipment was strong for a good part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, especiallyin industries producing basic materials that had been in short supply. Supplyshortages provided business with a potent stimulus to build up inventories,but this influence diminished as <strong>the</strong> year progressed and disappeared after<strong>the</strong> summer. Homebuilding suffered its worst decline in 30 years, mainlybut not entirely because <strong>of</strong> disrupted mortgage markets. Consumers sustainedlarge reductions in real income and cut back <strong>the</strong>ir real expenditures,especially for energy and automobiles.At <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1974, economic policy makers found that <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong>policy had been stretched far beyond <strong>the</strong> traditional issues <strong>of</strong> demandmanagement. In <strong>the</strong> forefront was energy policy, which sought to concentrate<strong>the</strong> embargo-caused shortage within <strong>the</strong> household sector in order tominimize <strong>the</strong> impact on <strong>the</strong> industrial sector and employment. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>worsening inflation, demand management continued to aim at restraint,even though it was recognized that <strong>the</strong> oil embargo and <strong>the</strong> steep rise inoil prices would mean a loss <strong>of</strong> real income. Much <strong>of</strong> this loss was alreadyshowing up at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1974 in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> reduced purchases <strong>of</strong> energyand energy-related goods and services by consumers, businesses, andgovernments.35


Chart 1Changes in GNP, Real GNP, GNP PriceDeflator, and <strong>the</strong> Unemployment RatePERCENT CHANGE FROM PRECEDING YEAR4 -_ REAL GNP-4_ GNP IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR4 -1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.36


Looking at prospects for 1974 a year ago, <strong>the</strong> Administration saw a weakfirst half and a recovery setting in by midyear, led by an upturn in housingand a recovery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automobile industry from its depressed condition at<strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1974. The Administration also expected a slower rate <strong>of</strong> inflationafter early 1974, associated with a deceleration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price rise in petroleumand in farm and food products.The recovery in <strong>the</strong> homebuilding industry did not materialize despitespecial efforts by <strong>the</strong> Administration—notably in May—to bolster mortgagemarkets. Housing starts sank progressively lower as interest rates soared torecord highs in midsummer, draining funds out <strong>of</strong> thrift institutions. Consumersobtained no relief from inflation and continued to sustain cutsin real income despite an acceleration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise in wages. Although somerecovery in <strong>the</strong> automobile industry occurred, <strong>the</strong> upturn was abruptly reversedin <strong>the</strong> final quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. With domestic and foreign demands<strong>of</strong>tening during <strong>the</strong> summer, supply conditions improved noticeably. Manybasic materials that were in short supply at prices prevailing in midsummercould be obtained with little difficulty by <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter,steel being a major exception.The severe weakening <strong>of</strong> demand and <strong>the</strong> sharp decline in output in <strong>the</strong>fourth quarter came suddenly. By midsummer <strong>the</strong>re had been a scalingdown <strong>of</strong> expectations regarding <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> demand in <strong>the</strong> near term; but<strong>the</strong> common expectation, shared by <strong>the</strong> Administration, was for slow growth.For example, at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Summit Conference on Inflation in September<strong>the</strong>re was a fairly broad consensus among economists that littlechange in output would occur in <strong>the</strong> ensuing few quarters, and most projections<strong>of</strong> real gross national product (GNP) fell within <strong>the</strong> narrow range<strong>of</strong> a small increase and a small decrease. That meant rising unemployment.There was little anticipation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> collapse <strong>of</strong> demand, output, andemployment in <strong>the</strong> motor vehicle industry, or <strong>the</strong> less severe but widespreaddeclines elsewhere that marked <strong>the</strong> closing months <strong>of</strong> 1974 and <strong>the</strong> start<strong>of</strong> 1975.DEMAND AND OUTPUTGNP in 1974 was 8 percent greater than it was in 1973, with a 10 percentrise in prices (as measured by <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator) and a 2 percent declinein output (Table 2). From <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong> price rise was 11.8 percent and <strong>the</strong> output decline, 5.0percent. The pattern <strong>of</strong> overall demand and output change within <strong>the</strong> yearshows pronounced decreases in <strong>the</strong> opening and closing quarters, but ifattention is confined to real final sales <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter decrease dwarfedthose in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters. Over half <strong>of</strong> that decrease was in consumer andbusiness purchases <strong>of</strong> automobiles and trucks. Consumer spending apart fromautomobiles also slumped noticeably after having remained about unchangedin <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1973. The bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter drop inpurchases <strong>of</strong> producers' durable equipment reflected lower purchases <strong>of</strong>autos and trucks, but spending on o<strong>the</strong>r types <strong>of</strong> equipment also declined.37


The decrease in residential construction was substantial. One importantreason for <strong>the</strong> smaller drop in total output than in total final sales from<strong>the</strong> third to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter was <strong>the</strong> inability <strong>of</strong> motor vehicle producersto liquidate unwanted stocks <strong>of</strong> recently built automobiles.TABLE 2.—Changes in gross national product in current and constant dollars, 1968 to 1974[Percent]Component1968to19691969to19701970to19711971to19721972to19731973to19741CURRENT DOLLARSPercent change:Total GNP7.65.08.09.811.87.9Personal consumption expenditures...Durable goodsNondurable goodsServices8.18.16.59.76.6.67.38.28.013.85.58.59.314.07.79.210.510.112.88.48.9-1.912.59.6Gross private domestic investmentBusiness fixed investmentResidential structures10.310.98.3-1.92.1-4.312.84.037.216.711.726.216.817.15.9-.29.4-19.6Government purchasesFederal purchases _ .State and local purchases5.2.010.34.5-2.610.96.71.510.89.27.510.48.11.612.611.79.213.3Addendum:Final salesDomestic final sales _ .7.67.75.45.37.88.29.610.211.310.48.18.3Change in billions <strong>of</strong> dollars:Inventory accumulationNet exports <strong>of</strong> goods and services.7-.6-3.31.71.8-3.82.2-5.86.99.9-2.0-1.9CONSTANT (1958) DOLLARSPercent change:Total GNP2.7-.43.36.25.9-2.2Personal consumption expenditures...Durable goodsNondurable goods .Services. __3.65.32.14.51.8-2.12.62.74.010.42.32.96.213.44.25.04.78.33.83.8-2.2-9.0-2.11.4Gross private domestic investmentBusiness fixed investmentResidential structures._.5.06.02.2-6.4-3.6-6.37.4-.631.112.59.117.910.512.8-4.1-8.5-27.1Government purchasesFederal purchasesState and local purchases-1.2-5.94.0-4.5-12.53.6.0-5.34.52.7.24.7.9-6.16.01.0-1.72.9Addendum:Final salesDomestic final sales.2 72.8-.1-.33.13.56 06.35.54.5-1.9-2.4Change in billions <strong>of</strong> dollars:Inventory accumulationNet exports <strong>of</strong> goods and services.3-.8-2.82.11.4-2.81.7-2.53.87.6-2.64.41 Preliminary.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.BUSINESS FIXED INVESTMENTDemand for capital goods held up well into <strong>the</strong> summer but weakenedconsiderably late in <strong>the</strong> year. Many capital goods industries were producing38


at capacity last year, as were industries like steel, which are very heavily dependenton capital goods production. Large backlogs led to long waitingtimes for equipment deliveries. The strength <strong>of</strong> demand showed up in risinginvestment starts (in real terms) by manufacturers and public utilities from<strong>the</strong> first half to <strong>the</strong> third quarter, and by rising real appropriations by largemanufacturers. New orders for capital goods in real terms remained highthrough July but declined after that, especially in <strong>the</strong> final quarter. Increasingcosts <strong>of</strong> materials and labor were reflected in sharply accelerating priceincreases for capital goods, which were particularly large in <strong>the</strong> 6 monthsfollowing <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> price controls on April 30.Business held fairly closely in overall terms to <strong>the</strong> annual plant and equipmentexpenditure plans projected early in 1974. On <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> 3 actual quartersand 1 anticipated quarter it appeared that companies in <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> Commerce survey were raising outlays by 12 percent from 1973 to 1974,compared to a rise <strong>of</strong> 13 percent projected in <strong>the</strong> survey published in earlyMarch. It is possible that <strong>the</strong> very small shortfall in current dollars is largerin constant dollars, but <strong>the</strong> figures needed for a careful comparison in realterms are not available. In addition, data for <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter submittedby companies in October and November suggest that projected outlayswere being scaled back from plans for <strong>the</strong> last quarter made earlier last year.Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> need to expand capacity, demand by manufacturingcompanies showed <strong>the</strong> greatest strength last year, with outlays up some 20percent over 1973. About half represented a real increase, and most<strong>of</strong> it came from work started prior to 1974. Starts <strong>of</strong> new manufacturingprojects in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 were up about 11 percent over <strong>the</strong> 1973average in current dollars, or approximately 3 percent in real terms. Thisfollowed real increases in starts amounting to 23 percent and 30 percent inL972 and 1973. Several factors contributed to <strong>the</strong> deceleration. Pr<strong>of</strong>its(inclusive <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inventory valuation adjustment, or IVA) <strong>of</strong> manufacturingcompanies in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 were unchanged from 1973 and weredown substantially, excluding pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> domestic petroleum firms. Capacityutilization in 1974, while high, was a little lower than in 1973. Extremelyhigh interest rates also discouraged new investment.Electric and gas utilities substantially increased <strong>the</strong> physical volume <strong>of</strong>new projects started in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974. At <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong>ymade little change in <strong>the</strong> physical volume <strong>of</strong> plant and equipment outlays,scaling back those <strong>the</strong>y had intended to make early last year. Dataon backlogs suggest that <strong>the</strong> utilities have been stretching out projectsalready started and scheduled to be completed over <strong>the</strong> next few years. Theutilities have suffered a sharp reduction in pr<strong>of</strong>its—<strong>the</strong> worst since beforeWorld War II—as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leveling in energy consumption and <strong>the</strong>lag <strong>of</strong> rate adjustments behind cost increases. High interest rates have alsoled to deferrals <strong>of</strong> expenditures until financing conditions are more favorable.In addition, utilities have completely eliminated some projects from<strong>the</strong>ir long-term plans, but <strong>the</strong> magnitude <strong>of</strong> such cutbacks is uncertain.39


The complete elimination <strong>of</strong> projects, particularly those scheduled to bestarted some years from now, probably reflects a reconsideration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>expected growth rate in energy consumption in <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise inenergy prices.INVENTORY INVESTMENTIt is difficult to analyze <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> inventory investment over <strong>the</strong> pastyear or so because <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial estimates <strong>the</strong>mselves are subject to more than<strong>the</strong> usual uncertainties. During 1974 <strong>the</strong>re were very large revisions in <strong>the</strong>statistics for 1973 and early 1974. Prior to <strong>the</strong> revision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> income andproduct accounts in July 1974, total inventory investment for 1973 was estimatedto be $8.0 billion, whereas <strong>the</strong> current estimate for 1973 is $15.4 billion.The corresponding figures for <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 are $5.5 billiona.nd $16.9 billion. Before <strong>the</strong> revision <strong>the</strong> ratio <strong>of</strong> nonfarm stocks to outputor to final sales in real terms as <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> second quarter appeared to be close to<strong>the</strong> post-World War II average. After <strong>the</strong> revision <strong>the</strong> ratio looked clearlyhigh. The difficulties with <strong>the</strong> statistics stem from inadequacies in <strong>the</strong>basic data pertaining to inventory book values and from difficulties inadjusting book values to GNP concepts. The problem has become complicatedrecently because, with <strong>the</strong> rapid rise in prices, many companies havebeen shifting <strong>the</strong>ir accounting systems to <strong>the</strong> last in, first out (LIFO)method. When prices are rising, <strong>the</strong> shift has <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> reducing inventorybook values, pr<strong>of</strong>its, and pr<strong>of</strong>its tax liabilities from what <strong>the</strong>y are under <strong>the</strong>more commonly used first in, first out (FIFO) or average cost methods. Theissue is discussed more fully below in connection with pr<strong>of</strong>its and <strong>the</strong> inventoryvaluation adjustment.Changes in <strong>the</strong> accumulation <strong>of</strong> automobile stocks (treated more fullyin connection with consumer spending) had a pronounced influence on <strong>the</strong>rate <strong>of</strong> nonfarm accumulation (Table 3). The general explanation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>nonauto inventory investment total is that stocks were low in relation to out-TABLE 3.—Change in nonfarm business inventories in constant (1958) dollars, 1973-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; seasonally adjusted annual rates]PeriodTotalnonfarmAutoO<strong>the</strong>r1973: 1. _IIIIIIV _5.46.36.217.90.4.7-.73.85.05.66.914.11974: 1IIIIIIV .8.76.43.98.8-5.1-2.7-.34.513.89.14.24.3Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.40


put or sales through 1972 and 1973, and so businessmen made special effortsto increase <strong>the</strong>ir holdings. Expectations <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r price increases streng<strong>the</strong>ned<strong>the</strong> motive for fur<strong>the</strong>r accumulation. The buildup <strong>of</strong> stocks appearsespecially heavy in late 1973 and early 1974; <strong>the</strong> latter period coincided with<strong>the</strong> phasing out and elimination <strong>of</strong> price controls. When final sales failed toimprove after <strong>the</strong> first quarter, businessmen, realizing that stocks on handand on order were too high, began to reduce <strong>the</strong>ir commitments and in <strong>the</strong>summer were making small production adjustments. Aggregate stocks werenot cut in any quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, however, and as sales weakened <strong>the</strong> pace <strong>of</strong>production cutbacks accelerated in <strong>the</strong> closing months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.HOUSINGDespite initiatives by <strong>the</strong> Administration and Congress to support mortgagemarkets <strong>the</strong> downturn in starts and homebuilding that began in early1973 continued last year. Housing accounted for fully half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline inreal output from 1973 to 1974 and was <strong>the</strong> only major market sector todecline throughout <strong>the</strong> year. The current decline, which has clearly been<strong>the</strong> most pronounced since <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> World War II, followed one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>most extended rises in housing activity on record.In <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong>re were signs that <strong>the</strong> housing downturn mightbe coming to a halt. The outflow <strong>of</strong> funds from thrift institutions during<strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1973—<strong>the</strong> process known as disintermediation—reversed inlate 1973 and early 1974 as short-term interest rates declined. On a seasonallyadjusted basis, starts leveled out in <strong>the</strong> neighborhood <strong>of</strong> 1.6 million unitsin <strong>the</strong> first half, while sales <strong>of</strong> single-family homes in <strong>the</strong> March-Mayperiod were almost one-fourth greater than <strong>the</strong>y had been in <strong>the</strong> December-February period. The recovery was aborted, however, when market interestrates turned up again, reaching historical highs in July and August. Outflowsfrom thrift institutions were heavier and lasted longer than <strong>the</strong>y had in1973, mortgage commitments were cut back, and starts fell to an average <strong>of</strong>989,000 units in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter. The large overhang <strong>of</strong> unsold unitsundoubtedly contributed to <strong>the</strong> low rate <strong>of</strong> starts.CONSUMER INCOME AND SPENDINGFrom 1973 to 1974 real disposable income fell 2^4 percent, <strong>the</strong> first annualdecline since 1947. Both <strong>the</strong> decline and its magnitude were highlyunusual. In o<strong>the</strong>r recession years real after-tax income rose by varyingamounts, ranging from 0.4 percent in 1949 to 4.1 percent in 1970. Theconsequence <strong>of</strong> last year's real income reduction was a decline in real consumerspending <strong>of</strong> 254 percent, <strong>the</strong> first decrease since 1942. It is also possiblethat last year's drop in real spending was affected by <strong>the</strong> decline in realmoney balances and <strong>the</strong> stock market.The decline in real disposable income occurred in spite <strong>of</strong> a 9.0 percentrise in nominal personal income and a rise <strong>of</strong> 8.6 percent in wages andsalaries. Large as <strong>the</strong>se increases were, <strong>the</strong>y were smaller than <strong>the</strong> 11.4percent increase in consumer prices (as measured by <strong>the</strong> deflator for per-41


sonal consumption expenditures). Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise in consumer prices was areflection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increased cost <strong>of</strong> energy to <strong>the</strong> Nation. The value <strong>of</strong> U.S.imports <strong>of</strong> crude oil and refined products alone rose by $18 billion last year,and a significant portion <strong>of</strong> that was reflected in higher consumer prices.The transfer <strong>of</strong> real income from U.S. residents to foreigners might havebeen compensated for by <strong>of</strong>fsetting policies <strong>of</strong> demand management, but<strong>the</strong> Administration did not choose that course because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seriousness <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> inflation problem and <strong>the</strong> expectation <strong>of</strong> a recovery in economic activityduring 1974.There was also a shift <strong>of</strong> income last year from consumers to domesticoil producers; and to <strong>the</strong> extent that some <strong>of</strong> this did not return to <strong>the</strong>personal income stream via dividends and wages and salaries <strong>of</strong> workersnewly employed by <strong>the</strong> oil companies or <strong>the</strong>ir suppliers and contractors, consumerssustained at least a temporary loss <strong>of</strong> purchasing power.Last year's decline in real disposable income was greater than <strong>the</strong> declinein real personal income. Despite declines in real personal income in someearlier recessions, real disposable income has never declined (annually)because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automatic working <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax system. Last year's perversebehavior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax system reflected <strong>the</strong> unusual coincidence <strong>of</strong> a decline inreal income in a period <strong>of</strong> rapid inflation. As inflation increased nominalincome, taxpayers were drawn into higher brackets under <strong>the</strong> progressivetax system and were thus required to pay a larger share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir total incomein taxes.Last year's decline in aggregate real consumer spending was concentratedon expenditures for automobiles and parts and for energy. On balance, allo<strong>the</strong>r real spending was about <strong>the</strong> same as in 1973. Shifts in consumerspending during 1974 were dominated by <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil crisis in early1974, by a partial recovery from those effects in <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, andby a sharp reduction in auto demand coinciding with <strong>the</strong> price increases for<strong>the</strong> new 1975 models in <strong>the</strong> last quarter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year (Table 4).Real consumer expenditures for energy (gasoline and oil, fuel oil and coal,electricitv, and natural gas, measured in 1958 prices) fell about 7 percentfrom 1973 to 1974 after having risen every year in <strong>the</strong> postwar period. In<strong>the</strong> 3 preceding years <strong>the</strong>se real outlays had risen at an annual rate <strong>of</strong>4^2 percent. The 1974 decline in energy consumption accompanied a 29percent rise in energy prices as measured in <strong>the</strong> consumer price index(GPI), or 30 percent as measured by <strong>the</strong> applicable consumption deflator.The energy price rise was 16 percent greater than <strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> overallGPI. This too was a reversal <strong>of</strong> postwar experience, which had seen fairlysteady declines in <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong> energy products. Real energy outlaysdeclined in <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 to a level 12 percent below <strong>the</strong> 1973average. They increased steadily <strong>the</strong>reafter so that by <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>the</strong>decrease from <strong>the</strong> 1973 average was only V/2 percent.On <strong>the</strong> surface <strong>the</strong> data for relative energy prices and real personalconsumption expenditures for energy suggest a much greater price elasticity42


TABLE 4.—Personal consumption expenditures in constant prices, 1973-74[Seasonally adjusted annual rates]PeriodTotalPersonal consumption expenditures(billions <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollars)Autosand partsEnergy iAll o<strong>the</strong>rAddendum: Dealer sales <strong>of</strong> new cars 3(millions <strong>of</strong> units)TotalDomesticsImports197319743552.1539.950.840.842.639.6458.7459.511.58.99.77.51.81.41973: 1IIIIIIV..._552.9553.7555.4546.354.052.451.744.942.342.643.642.1456.6458.7460.1459.312.512.211.79.810.510.310.08.21.91.81.71.71974: 1IIIIIIV»539.7542.7547.2530.141.842.545.033.837.8-39.140.541.1460.1461.1461.7455.29.29.210.37.17.78.08.85.81.61.21.51.3Percent change:1973 to 1974 3....-2.2-19.7-7.0.2-22.6-23.0-20. 41 Gasoline and oil, electricity and gas, and o<strong>the</strong>r fuel.3 Total dealer sales, including sales to persons, business, and government.3 Preliminary. Percent change for sales <strong>of</strong> new cars based on unrounded data.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.than had been widely expected at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973 and early 1974. As ispointed out elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Report</strong>, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price increase was notmeasured, ins<strong>of</strong>ar as people had to wait in line to buy gasoline. In addition,part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consumption response represented voluntary conservation effortsand <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> Government regulations limiting automobile speeds to55 miles per hour. Also, a milder than normal winter in 1973-74 caused fueloil consumption to be abnormally low. One should note that <strong>the</strong> full consumption-dampeningeffects <strong>of</strong> higher oil prices have not yet occurred, sincein <strong>the</strong> long run consumers have greater opportunities to adapt <strong>the</strong>ir consumptionhabits to <strong>the</strong> higher energy costs.After having wea<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong> energy crisis in late 1973 and early 1974,auto demand in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 was in a state <strong>of</strong> collapse. Whythis happened is still not entirely clear. About a year earlier, at <strong>the</strong> start<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1974 model year, <strong>the</strong> consensus forecast projected a decline in autosales from <strong>the</strong> boom rates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2 preceding years. The outbreak <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> warin <strong>the</strong> Middle East in early October 1973, <strong>the</strong> embargo in late October,and <strong>the</strong> oil price rise in late December raised concern among consumers about<strong>the</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> gasoline and led to sharper than anticipated cutbacks inpurchases, particularly for larger cars. Their concern was exacerbated by <strong>the</strong>gasoline shortages <strong>of</strong> January and February 1974. Gasoline, which was subjectto price ceilings and to allocation by <strong>the</strong> Federal Energy Administration,could be purchased in much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country only by waiting in line forlong periods, and frequently it could not be obtained at all. Sales <strong>of</strong> newlarge cars were especially poor. Consumer resistance to large cars on <strong>the</strong>used car market was manifested in an unusual 15 percent decline in pricesfrom September 1973 to March 1974. Increased supplies <strong>of</strong> gasoline at fillingstations during March and an end to <strong>the</strong> embargo in late March brought43


a pickup in domestic car sales and in car output as well. The sales improvementwas concentrated in <strong>the</strong> larger cars, partly at <strong>the</strong> expense <strong>of</strong> small cars.Sales <strong>of</strong> imported cars, which had held up well during <strong>the</strong> winter, declined.It was common knowledge during <strong>the</strong> summer that <strong>the</strong> new 1975 modelswould show large price increases. Purchasing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lower-priced 1974models was consequently quite heavy. In October, when <strong>the</strong> new models wereintroduced, sales fell far more than expected, and in November and Decembersales fell still more. With production substantially above <strong>the</strong> sales rate,auto manufacturers initiated massive production cuts and lay<strong>of</strong>fs in order toreduce inventories.The sales drop <strong>of</strong> late 1974 cannot be adequately explained by variables,such as income, income change, relative prices, and automobile stocks held byconsumers, that have been used with some success in econometric estimatesin <strong>the</strong> past. One suggested explanation is <strong>the</strong> extremely low state <strong>of</strong> consumerconfidence late in 1974, but this would imply a lack <strong>of</strong> confidenceover and above <strong>the</strong> uncertainties engendered by declining real incomes,rising unemployment, and rising prices. Two peculiarities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data areworth pointing out. Suggested retail prices for new 1975 cars introduced inOctober 1974 were about $400 higher than prices for <strong>the</strong> outgoing 1974models. Only two-thirds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price rise is included in <strong>the</strong> price indexes, <strong>the</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r one-third representing federally mandated "quality improvement"associated with emission controls. Consumers may have viewed <strong>the</strong> entireamount <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise as pure price increase. The second point concerns socialsecurity taxes. In 1974, <strong>the</strong> taxable earnings base under social security wasraised by law from $10,800 to $13,200. This tax rise added $4.2 billion(annual rate) to Federal receipts, half <strong>of</strong> which affected personal income.According to <strong>the</strong> conventions used in <strong>the</strong> income and product accounts, <strong>the</strong>increase in taxes became fully effective in <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. In actualpractice, however, <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> tax meant larger payroll deductions in<strong>the</strong> fall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year for persons affected by <strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> base.In terms <strong>of</strong> full-year changes consumers reduced <strong>the</strong>ir real spending onnondurable goods o<strong>the</strong>r than gasoline and fuel oil and on furniture andappliances but raised <strong>the</strong>ir spending on services. Purchases <strong>of</strong> clothing andshoes declined throughout <strong>the</strong> year, especially in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter, whilespending on furniture and appliances weakened after midyear.Table 5 shows <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> real disposable income into saving,autos and parts, energy, and all o<strong>the</strong>r personal outlays. The slight increase inoutlays o<strong>the</strong>r than for autos and parts and energy, in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> decliningreal income from 1973 to 1974, raises this share at <strong>the</strong> expense <strong>of</strong>savings, energy, and autos and parts. The adjustment seems to have beenfacilitated by <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> 1973 share <strong>of</strong> income devoted to savingand to autos and parts, which are sometimes viewed as a form <strong>of</strong> savingand investing, was high by historical standards.44


TABLE 5.—Disposition <strong>of</strong> real disposable personal income, 1960—74[Percent]Disposition <strong>of</strong> real income1960-72average197319741Total disposable income.100.0100.0100.0Personal saving..Personal outlays.6.693.58.291.87.892.2Personal consumption expenditures.Autos and partsEnergy 2All o<strong>the</strong>r91.06.86.977.489.18.26.974.089.56.86.676.2Transfers and interest2.52.72.7Addendum: Personal saving plus expenditures for autos and parts13.316.414.61 Preliminary.2 Gasoline and oil, electricity and gas, and o<strong>the</strong>r fuel.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.NET EXPORTSExports <strong>of</strong> goods and services rose 39 percent from 1973 to 1974, whileimports increased by 43 percent according to preliminary estimates. As aconsequence, net exports fell from $4 billion to $2 billion. In real termsexports rose by 8 percent while imports were up only 1 percent. The stabilityin real imports reflected <strong>the</strong> weak domestic economy and <strong>the</strong> reductionin petroleum imports. Implicit in <strong>the</strong> figures just cited is a worsening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>terms <strong>of</strong> trade as import prices rose 41 percent and export prices 29 percent.This deterioration in <strong>the</strong> terms <strong>of</strong> trade provides part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> answerto <strong>the</strong> decline in real incomes last year. The GNP deflator, which measures<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> domestic output, rose 10.2 percent from 1973 to 1974. However,prices <strong>of</strong> supplies available for U.S. purchasers (<strong>the</strong> implicit deflator <strong>of</strong>GNP less exports plus imports) rose 11 percent.COMPARISONS OF OUTPUT CHANGEMore than a usual amount <strong>of</strong> uncertainty surrounds <strong>the</strong> behavior <strong>of</strong> realoutput in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974. The economic facts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se quartersand <strong>the</strong>ir interpretation are <strong>of</strong> some importance because <strong>the</strong>y had a bearingon <strong>the</strong> stance <strong>of</strong> policy makers. The Administration believed that <strong>the</strong> growth<strong>of</strong> output was being constrained by supply factors as well as by weak demand.Despite <strong>the</strong> reduction in automobile production and in homebuilding, <strong>the</strong>steel industry, to cite one important example, was operating at capacity formuch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, mainly because <strong>of</strong> high demand for capital goods. Consequently,given <strong>the</strong> behavior <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r major indicators, <strong>the</strong>re were genuinequestions about how much output fell in <strong>the</strong> first quarter and whe<strong>the</strong>r it didnot rise at all after that. Solid evidence supporting ano<strong>the</strong>r pattern <strong>of</strong> realGNP behavior is not available, but <strong>the</strong>re are suggestions that output possiblybehaved a little differently, and that <strong>the</strong> recession phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cycle startedlater in <strong>the</strong> year. Table 6 compares growth rates (annualized) for real GNPand for <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve Board (FRB) index <strong>of</strong> industrial production.Compared to real GNP <strong>the</strong> FRB index fell half as much over <strong>the</strong> 3 quarters.45563-280 O - 75 - 4


TABLE 6.—Changes in industrial production, and nonfarm payroll employment and man-hoursassociated with two- and three-quarter declines in real gross national product, selected periods,1948-74Percent changePeriodRealGNPIndustrialproductionNonfarmpayrollemploymentPrivatenonfarmemployeeman-hoursTWO-QUARTER CHANGES1948 IV to 1949 II1953 II to 1953 IV1957 III to 1958 11960 1 to 1960 III1969 III to 1970 11973 IV to 1974 II. .-1.9-1.8-3.9-.6-1.1-2.2-6.3—4.7-9.6-3.7-3.3-1.2-2.7-1.1-2.6-.3.6.7-4.0—2.4-4.2-.4-.3-.5THREE-QUARTER CHANGES1953 II to 1954 11960 1 to 1960 IV1973 IV to 1974 III-3.2-1.3-2.7-7.6-6.0-1.3-2.3-.91.1-4.4-1.9-.41973 IV to 1974 11974 1 to 1974 II1974 II to 1974 III-1.8-.4-.5-1.7-.1.2.4.4-.4.1Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics),and Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.It declined less than GNP in <strong>the</strong> first and third quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974, and in <strong>the</strong>second quarter rose ra<strong>the</strong>r than declined. The behavior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two measuresthrough <strong>the</strong> first 2 or <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 stands in marked contrastto o<strong>the</strong>r periods when real GNP has declined.* On those occasions <strong>the</strong> declinein industrial production was always sharper than <strong>the</strong> decline in realGNP. The behavior <strong>of</strong> real output in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 also appearspuzzling when labor market behavior is examined. Employment in nonfarmestablishments rose by 1.1 percent from <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong>third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, whereas during <strong>the</strong> output declines <strong>of</strong> 1960 and1953-54 employment also declined.It might be argued that, even though <strong>the</strong> industrial sector held up relativelywell in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974, output in <strong>the</strong> nonindustrial sector<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy was weaker than in <strong>the</strong> past, partly because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energycrisis. Quarterly output data by detailed industry are not available. The onlycomprehensive independent data are man-hours, which rose 0.3 percentin <strong>the</strong> nonindustrial sector from <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> thirdquarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, in contrast to a 1.3 percent decline in man-hours in <strong>the</strong>industrial sector. This comparison as well as those cited above raise <strong>the</strong>possibility <strong>of</strong> labor hoarding. Many industries were unable to meet productionschedules in 1974 because <strong>of</strong> various disruptions: materials shortageswere common for much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, skilled labor was scarce in certain occupations,and strike activity rose. It is not clear why labor hoarding shouldhave been especially large in <strong>the</strong> nonindustrial sector. Bottlenecks were*The 3-quarter pattern would not be altered if real gross domestic product (GDP)were substituted for real gross national product. It should be noted that from <strong>the</strong>first to <strong>the</strong> second quarter, when GNP declined, GDP was unchanged.46


presumably greatest in manufacturing, but manufacturing output andproductivity held up better in <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 than did real GNP.No indicator <strong>of</strong> output is free <strong>of</strong> measurement problems. The FRB index,for example, had problems last year associated with efforts by business to conserveelectric power consumption because in some industries production ismeasured by power consumption. The measurement <strong>of</strong> changes in real GNPbecomes very difficult when rates <strong>of</strong> inflation are very high and particularlywhen <strong>the</strong>y change. This is especially so when output is not changing verymuch in ei<strong>the</strong>r direction, which was <strong>the</strong> case for several quarters <strong>of</strong> 1973 and1974. For <strong>the</strong> most part, real output is obtained by deflating various seriesmeasured in current dollars. Particularly in nonconsumption sectors <strong>the</strong>re arenumerous problems with <strong>the</strong> current dollar series. The deflation process itselfalso poses difficulties in <strong>the</strong>se sectors. The various wholesale price indexesleave much to be desired, and <strong>the</strong> time distribution <strong>of</strong> prices embodied in <strong>the</strong>current dollar series takes an uncertain shape, subject to change from onequarter to ano<strong>the</strong>r. As noted below, <strong>the</strong> measurement <strong>of</strong> inventory changesis an especially acute problem.PRICES, WAGES, AND PROFITSThe 11.0 percent rise in <strong>the</strong> GPI from 1973 to 1974 was <strong>the</strong> largest annualincrease since 1947 (Table 7). Although <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase during <strong>the</strong> yearwas fairly steady from quarter to quarter, <strong>the</strong>re were important shifts in <strong>the</strong>composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rises. Following <strong>the</strong> termination <strong>of</strong> controls on April 30,1974, increases in food and fuel prices, which dominated changes in <strong>the</strong> GPIearly in <strong>the</strong> year, gave way to increases over a broader range <strong>of</strong> goods andservices. At <strong>the</strong> same time increases in wage rates began to accelerate, andsince output per man-hour was falling, unit labor costs rose rapidly. Butprice increases for nonfinancial corporations as a group nearly kept pacewith unit labor and nonlabor costs over <strong>the</strong> 3 quarters for which data areavailable, with <strong>the</strong> result that pr<strong>of</strong>its per unit almost matched those <strong>of</strong> 1973.PRICESAlthough prices <strong>of</strong> goods and services sold in final markets and measuredby both <strong>the</strong> CPI and <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator advanced at consistently high ratesfrom one quarter to <strong>the</strong> next during 1974 (Table 7), price weakness—in <strong>the</strong>form <strong>of</strong> slower rates <strong>of</strong> increase and, to some extent, price reductions—developedin <strong>the</strong> spring and summer in crude and intermediate industrial productmarkets. By late 1974 <strong>the</strong>se changes were showing up to some degree in prices<strong>of</strong> finished goods. From September to December, prices <strong>of</strong> finished goodso<strong>the</strong>r than food in <strong>the</strong> wholesale price index (WPI) rose more slowly thanin <strong>the</strong> preceding 3 months. So did <strong>the</strong> nonfood commodity component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>CPI, which reflected both <strong>the</strong> slower price rise at earlier stages <strong>of</strong> fabricationas well as some shading <strong>of</strong> trade margins associated with <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>tening inconsumer demand. Still it will take several more months before <strong>the</strong> weaknessin crude and intermediate industrial commodity prices is fully transmittedand reflected in <strong>the</strong> CPI and <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator.47


TABLE 7.—Changes in selected price measures during 1974[Seasonally adjusted]Price measure19741973 IVto1974 IV i1973to19741Percent change; annual rate 2GNP implicit price deflator:Total GNP..Private GNP12.312.99.49.911.912.613.713.711.812.210.210.6GNP fixed (1967) weight price deflator:Total GNP12.714.611.112.012.712.311.99.212.012.010.611.4Personal consumption expendituresConsumer price index:14.210.314.210.112.211.0All itemsFood..Directly purchased energy3All o<strong>the</strong>r items19.470.78.63.122.311.912.33.715.314.61.29.6Percent contribution to change 412.221.611.314.429.38.3Consumer price index:All items100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0Food...Directly purchased energy 3All o<strong>the</strong>r items38.627.833.67.212.480.422.13.574.428.1.471.524.611.464.031.516.252.41 Preliminary for GNP price deflators.2 Changes in GNP price deflators based on quarterly data; changes during 1974 are from preceding quarter. Changesin consumer price indexes based on data for last month in quarter: for example, 1974 I change is change from December1973 to March 1974.3 Gas and electricity, fuel oil and coal, and gasoline and motor oil.4 Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.Crude and Intermediate MaterialsSome slowdown in crude industrial commodity prices began to occur inAugust 1973, when <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> output was slowing, but it came toan abrupt end with <strong>the</strong> outbreak <strong>of</strong> war in <strong>the</strong> Middle East in October.From <strong>the</strong>n until <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 1974, crude industrial materials prices rosesharply even though industrial output fell. Several measures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pricesappear in Chart 2. The continued existence <strong>of</strong> shortages and <strong>the</strong>ir role inlimiting increases in output in early 1974 perhaps explain <strong>the</strong> continuedrise in crude commodity prices in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drop in production.Chart 3 plots 6-month rates <strong>of</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> WPI indexes for intermediateindustrial goods and for producer finished goods, and consumer finishedgoods o<strong>the</strong>r than foods. The rise in <strong>the</strong> intermediate materials price indexbegan to slow in September. In <strong>the</strong> last 4 months <strong>of</strong> 1974 it rose at anannual rate <strong>of</strong> 9.6 percent, compared to 39.5 percent in <strong>the</strong> first 8 months<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. This marked slowdown in <strong>the</strong> intermediate industrial commodityindex, which accounts for 59 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> relative importance <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> WPI industrial component, reflects widespread deceleration in manyprice series and absolute declines in o<strong>the</strong>rs. Sizable declines were registeredfrom September to December in such commodity categories as cotton, wool48


. • * * * * • •Chart 2Prices <strong>of</strong> Raw and CrudeIndustrial CommoditiesINDEX, 1971=100300250200150THE ECONOMISTINDUSTRIALMATERIALS\/'*\/BLS/ SPOT MARKET ^> / - FRB ^»»• INDUSTRIALMATERIALS./ RAW INDUSTRIALS / , '/ - Z^L/--_/ ^^l-~' ,„' '....-•••••••yBLSCRUDE MATERIALSEXCLUDING FOOD—1001 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 I1 1 1 1 1 1 11973 19741 1 1SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM,AND THE ECONOMIST.Chart 3Changes in Wholesale Industrial PricesPERCENT CHANGE FROM 6 MONTHS EARLIER50SEASONALLY ADJUSTED ANNUAL RATES4030INTERMEDIATE MATERIALS,SUPPLIES, AND COMPONENTSJ/ /20CONSUMER FINISHED GOODSi/10'PRODUCER FINISHEDGOODS1972 1973 1974J/EXCLUDES INTERMEDIATE MATERIALS FOR FOOD MANUFACTURING AND MANUFACTURED ANIMAL FEEDS.2/EXCLUDES FOOD.SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.49


and manmade textile products, lea<strong>the</strong>r, lumber and wood products, buildingpaper and board, and nonferrous metals.These developments at <strong>the</strong> intermediate stage <strong>of</strong> production began to bereflected in finished goods prices late in <strong>the</strong> year. On <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> 6-monthspans, <strong>the</strong> WPI for consumer nonfood finished goods reached a peak rate <strong>of</strong>change <strong>of</strong> 26.8 percent in June, <strong>the</strong>n slowed to about half that pace by <strong>the</strong>end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. At first <strong>the</strong> slowdown reflected <strong>the</strong> leveling and subsequentdecline in gasoline prices and a marked slowdown in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase<strong>of</strong> apparel prices. By year-end <strong>the</strong> slowdown became more pervasive, extendingto o<strong>the</strong>r consumer nondurable goods and to consumer durables,whose price increases had continued to accelerate generally for most <strong>of</strong> 1974.Prices <strong>of</strong> foods at <strong>the</strong> farm level showed substantial increases in 4 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>last 6 months <strong>of</strong> 1974, caused largely by <strong>the</strong> bad wea<strong>the</strong>r that cut harvestsbelow expectations. Between July and November sugar prices rose by 123percent.The decline in crude and intermediate industrial commodity prices toge<strong>the</strong>rwith <strong>the</strong> decline in manufacturing and trade margins more than<strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> rise in food prices in <strong>the</strong> latter part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. This fact is reflectedin <strong>the</strong> overall slowdown in <strong>the</strong> rise in prices <strong>of</strong> commodities in <strong>the</strong>GPI market basket during <strong>the</strong> last 3 months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year. From Septemberto December <strong>the</strong>y increased at an annual rate <strong>of</strong> 10.3 percent compared to14.0 percent in <strong>the</strong> preceding 3 months. The decline in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increasefor nonfood commodities was especially pronounced—7.3 percent as against16.2 percent over <strong>the</strong> preceding 3 months.Prices <strong>of</strong> services, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r major CPI component, also rose somewhatmore slowly late in <strong>the</strong> year. They had accelerated to a rate a little over13 percent in <strong>the</strong> summer, as a result <strong>of</strong> sharp increases in prices <strong>of</strong> medicalcare and o<strong>the</strong>r labor-intensive services, a marked boost in gas and electricityrates, and <strong>the</strong> rise in mortgage interest rates.The deflator for gross national product is derived in large part from <strong>the</strong>GPI and to a lesser extent from various WPI components. It is calculated as aquarterly average, and during 1974 its movements roughly paralleled those<strong>of</strong> quarterly changes in <strong>the</strong> CPI, particularly when adjustments are madeto hold constant <strong>the</strong> weights in <strong>the</strong> deflator. For <strong>the</strong> year as a whole <strong>the</strong>deflators on various bases increased somewhat less than <strong>the</strong> 11.0 percentadvance registered by <strong>the</strong> CPI.WAGE RATESPrivate nonfarm wage rates, <strong>the</strong> major element in employee compensationper man-hour, rose 8.0 percent from 1973 to 1974 as measured by <strong>the</strong> LaborDepartment's adjusted average hourly earnings index for production andnonsupervisory workers. This was substantially less than <strong>the</strong> rise in consumerprices, and it followed a year <strong>of</strong> virtually no change in real wages similarlymeasured. The hourly earnings index (first column <strong>of</strong> Table 8) holdsconstant <strong>the</strong> mix <strong>of</strong> employment by industry and excludes <strong>the</strong> effect that50


TABLE 8.—Components <strong>of</strong> percent change in compensation per man-hour in <strong>the</strong> private nonfarmsector, 1965-74[Percent]PeriodHourlyearnings iProduction workersOvertime inmanufacturingIndustryshiftsEmployeeso<strong>the</strong>r thanproductionworkersBenefits, allemployeesCompensationper man-hour,all employeesChange from precedingyear:1965....1966196719681969....3.74.14.96.36.60.1.3-.3.2-.10.0.1.1-.2.2-0.4.7.9-.30.2.6.0.3.33.65.85.67.36.719701971..19721973..197426.67.16.56.48.0-.2.0.1.2-.2-.5-.3-.8.2-.1.7-.9-.4-.2.7.3.7.7.86.96.66.17.48.7Change from precedingquarter: 31973: 1IIIllIV5.36.57.77.2.4.3-.4-.3-1.0.8.8.42.8-1.6-1.3.83.9.3-.7.411.46.36.18.51974: 1IIIll|V26.39.711.09.8-.3-.1.3g-.6-.8-.3.12.12.6-1.1-1.5.4-.1.21.87.911.310.19.31 Adjusted for overtime in manufacturing and interindustry shifts.2 Preliminary.> Seasonally adjusted annual rates.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.changes in overtime in manufacturing have on average hourly earnings. In<strong>the</strong> 4 quarters ending in <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, increases in <strong>the</strong> indexaveraged 6.9 percent, fluctuating between annual rates <strong>of</strong> 6.3 percent and7.7 percent. The rate <strong>of</strong> increase accelerated markedly after <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong>controls on April 30, and averaged 10.2 percent during <strong>the</strong> last 3 quarters<strong>of</strong> 1974. The acceleration was widespread, affecting all major industrygroups.The wage-rate increases in <strong>the</strong> last two-thirds <strong>of</strong> 1974 reflected pressuresplaced on employers by workers whose real incomes had not kept pacewith inflation during 1973 and early 1974. The high rate <strong>of</strong> past inflation,besides inducing a sharp rise in strikes, led to a considerable step-up in <strong>the</strong>size <strong>of</strong> first-year wage increases (Table 9). It also led workers and <strong>the</strong>irunions to raise <strong>the</strong>ir expectations about <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> future price increases.To hedge against such prospects, broadened use was made <strong>of</strong> escalatorclauses in labor agreements. During 1974, such clauses were newly incorporatedin agreements covering 869,000 workers, <strong>the</strong> largest increase in workersso covered since 1971. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> December 1974, 5.3 million workers<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 10.3 million covered by private nonfarm collective bargaining agreementsaffecting 1,000 or more workers had escalator clauses in <strong>the</strong>ir contracts,<strong>the</strong> largest percentage <strong>of</strong> such workers ever covered by <strong>the</strong>se clauses.51


TABLE 9.—Changes in major collective bargaining settlements, 1973-74Type <strong>of</strong> change and industry group1973III19741IIIIVPercentCurrent quarter settlements:First year wage change (annual rate).5.56.25.85.56.29.211.110.3Percent <strong>of</strong> workers covered by currentquarter settlements a12181013515165Quarterly percent changesEffective wage-rate change: 3Total effective changesAdjustment resulting from:Current decisionPrior decisionEscalator provisionManufacturingNonmanufacturing excluding construction _ConstructionTransportation and public utilities..Wholesale and retail tradeServices1.2.3.6.11.01.4L31.31.41.91.0.7.31.91.62.91.51.91.82.3.9.9.52.12.91.04.02.02.01.2.5.3.31.6.8.3.51.01.21.2 2.9.3 1.6.6 .9.3 .51.4 3.51.3 1.7.6 4.31.3 .91.4 3.7.9 1.93.41.9.9.53.03.93.14.73.12.51.5.7.3.51.91.2.8.61.81.01 Preliminary.2 Percent <strong>of</strong> estimated number <strong>of</strong> workers under major collective bargaining settlements.3 Effective wage-rate changes are wage-rate changes actually going into effect per worker under major contracts in <strong>the</strong>respective quarters resulting from major collective bargaining settlements, made that calendar year, plus deferred increasesin accordance with prior year contracts plus escalator adjustments.Note.—Data relate to settlements covering 1,000 or more workers in private nonfarm industries.Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.The effect <strong>of</strong> broadened use <strong>of</strong> escalators and <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in 1974 in<strong>the</strong> CPI made wage increases effected through cost-<strong>of</strong>-living clauses a somewhatmore important element in total wage increases in 1974 compared to1973. The full effects <strong>of</strong> last year's record inflation on escalator clauses willnot be evident until <strong>the</strong> final quarter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current year.Compensation per man-hour (last column <strong>of</strong> Table 8) is not adjusted forchanges over time in manufacturing or for interindustry shifts, but it isa more useful indicator <strong>of</strong> labor costs to employers than adjusted hourlyearnings because <strong>of</strong> its comprehensiveness. Despite <strong>the</strong> shift in employmentaway from high-wage industries in 1974 and <strong>the</strong> decline in manufacturingover time, compensation per man-hour rose more rapidly than adjustedhourly earnings in 1974. This was mainly a reflection <strong>of</strong> rapid wage increasesfor employees o<strong>the</strong>r than production workers.NONFINANGIAL CORPORATIONSSome perspective on recent wage changes and <strong>the</strong>ir relation to pr<strong>of</strong>its andprices is provided by Table 10, which pertains to nonfinancial corporations.The table shows first <strong>of</strong> all that unit labor costs rose almost three times as52


TABLE 10.—Changes in prices, costs, and pr<strong>of</strong>its per unit <strong>of</strong> output for nonfinancial corporations,1969 to 1974(Percent change]Item1969to19701970to19711971to19721972to19731973to19741Percent change per unit <strong>of</strong> output:Prices_4.53.61.93.49.5Employee compensation...6.32.21.84.011.3Compensation per man-hour.Output per man-hour7.1 .87.14.86.34.47.43.29.0-2.0O<strong>the</strong>r costs.11.94.6-1.0.79.5Capital consumption allowances.Indirect business taxes 2Net interestPr<strong>of</strong>its plus inventory valuation adjustments9.69.231.0-17.94.85.9 .010.9.8-2.4—2.69.8-.8 .08.14.19.88.112.5-.7Percent change in output—1.43.28.57.8-2.41 Preliminary. Compensation per man-hour and output per man-hour estimated by <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.2 Includes business transfer payments less subsidies.3 Before taxes.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> LaborStatistics).fast in 1974 as in 1973, a result not so much <strong>of</strong> rising compensationper man-hour as <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline in productivity. The year-over-yeardecrease was <strong>the</strong> first since 1958, when this productivity series was begun. Asecond contrast with 1973 is <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in costs o<strong>the</strong>r than labor costs.Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se in aggregate tend to be relatively fixed and consequently risemost rapidly per unit when output rises more slowly or declines. Third, eventhough real wages declined, so did pr<strong>of</strong>its. According to preliminary estimates,pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes and including IVA fell about 3 percent, <strong>of</strong> whichabout 2j4 percent represented <strong>the</strong> drop in output while <strong>the</strong> remainder reflectedlower pr<strong>of</strong>its per unit. The pr<strong>of</strong>its performance is much poorerwhen allowance is made for petroleum pr<strong>of</strong>its. Domestic pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> oil companiesapproximately doubled from 1973 to 1974, while those <strong>of</strong> all o<strong>the</strong>rnonfinancial corporations fell by about 11 percent.Last year was <strong>the</strong> second successive year in which <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> bothpr<strong>of</strong>its plus IVA and real nonfarm wages was mediocre or poor. The reasonis that key elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1973 and 1974 price rises reflected in <strong>the</strong> consumerprices originated outside <strong>the</strong> corporate sector. In 1973, a good part<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price rise reflected increased income <strong>of</strong> farm proprietors, while in1974 <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r rise was significantly affected by prices paid to foreign oilproducers.The pr<strong>of</strong>its just cited are those as measured in <strong>the</strong> national incomeaccounts, and <strong>the</strong>y include <strong>the</strong> IVA. Pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes as reported by nonfinancialcorporations to stockholders and used as <strong>the</strong> basis for calculatingtax liabilities—that is, pr<strong>of</strong>its excluding <strong>the</strong> IVA—rose 16 percent, followingincreases <strong>of</strong> 21 percent in 1972 and 26 percent in 1973.53


Pr<strong>of</strong>its data are currently subject to a good deal <strong>of</strong> uncertainty, whateverbasis is used, because many companies are changing <strong>the</strong>ir methods <strong>of</strong> accounting.Even if <strong>the</strong>re were no changes in accounting, <strong>the</strong> large increases inprices and shifts in <strong>the</strong>ir rate <strong>of</strong> increase would make <strong>the</strong> calculation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>IVA more difficult than usual.Recent shifts in accounting methods for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> reducing tax liabilitiesinvolve large sums and are probably more widespread than at any timesince <strong>the</strong> years following <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> World War II. Most companies use <strong>the</strong>FIFO or average cost method <strong>of</strong> accounting, under which items are chargedout to costs <strong>of</strong> goods sold in <strong>the</strong> same order that <strong>the</strong>y are charged in to inventories.When prices are rising, <strong>the</strong> prices at which items are charged tocosts will ordinarily be lower than <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> items in closing inventories,that is, those purchased in <strong>the</strong> most recent period. The FIFO method has<strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> inflating closing inventories and pr<strong>of</strong>its. Under an alternativesystem, LIFO, <strong>the</strong> items bought in <strong>the</strong> most recent period are <strong>the</strong> first tobe charged to costs, so that what is left in closing inventories will be lower inprice. In periods <strong>of</strong> rising prices, pr<strong>of</strong>its will be lower in this system thanthose calculated under FIFO.In calculating <strong>the</strong> inventory change component <strong>of</strong> GNP, <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> Commerce attempts to estimate <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> physical volume <strong>of</strong> inventoriesduring a quarter and to value <strong>the</strong> change at prices current during<strong>the</strong> quarter. This calculation is an approximation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> results obtainedthrough <strong>the</strong> LIFO system. The difference between <strong>the</strong> GNP inventorychange figure and <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> book value <strong>of</strong> inventories is <strong>the</strong> inventoryvaluation adjustment, and it has ordinarily been deducted from corporatepr<strong>of</strong>its and proprietors' income for purposes <strong>of</strong> national incomecalculation. It is sometimes referred to as "inventory pr<strong>of</strong>it." This portion<strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>it can be used for o<strong>the</strong>r investment or dividend payments only if <strong>the</strong>inventories are liquidated.Pr<strong>of</strong>its are also affected by inflation through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> historical costsra<strong>the</strong>r than replacement costs in calculating depreciation. The Department<strong>of</strong> Commerce has estimated that, o<strong>the</strong>r things being equal, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> replacementra<strong>the</strong>r than historical costs to calculate depreciation would reduce<strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its as a percentage <strong>of</strong> gross corporate product in 1974 byapproximately 3 percentage points.REAL INCOMETable 11 brings toge<strong>the</strong>r several measures <strong>of</strong> nominal and real income andearnings, some <strong>of</strong> which were discussed earlier in this chapter. From 1973 to1974, per capita personal income in real terms (1958 dollars) declined 2.8percent, by far <strong>the</strong> largest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> four annual declines since <strong>the</strong> earlv post-World War II period. For reasons already noted, real taxes per capita alsorose so that real per capita disposable income declined bv 3.4 percent.Transfer payments on a per capita basis continued to increase rapidlyfrom 1973 to 1974, although <strong>the</strong> increase in real terms (5.7 percent) was54


TABLE 11.—Changes in selected measures <strong>of</strong> income, earnings y and taxes; 1969—74[Percent change; annual rate]Measure1969to1973Current dollars1972to19731973to197421969to1973Constant dollars *1972to19731973to1974 2Per capita personal income measures:Personal incomeWage and salary disbursements and o<strong>the</strong>r laborincomeAll o<strong>the</strong>r earned incomeTransfer payments.State unemployment insuranceo<strong>the</strong>r . ::::"Personal contributions to social insurancePersonal taxes.._ _Disposable personal income7.97.27.714.618.914.511.85.78.210.99.515.913.4-23.115.423.05.411.88.38.04.917.970.015.911.312.17.63 52 83.49.915.09.97.31.43.85 03 89.97.6-26.39 116.8.06.0-2 8—3 0-5.85.750.04.1.0.6-3.4Compensation per man-hour:Private nonfarm employees *6.87.48.71.71.1-2.1Earnings <strong>of</strong> production or nonsupervisory workers in privatenonfarm industries:Average hourly earningsAverage weekly earnings6.66.16.86.87.76.21.61.1.7.5-3.1-4.3Median usual weekly earnings <strong>of</strong> full-time wage and salaryworkers;*All 16 years and overMales 25 years and overFemales 25 years and over*6.0•6.3«7.76.37.98.38 1.2•1.7«2.8-4.1-1.9-2.2Median annual family income:All familiesFamilies with male headFamilies with female head6.36.84.78.49.38.51.31.8—.22.12.92.2Addendum:Personal consumption expenditures deflatorConsumer price index4.34.95.66.211.311.01 Per capita personal income measures deflated by <strong>the</strong> personal consumption expenditures deflator. All o<strong>the</strong>r measuresdeflated by <strong>the</strong> consumer price index.2 Preliminary.8 Compensation excludes employer contributions to social insurance.* Data related to earnings in May <strong>of</strong> each year.' Changes from 1969 to 1972. Data for 1973 not exactly comparable with data for earlier years because <strong>of</strong> changes introducedin 1973 in <strong>the</strong> collection and tabulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> May data.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis and Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census), Department <strong>of</strong> Labor(Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics), and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.below <strong>the</strong> average for recent years. Transfers now make up more than12 percent <strong>of</strong> personal income. To some extent <strong>the</strong> rise in transfer paymentsreflected <strong>the</strong> onset <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recession. The increase in unemployment not onlyled to a 50 percent increase in real unemployment insurance benefits, but italso probably increased <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> persons eligible for welfare benefitssuch as food stamps arid Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).Excluding unemployment benefits, real per capita transfers rose by 4.1percent.The major factor underlying <strong>the</strong> decline in real per capita personal incomewas <strong>the</strong> sharp decline in real earnings <strong>of</strong> wage and salary workers, whose incomemakes up about 70 percent <strong>of</strong> personal income. This decrease in realearnings <strong>of</strong> wage and salary workers is also evident in o<strong>the</strong>r available measures<strong>of</strong> earnings from various sources.55


Real hourly earnings <strong>of</strong> production or nonsupervisory workers in privatenonagricultural establishments fell, and <strong>the</strong>ir real weekly earnings fellstill more, since hours worked per week for this group declined from 37.1in 1973 to 36.6 in 1974. The more comprehensive measure <strong>of</strong> employees' realearnings, compensation per man-hour, declined by 2.1 percent excludingemployers' contributions for social insurance.Since information is not given on <strong>the</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong> persons holding <strong>the</strong>jobs included in <strong>the</strong> establishment series, one cannot tell to what extentaverage earnings are affected by changes in <strong>the</strong> experience or skill mix <strong>of</strong>workers. Over <strong>the</strong> past decade <strong>the</strong> rapid rise in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> workerswith less market experience—young people and women—had a depressingeffect on average annual earnings.What <strong>the</strong> monthly establishment data do not show can be seen in earningsdata that are now being collected each May from households. They provideinformation on all wage and salary workers, with specific demographicbreakdowns. As indicated in Table 11, from May 1973 to May 1974 <strong>the</strong>usual weekly earnings <strong>of</strong> all full-time workers declined on <strong>the</strong> average byabout <strong>the</strong> same amount as weekly earnings <strong>of</strong> production workers. However,<strong>the</strong> decline for adult men and adult women was not as great as <strong>the</strong> overalldrop.Data on earnings or income <strong>of</strong> families and individuals are not yet availablefor 1974. Undoubtedly <strong>the</strong> real income <strong>of</strong> most groups fell and probablyby more than weekly earnings would suggest, because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in unemploymentand <strong>the</strong> resulting decline in weeks worked per year. Income data onan annual basis are now available for 1973, which was a year <strong>of</strong> strongincrease in real family income compared to <strong>the</strong> whole period 1969-73.The gains <strong>of</strong> 1973 may well have been canceled, however, by <strong>the</strong> losses <strong>of</strong>1974.LABOR MARKET DEVELOPMENTSLabor markets underwent major changes last year (Table 12). From <strong>the</strong>fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 unemployment increasedby 1.8 million and <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate increased from 4.7 to 6.6 percent(Chart 4). Accompanying this rise was a continued strong growth in <strong>the</strong>civilian labor force participation rate, particularly among women andyouths. Civilian employment rose through most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year but fell verysharply in <strong>the</strong> last 2 months <strong>of</strong> 1974, so that in December it was half a millionlower than a year earlier. An analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general nature <strong>of</strong> unemploymentappears in Chapter 3.The rise in unemployment during 1974 was not continuous, butoccurred mainly in two separate spurts, from <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 toJanuary 1974 and in <strong>the</strong> 4 months after August 1974. The year startedwith a sharp rise in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate, from 4.7 percent in <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to 5.2 percent in January 1974, largely as a result <strong>of</strong> lay<strong>of</strong>fsattributable directly or indirectly to <strong>the</strong> energy crisis. The employment effects56


TABLE 12.—Labor market indicators, 1973-74[Percent; seasonally adjusted]Indicator 1973 19741973IV1974IIIMillions <strong>of</strong> personsCivilian labor forceEmploymentUnemployment88.784.44.391.085.95.189.885.64.390.585.84.790.686.04.791.486.45.091.885.76.1PercentCivilian labor force participation rate >UNEMPLOYMENT RATESAll civilian workersLabor force time lost 2Unemployed 15 weeks or longer 3State insured *White-collar workers.Blue-collar workersOccupationIndustryNonagricultural private wage and salary workers «.ConstructionManufacturingDurable goods.__Nondurable goods_Transportation and public utilities .Wholesale and retail tradeFinance and service industriesGovernment workersREASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT 6Job losersJob leavers.Reentrants and new entrantsSTRIKE ACTIVITYDays idle as percent <strong>of</strong> estimated working days 7 .._._60.84.95.2.92.72.95.34.88.84.33.94.93.05.64.32.71.9.82.2.141 Civilian labor force as percent <strong>of</strong> civilian noninstitutional population.2 Hours lost by <strong>the</strong> unemployed and persons on part-time for economic reasons as a percent <strong>of</strong> potentially available laborforce hours.3 Unemployment rate calculated as a percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force.4 Insured unemployment understate programs as a percent <strong>of</strong> covered employment.5 Includes mining not shown separately.8 Unemployed as percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force.7 Not seasonally adjusted. 1974 is preliminary.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.61.25.66.11.03.63.36.75.710.65.75.46.23.26.44.63.02.4.82.3.2461.14.75.2.92.72.95.44.88.84.23.94.83.05.54.32.61.8.82.1.1661.35.15.6.93.23.16.05.38.65.04.85.42.96.04.62.72.2.82.1.0961.15.15.61.03.33.16.15.310.05.04.75.33.16.14.33.12.2.82.2.3461.45.56.01.13.43.36.65.611.35.65.06.53.46.44.53.02.3.82.4.3361.46.67.21.24.33.78.36.913.47.57.37.93.67.35.23.23.1.92.6<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy crisis tended to be highly concentrated. During <strong>the</strong> period <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> embargo, from November 1973 to March 1974, <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> privatenonfarm payroll jobs fell by 8,000, but <strong>the</strong> declines in energy-related sectorswere substantially greater (Table 13).A partial recovery from <strong>the</strong> worst effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy crisis helpedstabilize <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate at approximately 5.2 percent in <strong>the</strong> firsthalf <strong>of</strong> 1974. In <strong>the</strong> spring and summer quarters employment showedmoderate increases that reflected divergent trends. Continued weakness inhousing brought steady decreases in employment in contract construction,57


Chart 4Unemployment RatePERCENTJ/10SEASONALLY ADJUSTED0I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974^/UNEMPLOYMENT AS PERCENT OF CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE; QUARTERLY.SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.and sluggish demand and <strong>the</strong> need to trim inventories brought decreases inemployment in nondurable manufacturing. Employment in motor vehiclesregained some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ground lost in <strong>the</strong> winter, but durable goods employmentwas o<strong>the</strong>rwise almost unchanged. The rise in nonfarm employment thatdid occur was attributable largely to trade, services, and State and localgovernments.The unemployment rate increased rapidly during <strong>the</strong> last few months in<strong>the</strong> year, rising from 5.4 percent in August to 7.2 percent in December. In<strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>the</strong> general weakening in demand and output broughtwidespread lay<strong>of</strong>fs in both nondurable and durable manufacturing—notablyin motor vehicles—as well as in trade. The continuing decline in constructionexacerbated <strong>the</strong> deteriorating situation.The increase in unemployment in <strong>the</strong> last quarter was very large amongblue-collar workers, particularly operatives, for whom <strong>the</strong> jobless rate increasedby 2.5 percentage points to 9.6 percent. However, even wholesale andretail trade experienced a sharp seasonally adjusted increase in unemployment,especially in December, a reflection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weakness in retail sales.From 1973 to 1974 <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force rose by 2.6 percent, a verylarge increase by postwar standards. The 2.2 percent rise from <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 was less than <strong>the</strong> increasesduring 1972 and 1973 but slightly above <strong>the</strong> trend rate. Continuing past58


TABLE 13.—Changes in employment in <strong>the</strong> private nonfarm economy: total and selected energy-relatedindustries, November 1973 to March 1974[Seasonally adjusted]IndustryChange in employmentTotal private nonfarmEnergy-using:Motor vehicles and equipmentGasoline service stationsMotor vehicle dealers, retailO<strong>the</strong>r transportationHotel and o<strong>the</strong>r lodging places..Substitutes for imported oil:Oil and gas extractionCoal mining_._.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.trends, <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force participation rate increased in 1974. It rose0.4 percentage point to <strong>the</strong> post-World War II record high level <strong>of</strong> 61.2percent. Participation rates did not increase among all demographicgroups. The rate decreased for men, aged 55 and over, chiefly as a consequence<strong>of</strong> earlier retirement. However, <strong>the</strong> trend toward earlier retirementwas slowed, presumably because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> inflation on fixed incomes,including private pensions. Participation rates for women aged 25 to 54continued <strong>the</strong>ir dramatic long-run increase, with <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase somewhathigher than in recent years. As w r ith older men, labor force participationrates decreased for women over 55 years <strong>of</strong> age. The rate increasedsharply for young persons aged 16 to 24 <strong>of</strong> both sexes, reflecting <strong>the</strong> continuedincrease in participation for students, later marriage for women,a later age at which <strong>the</strong>y begin childbearing, and greater participationamong young mo<strong>the</strong>rs.FISCAL POLICY IN 1974Fiscal policy turned out to be tighter during 1974 than was anticipatedlast February in <strong>the</strong> 1975 budget, largely because <strong>the</strong> unanticipated acceleration<strong>of</strong> inflation lifted Federal revenues. In February 1974, a risingbudget deficit was projected for calendar 1974. The projected increasein <strong>the</strong> deficit from 1973 to 1974, however, was not due to an expansionaryshift in fiscal policy. Ra<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automaticstabilizers was expected to raise <strong>the</strong> budget deficit because it wasanticipated that <strong>the</strong> economy would grow at less than its potential. The factthat economic activity was weaker than projected should have caused aneven larger deficit automatically at given rates <strong>of</strong> inflation. In fact, however,<strong>the</strong>re was no automatic fiscal stabilization to cushion <strong>the</strong> decline in realincome since <strong>the</strong> revenue-reducing effect <strong>of</strong> lower real incomes was <strong>of</strong>fset59


y <strong>the</strong> revenue-increasing effect <strong>of</strong> inflation. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> growth in realFederal spending was reduced. As a result, <strong>the</strong> actual deficit remained smalland showed no tendency to rise until <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974.In February 1974, <strong>the</strong> Administration estimated that unified budget outlayswould be $274/ 2 billion and receipts $270 billion for fiscal 1974, leavinga deficit <strong>of</strong> $4/ 2 billion. While <strong>the</strong> deficit turned out to be only $1 billionlower, actual outlays fell $6 billion below <strong>the</strong> February estimate. The $3-billion increase in proprietary receipts, primarily oil and gas royalties andlease payments, is treated as an <strong>of</strong>fset to outlays in <strong>the</strong> unified budget, andthis accounts for part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline. Although <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> outlayswas 1 percentage point less than that <strong>of</strong> GNP from fiscal 1973 to fiscal 1974,receipts grew by 4 percentage points more. The disproportionate rise inreceipts is attributable largely to high rates <strong>of</strong> inflation.FEDERAL EXPENDITURESOn <strong>the</strong> national income accounts (NIA) basis, actual Federal expendituresrose from $264 billion in calendar 1973 to $298/ 2 billion in 1974 (Table 14),a rise <strong>of</strong> 13 percent. This increase was unusually large in nominal terms andexceeded <strong>the</strong> rise in GNP; but it was small in real terms, considering<strong>the</strong> 10 percent rise in <strong>the</strong> GNP price deflator from 1973 to 1974. In fact, <strong>the</strong>use <strong>of</strong> specific deflators appropriate for <strong>the</strong> major components <strong>of</strong> Federalspending suggests that real Federal expenditures increased by only 2 percentfrom 1973 to 1974. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, even in nominal terms most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>TABLE 14.—Federal Government receipts and expenditures, national income accountsbasis, calendar years 1973-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]1974Receipt or expenditure category 1973February1974 budgetprojection 1 Actual 2Federal Government receipts.258.5289.8291.1Personal tax and nontax paymentsCorporate pr<strong>of</strong>its tax accrualsIndirect business tax and nontax accruals.Contributions for social insurance114.143.721.279.5131.843.326.988.6131.249.122.088.7Federal Government expenditures.264.2301.5298.6Purchases <strong>of</strong> goods and servicesDefense. _O<strong>the</strong>rTra nsfer paymentsGrants-in-aid to State and local governmentsNet interest paidSubsidies less current surplus <strong>of</strong> government enterprises.Less: Wage accruals less disbursements106.674.432.295.540.516.35.3.0117.078.438.6116.845.920.51.4.0116.478.637.9117.043.718.82.1Surplus or deficit (—).-5.6-11.7-7.61 February 1974 projected percent changes applied to revised 1973 actual data. Excludes transfer <strong>of</strong> $2.1 billion worth<strong>of</strong> rupees to <strong>the</strong> Indian Government, which was included in <strong>the</strong> February budget. This transfer was not included in NIAexpenditures as was originally anticipated.2 Preliminary.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Office <strong>of</strong> Management and Budget.60


major expenditure components turned out to be lower than projected inFebruary; only transfer payments were slightly higher.The distribution <strong>of</strong> Federal expenditures in 1974 continued to shift towardtransfer payments and away from purchases <strong>of</strong> goods and services,especially for defense. While purchases rose 9 percent from 1973 to 1974,transfer payments increased by 23 percent. The small rise that did occur indefense purchases was due largely to increased costs <strong>of</strong> operation and maintenance,including higher fuel costs. As in <strong>the</strong> previous year, <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> payincreases on personnel expenditures was <strong>of</strong>fset to some extent by <strong>the</strong> continuingreduction in <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Armed Forces, as <strong>the</strong> transition to an allvolunteersystem was completed. Federal nondefense purchases rose, inpart because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 4.8 percent pay increase for civilian employeesin October 1973 and <strong>the</strong> 5.5 percent increase in October 1974. While netpurchases by <strong>the</strong> Commodity Credit Corporation declined, o<strong>the</strong>r nondefensepurchases, including expenditures for medical research and veterans'hospitals, rose.Several factors contributed to <strong>the</strong> large rise in Federal transfer paymentsto persons from 1973 to 1974. Old-age, survivors', and disability (OASDI)benefit rates were increased by 7 percent in April and by an additional 4percent starting in July 1974. From 1973 to 1974, <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> beneficiaries<strong>of</strong> old-age and survivors' insurance rose by 3J/2 percent while <strong>the</strong> number<strong>of</strong> disabled beneficiaries climbed by more than 9 percent. The increase insocial security benefits under <strong>the</strong> OASDI programs thus accounted foralmost one-third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> $21-billion increase in Federal transfer payments topersons. In addition, hospital and medical insurance benefits (medicare)increased by $2.5 billion. The supplemental security income program,which was initiated in 1974 to replace federally aided State programs <strong>of</strong>assistance to <strong>the</strong> aged, blind, and disabled, increased Federal transfer paymentsby $4 billion while reducing grants to State and local governmentsby $1}4 billion. The costs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Food Stamp Program climbed by over $1billion to $35/2 billion in 1974. Unemployment insurance benefits jumpedby $3 billion, and smaller increases occurred in veterans' benefits and incivil service and military retirement programs. Net transfer payments t<strong>of</strong>oreigners increased little.As a result <strong>of</strong> nonrecurring factors, mainly <strong>the</strong> shift to transfers under<strong>the</strong> supplemental security income program, Federal grants-in-aid to Stateand local governments grew at a slower rate than total expenditures from1973 to 1974, increasing from $40 1 / 2 billion to $44 billion. Increases in educationprograms, some <strong>of</strong> which had been deferred in 1973, and in medicaidaccounted for most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> $35/2 -billion rise. Grants for general revenuesharing continued at <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> $6 billion per annum.FEDERAL RECEIPTSFederal receipts (NIA) rose from $258/ 2 billion in calendar 1973 to anestimated $291 billion in calendar 1974, an increase <strong>of</strong> I2/2 percent comparedto <strong>the</strong> 8 percent rise in nominal GNP. The rise in receipts during a61563-280 O - 7 5 - 5


period when real GNP declined by 2 percent is explained by <strong>the</strong> disproportionateimpact <strong>of</strong> 10 percent inflation on <strong>the</strong> tax liabilities <strong>of</strong> individualtaxpayers and corporations.In particular, inflation has raised <strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> personal income that ispaid in Federal income taxes because personal exemptions, low-incomeallowance and standard deduction limits, and tax brackets are fixed innominal terms. Income taxes account for about 95 percent <strong>of</strong> personal taxand nontax payments in Table 14. Personal income minus transfer payments—arough proxy for income subject to <strong>the</strong> personal income tax—rose 8 percent from 1973 to 1974, but this increase produced a 15 percentjump in personal tax receipts. The 6/ 2 percent rise in <strong>the</strong> real Federal taxburden <strong>of</strong> persons was distributed regressively by income classes, becausethose generally low- and moderate-income taxpayers who do not itemize deductionsare subject to larger percentage increases than most higher-incomeindividuals.Inflation may have increased <strong>the</strong> average tax rate <strong>of</strong> corporations evenmore than that <strong>of</strong> persons. As explained earlier in this chapter, duringperiods <strong>of</strong> rising prices, taxable book pr<strong>of</strong>its tend to be overstated because<strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> goods sold does not fully reflect <strong>the</strong> current replacement costs<strong>of</strong> inventories and <strong>of</strong> capital goods used in production. Even though pr<strong>of</strong>itsas measured on <strong>the</strong> NIA basis did not rise from 1973 to 1974, and althoughpr<strong>of</strong>its, including not only <strong>the</strong> inventory valuation adjustmentbut also a "depreciation valuation adjustment," have fallen, corporate pr<strong>of</strong>itstax accruals rose by 12^2 percent because book pr<strong>of</strong>its increased by 15 percent.The shift <strong>of</strong> many firms to LIFO inventory accounting prevented thisdisparity from being even greater and is estimated to have reduced corporatepr<strong>of</strong>its tax accruals by $2 billion below r what <strong>the</strong>y would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have beenin 1974.Federal contributions for social insurance rose by 11J/2 percent in 1974.Social security contributions (OASDHI) account for about three-fourths<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> receipts for social insurance, with o<strong>the</strong>r retirement programs and unemploymentinsurance taxes making up <strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remainder. Since <strong>the</strong>number <strong>of</strong> workers contributing to social security at any time during<strong>the</strong> year is estimated to have increased by 2 percent from 1973 to1974, almost all <strong>the</strong> rise in contributions for social security was due to <strong>the</strong>increase in taxable wages and salaries per employee. The maximum amount<strong>of</strong> annual earnings subject to <strong>the</strong> 11.7 percent payroll tax on employers andemployees combined was raised from $10,800 in 1973 to $13,200 at <strong>the</strong>beginning <strong>of</strong> 1974. This statutory increase accounted for about $4 billion<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> $9-billion increase in contributions for social insurance. The tax basewas raised to $14,100 at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1975.BALANCES OF THE FEDERAL BUDGETActual Federal budget deficits (NIA) remained remarkably small and constantuntil late in 1974. From <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 through <strong>the</strong> third62


quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> seasonally adjusted quarterly deficits clustered in <strong>the</strong> $1-billion to $3-billion range (Table 15), even though <strong>the</strong> unemployment raterose from 4.8 percent to 5.5 percent.The full-employment surplus continued to rise through <strong>the</strong> third quarter<strong>of</strong> 1974 as it had throughout 1973, with full-employment receipts rising byabout 2 percentage points faster per quarter than full-employment expenditures.Over <strong>the</strong> entire 6 quarters from <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> thirdquarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> full-employment surplus rose by $35 to $36 billion. Theincrease was equivalent to 12 percent <strong>of</strong> 1974 full-employment expenditures.Only once since <strong>the</strong> Korean war was <strong>the</strong>re a comparable rise in <strong>the</strong> full-employmentsurplus relative to expenditures, and this occurred between <strong>the</strong> finalquarter <strong>of</strong> 1958 and <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1960. However, very little <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shiftin 1958-60 was due to inflation. When <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation is low, changes in<strong>the</strong> full-employment surplus are a measure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> budgetary implications <strong>of</strong>shifts in discretionary fiscal policy at <strong>the</strong> constant level <strong>of</strong> resource utilizationexpressed in <strong>of</strong>ficial estimates <strong>of</strong> potential GNP at current prices. The higher<strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation, <strong>the</strong> less this interpretation applies, since <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong>inflation on ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> actual budget or <strong>the</strong> full-employment budget isgenerally not neutral.In fact, changes in <strong>the</strong> full-employment budget surplus in <strong>the</strong> last 2years have not been due mainly to discretionary fiscal policy shifts but tochanges in <strong>the</strong> relation between Federal expenditures and receipts that haveresulted from high and variable rates <strong>of</strong> inflation. Since <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong>1973 <strong>the</strong>re have been no major statutory tax changes, apart from annualincreases in <strong>the</strong> taxable earnings base under social security. Hence, most <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> Federal full-employment budget surplus has beendue to <strong>the</strong> slow growth <strong>of</strong> real Government expenditures in 1973 and in<strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1974, and to unlegislated increases in taxation through <strong>the</strong>rise in average tax rates induced by inflation.If inflation had continued at <strong>the</strong> same 7.4 percent annual rate that wasregistered in <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator from <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1972 to <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter <strong>of</strong> 1973, and if <strong>the</strong> actual IVA is used, <strong>the</strong>n estimated full-employmentreceipts would have been $8/ 2 billion lower in <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong>1974 (annual rate). Since <strong>the</strong> IVA would, in fact, have been considerablyless than <strong>the</strong> $51.2 billion recorded in <strong>the</strong> third quarter if <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflationhad not risen, allowing for this fact would reduce full-employment taxreceipts by ano<strong>the</strong>r $5 to $7 billion in that quarter, because taxable corporatepr<strong>of</strong>its would have been lower. (Taxable corporate pr<strong>of</strong>its at fullemployment since 1973 are estimated at 8% percent <strong>of</strong> potential GNPin current dollars plus <strong>the</strong> actual IVA.) If prices had risen less rapidlyin 1974, <strong>the</strong> measured shift toward restraint would have been less, sinceunanticipated increases in inflation initially raise Federal expendituresmuch less than Federal taxes, which respond almost immediately.Uncertainty about <strong>the</strong> rate at which potential output grew in 1974 affects<strong>the</strong> reliability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> full-employment budget estimates more than in pre-63


vious years. If potential GNP in constant dollars, that is, <strong>the</strong> output normallyconsistent with 4 percent unemployment, grew by only 3 percent from <strong>the</strong>fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reducedavailability <strong>of</strong> energy supplies, <strong>the</strong> full-employment budget surplus would be$2/2 billion lower in <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 than currently estimated. In<strong>the</strong> full-employment estimates in Table 15, potential output growth wasassumed to be 4 percent each year through 1974.After adjusting for increases in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation and <strong>the</strong> possibility<strong>of</strong> reduced potential growth at <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> 3 percent in 1974, <strong>the</strong> fullemploymentbudget surplus would still have grown by between $17 billionand $20 billion from <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974,or by around $3 billion per quarter. Even at its 1973 rate, inflation wouldhave caused <strong>the</strong> increase in full-employment receipts greatly to exceed <strong>the</strong>rise in full-employment expenditures last year.An additional complication arises because <strong>the</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> expenditureshas changed increasingly from purchases <strong>of</strong> goods and services to transfers.As recently as 1969, Federal purchases were more than half <strong>of</strong> expenditures;TABLE 15.—Actual and full-employment Federal and State and local government receiptsand expenditures, national income accounts basis, calendar years 1971—74(Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; seasonally adjusted annual rates]Calendar ysarReceiptsFederal GovernmentSurplusor deficit(-)State and local governmentReceiptsExpendituresExpendituresSurplusor deficit(-)Combinedsurplusordeficit(-)Actual:1971 . .19721973 . .. ..1974 11973: 1IIIIIIV1974: 1IIIII198.5227.2258.5291.1249.1255.0261.8268.3278.1288.6302.8220.3244.7264.2298.6260.2262.4263.4270.6281.0291.6304.7-21.9-17.5-5.6-7.6-11.2-7.4-1.7-2.3-2.8-3.0-1.9152.2177.2193.5207.7190.3192.0194.6197.3200.6205.3210.9148.8164.9184.4206 0177.0181.7186.2192.7197 4203.3208.83.412.39.21.713.210.48.44.63 22.02.1-18.5-5.13.5-5.92.13.06.72.3.4-1.0.2Full-employment: *19711972197319741216.4232.4265.9319.9217.9242.7263.1296.5-1.5-10.32 823.4159.3182.0196.0220.5148.8164.9184.4206.010.517.211.614.59.06.914.437.91973: 1IIIllIV253.8261.2270.2278.3258.9261.2262.5269.7-5.1-.17.78.6191.7194.0197.4200.8177.0181.7186.2192.714.712.311.28.19.612.218.916.71974: 1IIIII296.1312.9333.0279.4290.1302.616.622.930.4208.3215.9224.2197.4203.3208.810.912.615.427.535.545.81 Preliminary.3 The net increase in overwithholding <strong>of</strong> personal income taxes is not included in full-employment receipts.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), Office <strong>of</strong> Management and Budget, and Council <strong>of</strong><strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.64


y 1974 <strong>the</strong>y had fallen to less than 40 percent. Transfer payments to personshave a smaller impact on aggregate demand than purchases becausenot all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> transfer payments are spent by <strong>the</strong> recipients. Thus <strong>the</strong> aggregatedemand resulting from a given total <strong>of</strong> Federal expenditures is less if<strong>the</strong>se expenditures are weighted increasingly toward transfer payments.While <strong>the</strong> previous adjustments would make <strong>the</strong> shift in <strong>the</strong> Federal fullemploymentbudget surplus considerably smaller than shown in Table 15,this adjustment would work in <strong>the</strong> opposite direction by showing less growthin <strong>the</strong> weighted than in <strong>the</strong> unweighted expenditures.THE STATE AND LOCAL AND THE COMBINED BUDGET BALANCESIn fiscal 1973, State and local governments registered a surplus <strong>of</strong> $12billion (NIA basis), while <strong>the</strong> Federal Government had a deficit <strong>of</strong> $15billion. The advent <strong>of</strong> general revenue sharing and <strong>the</strong> rapid growth <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> economy may have boosted <strong>the</strong> State and local government surplusestemporarily during this time. As expenditures accelerated subsequently,State and local surpluses declined from a record $19 billion in <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter <strong>of</strong> 1972—<strong>the</strong> first quarter in which a general revenue sharing paymentwas made—to $2 billion in <strong>the</strong> second and third quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974.The surplus <strong>of</strong> less than $2 billion registered for calendar 1974 wasfar from sufficient to meet <strong>the</strong> actuarial funding obligations imposed onpension plans for <strong>the</strong> employees <strong>of</strong> State and local governments. Since <strong>the</strong>surplus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> social insurance funds approached $10 billion, o<strong>the</strong>r Stateand local funds had a deficit <strong>of</strong> $8 billion.Budgetary reserves are now so tight that <strong>the</strong> rise in State and localexpenditures will have to slow considerably to adjust to <strong>the</strong> reduced growth <strong>of</strong>receipts, or taxes will have to be raised in a declining economy. Thefull-employment surplus <strong>of</strong> State and local governments that held fairlysteady in 1973 and in <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1974 is thus expected to rise sharplyin 1975.While inflation has caused a disproportionate rise in Federal receipts,State and local government receipts have grown little if any in real terms.Though <strong>the</strong> relative importance <strong>of</strong> indirect business tax and nontaxaccruals is falling rapidly, such receipts still account for more than 50percent <strong>of</strong> total receipts <strong>of</strong> State and local governments. These taxes havebarely kept up with inflation. Losses in receipts from <strong>the</strong> lag in property taxassessments and collections rise with <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation, and items whoseprices have risen disproportionately in recent years, such as food, are frequentlyexempt from sales taxation. Finally, <strong>the</strong> yield <strong>of</strong> ad rem taxes, whichare levied, for instance, in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> a given number <strong>of</strong> cents per gallon <strong>of</strong>gasoline or spirits, is invariant to inflation by definition, unless <strong>the</strong> tax lawsare changed.At all levels <strong>of</strong> government combined, fiscal activity has become significantlyless expansionary since <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1972. In 1972 <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong>full-employment surplus <strong>of</strong> State and local governments <strong>of</strong>fset much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>65


expansionary thrust <strong>of</strong> Federal fiscal policies. This surplus <strong>the</strong>n changedlittle from <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. It didnot begin to reinforce <strong>the</strong> increasing thrust <strong>of</strong> Federal fiscal policy towardrestraint until <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974.MONEY AND CREDITInflation and recession were reflected in <strong>the</strong> money and credit marketslast year. As <strong>the</strong> year began, interest rates were declining from <strong>the</strong> peaksreached in <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1973. The decline continued until March, and <strong>the</strong>nmost interest rates rose steadily until August, when <strong>the</strong>y began to declineagain. Interest rates typically decline in <strong>the</strong> early stages <strong>of</strong> recession. Whatwas not typical was that even after declining, interest rates remained high,probably because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> persistent anticipation <strong>of</strong> high rates <strong>of</strong> inflation.Stock prices also fell in 1974. By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, stock price indexesstood well below <strong>the</strong> lowest point reached during <strong>the</strong> 1970 recession.There exists no dependable <strong>the</strong>ory <strong>of</strong> stock market prices. Yet last year'strend in <strong>the</strong> market probably had to do with <strong>the</strong> high level <strong>of</strong> interest ratesas well as with a pr<strong>of</strong>its record that has been poor for some time, if adjustmentsare made for specific components <strong>of</strong> book pr<strong>of</strong>its that reflect merely<strong>the</strong> inflationary revaluation <strong>of</strong> inventories and <strong>of</strong> fixed capital consumption.Mortgage-lending thrift institutions suffered a contraction in deposits asdepositors shifted to higher-yielding assets, particularly during <strong>the</strong> summermonths. By late in <strong>the</strong> year, however, deposits were again flowing into thriftinstitutions as market rates <strong>of</strong> interest fell relative to rates paid on deposits.Until late in <strong>the</strong> year commercial banks faced rapidly growing loan demandsthat led <strong>the</strong>m to borrow heavily from <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve at times and tokeep <strong>the</strong>ir reserve holdings close to <strong>the</strong> legal minimum. The ability <strong>of</strong> banks toexpand deposits fur<strong>the</strong>r or to absorb drains <strong>of</strong> reserves was impaired. Alongwith a number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r factors this liquidity squeeze contributed to a fewbank failures both here and abroad.MONETARY AGGREGATESThe goals <strong>of</strong> monetary policy underwent several important changes during1974. The aim <strong>of</strong> Federal Reserve operations, at least until late in <strong>the</strong>year, was to moderate fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> growth rates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> monetary aggregatesin order to slow both <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> total spending in <strong>the</strong> economy and <strong>the</strong>rapid rise in bank credit. Growth rates in monetary aggregates and in totalspending tend to move in similar patterns, and <strong>the</strong> underlying policy objectivewas to provide monetary and financial conditions that would be consistentwith an abatement <strong>of</strong> inflationary pressures. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> uncertaintiesassociated with <strong>the</strong> economic effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil embargo, monetary policyactions in late 1973 and early 1974 were allowed to depart temporarily from<strong>the</strong> longer-term monetary objectives. During <strong>the</strong> second and third quarters<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, as <strong>the</strong> economy was recovering from <strong>the</strong> initial impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>embargo, <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve acted to bring down <strong>the</strong> growth rates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>66


aggregates, so that <strong>the</strong>y would be more in keeping with <strong>the</strong> longer-termtargets. By October, however, <strong>the</strong> signs <strong>of</strong> weakness developing in <strong>the</strong> economybegan to prompt a return to a slightly more expansive set <strong>of</strong> monetaryactions. These actions, including reductions <strong>of</strong> legal reserve requirements,first led to a reduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outstanding borrowings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> commercial banksfrom <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve but are expected to show soon in <strong>the</strong> monetaryaggregates.For <strong>the</strong> year as a whole <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> monetary aggregates deceleratedsignificantly, as is indicated in Table 16. From <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to<strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, monetary aggregates, as measured by ei<strong>the</strong>r Mi,Ms, or Ma grew at rates that were 1 to 2 percentage points lower than <strong>the</strong>rates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> preceding year. The acceleration in prices last year meant asomewhat more pronounced effect than is indicated by <strong>the</strong> numerical size <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> monetary deceleration. Real balances declined as a result <strong>of</strong> a monetarypolicy that was unwilling to accommodate economic expansion until <strong>the</strong>steepness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price trend was reduced.The policy <strong>of</strong> monetary restraint did cause strains in credit markets. Yeteven if monetary policy had been such as to permit rapid inflation, largestrains would have developed. If lenders fear long-lasting steep inflation<strong>the</strong>y insist on interest rates that rise steeply with <strong>the</strong> maturity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> loan,but given <strong>the</strong> uncertainties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outlook, such terms entail large risks for<strong>the</strong> borrower.Monetary policy actions are <strong>the</strong> major determinant <strong>of</strong> growth in monetaryaggregates. One measure <strong>of</strong> monetary policy is <strong>the</strong> rate at which <strong>the</strong> FederalReserve System adjusts member bank reserves available to support privatedeposits. A more comprehensive measure <strong>of</strong> policy actions, <strong>the</strong> adjustedmonetary base (defined in footnote 1 to Table 16) has served as a guide to <strong>the</strong>effects <strong>of</strong> policy actions on monetary aggregates in recent years. Moneygrowth rates sometimes diverge from growth rates in <strong>the</strong>se measures <strong>of</strong>monetary policy, but money does tend to grow rapidly when reserves andbase money grow rapidly. This is true, as is <strong>the</strong> inverse, even for short periodssuch as from <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974.Several developments beyond <strong>the</strong> control <strong>of</strong> policy makers affected growthrates in monetary aggregates during 1974. One such factor was <strong>the</strong> remarkablegrowth in large negotiable certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit (CD's) issued bybanks—42 percent from December 1973 to December 1974. Banks are permittedto pay competitive interest rates on <strong>the</strong>se deposits, and <strong>the</strong>y wereinduced to do so last year by <strong>the</strong> strong demand for bank loans. Althoughlarge certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit are not included in M 1? M., or M. { , reserves that<strong>the</strong> banks must hold against <strong>the</strong>m do reduce <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> reserves availableto support deposits that are included in measures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> money stock. Thus,given <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> expansion in bank reserves, <strong>the</strong> rapid growth in CD's led toslower growth in M 1; M 2? and M :{ .The public also increased its holdings <strong>of</strong> currency relative to its holdings<strong>of</strong> demand deposits and total deposits during 1974, a shift that reduced67


TABLE 16.—Measures <strong>of</strong> monetary growth and monetary policy, 1972—74[Percent; seasonally adjusted annual rates]Measures <strong>of</strong> monetary growthMeasures <strong>of</strong> monetary policyPeriodChange from corresponding period ayear earlier:1972: IV1973: IV1974: IV3MiDemanddepositspluscurrency7.76.35.1M 2Mi plustime depositso<strong>the</strong>r thanlarge CD's10.98.97.8M 3M 2 plusdeposits atnonbankthriftinstitutions12.98.97.0Adjustedmember bankreservesavailableto supportprivatedeposits 1 9.19.49.1Adjustedmonetarybase 28.07.68.4Change from preceding quarter:1974: 1IIIllIV 35.97.43.63.59.98.56.46.69.47.55.36.05.316.112.72.78.69.15.410.41 Adjusted by Federal Reserve Board to reflect <strong>the</strong> effects on available reserves <strong>of</strong> changes in required reserve ratios.2 "Adjusted monetary base" is member bank reserves plus currency held by <strong>the</strong> public and by nonmember banks,adjusted for reserve requirement changes and shifts in deposits.3 Preliminary.Sources: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System and Federal Reserve Bank <strong>of</strong> St. Louis.<strong>the</strong> growth rates <strong>of</strong> Mi, M 2 , and M 3 . While currency grew at a 9.9 percentrate from December 1973 to December 1974, demand deposits grew atonly 2.9 percent, and total deposits—excluding large CD's—at 7.3 percent.Currency tends to grow faster than demand deposits when interest ratesrise, because demand for currency is less interest-elastic than <strong>the</strong> demandfor demand deposits.Concurrently, <strong>the</strong> public increased its holdings <strong>of</strong> time and savingsdeposits relative to demand deposits. The rise in interest rates paid on timeand savings accounts relative to <strong>the</strong> zero legal rate paid on demand depositsprobably played a large role in this development. The smaller requiredreserve ratios on time and savings deposits permitted banks to increase <strong>the</strong>stock <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se deposits much more than <strong>the</strong>y curtailed <strong>the</strong> stock <strong>of</strong> demanddeposits. The result was that M 2 and M 3 , which include time and savingsdeposits o<strong>the</strong>r than large CD's, grew much faster than Mi, which does not.INTEREST RATESInterest rates on most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> debt instruments included in Chart 5 rose in1974 to <strong>the</strong> highest levels ever recorded in <strong>the</strong> United States. Inflation and,more importantly, <strong>the</strong> expectation <strong>of</strong> continuing rapid inflation were majorfactors underlying <strong>the</strong>se high interest rates. When lenders <strong>of</strong> money expectprices to rise, <strong>the</strong>y demand an inflation premium—a higher rate <strong>of</strong> interest—to protect <strong>the</strong> real value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir loans. Borrowers, also expecting higherprices and incomes, are willing to pay interest rates that would force <strong>the</strong>m out<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> market in periods <strong>of</strong> stable prices.68


Chart 5Interest RatesPERCENT PER ANNUM14SHORT-TERM1210FEDERAL FUNDS3-MONTH TREASURY BILLS(New issues)0 I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I i i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I l I I I I I I I I I I I1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 197412LONG-TERM10NEW HOME MORTGAGES(FHLBB)-8^ ^ ^CORPORATE Aaa BONDS,,,1^^^6A4U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDSHIGH-GRADEMUNICIPAL BONDS2-.-0I I 1 111 I I I I I I I | | I 11 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 I I 1 1 I 1 Mill I I I I I1 1 1 II 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM,FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BOARD, MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, AND STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.69


Although interest rates reached unprecedented heights in 1974, <strong>the</strong>y generallyremained well below <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation. For instance, 3-monthTreasury bill rates averaged well below 9 percent for 1974, while prices rosean average <strong>of</strong> more than 10 percent. The real rate <strong>of</strong> interest on bills wasthus negative, and those who held bills through <strong>the</strong> year transferred realwealth to <strong>the</strong> borrower, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Treasury in this case. Although similartransfers occurred throughout <strong>the</strong> financial markets, <strong>the</strong> largest were probablytransfers from owners <strong>of</strong> ordinary deposits in thrift institutions to some<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mortgage holders who borrow from <strong>the</strong>se institutions.Legal interest rate ceilings for deposits <strong>of</strong> banks and thrift institutions(regulation Q) placed <strong>the</strong>se institutions at a competitive disadvantage, particularlyduring <strong>the</strong> summer and early autumn months when market interestrates were highest. Commercial banks were generally more successful thanthrift institutions in paying competitive interest rates to <strong>the</strong>ir depositors,mainly by issuing large certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit on which <strong>the</strong>y legallycould pay a competitive rate <strong>of</strong> interest. These deposits, as noted earlier,grew very rapidly during 1974. Thrift institutions issued similar instrumentson a much smaller scale. Since <strong>the</strong>ir portfolios contained a large proportion<strong>of</strong> old mortgages yielding low-interest returns, <strong>the</strong>y were less able than banksto compete for funds by paying higher interest rates to depositors. Somebanks also attracted funds by issuing variable interest rate bonds through<strong>the</strong>ir holding company affiliates. Legislation passed in October enables <strong>the</strong>Federal Reserve Board and <strong>the</strong> Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) to apply regulation Q to obligations issued by all federally insureddepository institutions, but nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve Board nor <strong>the</strong> FDIChas yet adopted regulations in this regard.CREDIT MARKETSTransactions in U.S. credit market in 1974 reflected <strong>the</strong> rapidly changingeconomic climate. The nominal value <strong>of</strong> net new funds raised in 1974(annual rate for first 3 quarters) increased to $194 billion from <strong>the</strong> $187-billion rate <strong>of</strong> 1973. The proportions <strong>of</strong> funds raised by categories <strong>of</strong>borrowers also changed. As shown in Table 17, corporations and foreignersincreased <strong>the</strong>ir shares <strong>of</strong> total borrowings in 1974 while o<strong>the</strong>r borrowers,notably governments at all levels and households, decreased <strong>the</strong>irs.The increase in corporate borrowing reflected a more rapid increase inrequirements to finance fixed capital investment and inventories than in internalfunds available for such expenditures. Nearly all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large rise inpr<strong>of</strong>its from 1973 to <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 was in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> inventorypr<strong>of</strong>its and was not available for new fixed capital investment.The increase in corporate borrowing was concentrated in <strong>the</strong> short-termmarkets. The strained liquidity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> banking system caused a sharp slowdownin <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> business borrowing from <strong>the</strong> banking system, anda large increase in business borrowing through <strong>the</strong> commercial paper market.Total corporate borrowings from longer-term capital markets rose slightly70


TABLE 17.—Net funds raised in U.S. capital markets by nonfinancialsectors, 1968-74PeriodTotalU.S.GovernmentStateandlocalgovernmentHouseholdsFarmandnonfarmnoncorporatebusinessCorporatebusiness1 Foreign *Federallysponsoredcreditagencies *Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; seasonally adjusted annual rates1968-73 average131.712.512.743.512.346.54.38.41973187.49.712.372.817.967.27.519.61974: average <strong>of</strong> 3quarters3 r194.38.614.554.215.584.117.518.3III111 3_177.3206.5199.18.72.115.114.517.411.551.453.657.610.718.717.078.089.784.614.125.113.39.324.321.2Percent <strong>of</strong> total1968-73 average100.09.59.633.09.335.33.36.41973100.05.26.638.89.635.94.010.51974: average <strong>of</strong> 3quarters'L...II.111 3100.0100.0100.0100.04.44.91.07.67.58.28.45.827.929.026.028.98.06.09.18.543.344.043.442.59.08.012.26.79.45.211.810.61 Includes equity issues.3 Not included in total since <strong>the</strong>se agencies function as financial intermediaries between borrowers and lenders, and arenot final borrowers.Includes issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), FederalIntermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), and <strong>the</strong> guaranteedsecurities (backed by mortgage pools) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA).3 Preliminary.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Sources: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, FHLB, FHLMC, and GNMA.as a significant increase in corporate bond issues was only partly <strong>of</strong>fset by adecline in both corporate mortgage and equity financing.The substantial increase in foreign debt raised in <strong>the</strong> credit markets in1974 was related to two factors. The first was <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> U.S. banks as intermediariesin channeling funds from <strong>the</strong> Organization <strong>of</strong> Petroleum ExportingCountries (OPEC) to <strong>the</strong> oil-importing nations. The second factor was <strong>the</strong>removal in January 1974 <strong>of</strong> several regulations by <strong>the</strong> United States, including<strong>the</strong> Interest Equalization Tax and <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve VoluntaryForeign Credit Restraint Program, which had been designed to discourageor restrict foreigners from raising funds in U.S. capital markets.To <strong>the</strong> extent that increased foreign borrowing represents a "recycling" <strong>of</strong>oil money, foreign participation in U.S. credit markets is likely to remainhigh and will probably increase, at least for some time, beyond<strong>the</strong> level reached during <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974. To <strong>the</strong> extent thatthis increase represents <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> eliminating controls on foreign lending,foreign participation is likely to remain above <strong>the</strong> levels prevailing whencontrols were in force. Activity is likely to decline from its current high71


levels, however, as <strong>the</strong> portfolio adjustment part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase stemmingfrom <strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> controls is dissipated.ASSISTANCE TO THE MORTGAGE MARKETIn response to <strong>the</strong> deteriorating conditions in <strong>the</strong> housing industry, <strong>the</strong>Federal Government has provided substantially increased assistance to <strong>the</strong>mortgage market through its sponsored credit agencies. Typically <strong>the</strong>seagencies increase liquidity in <strong>the</strong> mortgage market by providing advancesto, and purchasing mortgages from, mortgage lenders. They do this withfunds raised ei<strong>the</strong>r by issuing debt instruments or by selling interests in pools<strong>of</strong> mortgages <strong>the</strong>y have purchased. As a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se activities, thrift institutionsand o<strong>the</strong>r mortgage lenders obtain funds at federally subsidized interestrates and thus are able to make additional mortgage loans.Prior to 1973, net mortgage purchases by <strong>the</strong> federally sponsored creditagencies had never amounted to more than $6.5 billion in any one year. In1973 net purchases were $10 billion, and it is estimated that mortgage purchases<strong>of</strong> $15 billion or more were made by <strong>the</strong>se agencies in 1974. Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>substantial increase in 1974 is attributable to special programs authorizedduring <strong>the</strong> year for <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> up to $16 billion in residential mortgages,primarily on new homes, at interest rates below <strong>the</strong> market. Under<strong>the</strong> so-called Tandem Plan <strong>the</strong> Government National Mortgage Association(GNMA) was twice authorized to purchase FHA/VA home mortgages—200,000 units valued up to $6.6 billion on January 21 and 100,000 unitsvalued up to $3.3 billion on May 10. Under <strong>the</strong> January 21 program commitmentsamounting to $4.8 billion were made for 200,000 units. On May10 <strong>the</strong> Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) was authorizedto purchase $3 billion <strong>of</strong> conventional mortgages from <strong>the</strong> memberinstitutions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Home Loan Bank system. On October 18 purchases<strong>of</strong> $3 billion in conventional mortgages were authorized under <strong>the</strong>auspices <strong>of</strong> a new GNMA Tandem-type plan that utilizes <strong>the</strong> services <strong>of</strong>FNMA and FHLMG.By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 commitments to purchase roughly $10^ billion inmortgages had been made under <strong>the</strong>se programs, while $3^2 billion remainedto be committed. Of <strong>the</strong> $10^2 billion, purchases amounting to over$4 billion had actually been made.In 1974, <strong>the</strong> Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB) provided assistance to<strong>the</strong> mortgage market by making net advances <strong>of</strong> $6.5 billion to savings andloan associations. Included in this total is nearly <strong>the</strong> full amount <strong>of</strong> $4 billionin internally subsidized advances authorized on May 10. These advances,while substantial, were down slightly from <strong>the</strong> record $7 billion in net advancesmade during 1973. Several times during 1974 <strong>the</strong> Federal HomeLoan Bank Board also lowered <strong>the</strong> required liquid asset ratio for its memberthrift institutions, freeing additional funds for mortgage investment.The maximum allowable interest rate on Veterans' Administration (VA)and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guaranteed mortgages was72


increased administratively in several steps after January 21, 1974, from 8^4percent to 9}4 percent, in response to rising market interest rates. It was<strong>the</strong>n lowered to <strong>the</strong> 9 percent rate permitted at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, as marketrates declined. Maximum loan ceilings and coverage rates for VA and FHAguaranteed mortgages were also raised by <strong>the</strong> Housing and Community DevelopmentAct <strong>of</strong> 1974.Finally, <strong>the</strong> Administration has continued to press for passage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Financial Institutions Act, first introduced in 1973. This act would, amongo<strong>the</strong>r things, broaden <strong>the</strong> lending powers <strong>of</strong> thrift institutions and phase outinterest rate ceilings on deposits at commercial banks and thrift institutions.ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS IN 1974The oil embargo <strong>of</strong> October 1973 and <strong>the</strong> energy price changes whichaccompanied and followed it helped shape <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economyduring 1974. The embargo was over in March, <strong>the</strong> shortages it created hadmostly passed by midyear, but adjustments to higher prices will continuefor some time.In economic terms, <strong>the</strong> embargo and <strong>the</strong> accompanying reductions inOPEC output were restrictions <strong>of</strong> supply which supported <strong>the</strong> announcedprice increases for exported oil. The U.S. Government used price controlsand a quantitative allocation program at <strong>the</strong> wholesale level to dampen <strong>the</strong>price increase. These actions did not necessarily reduce <strong>the</strong> harmful effects<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> embargo, but <strong>the</strong>y did change <strong>the</strong> form in which those effects wereimposed on <strong>the</strong> public. Instead <strong>of</strong> paying still higher prices for oil, consumerssuffered inconvenience and uncertainty in obtaining supplies and paidhigher prices for substitutes. As a whole, <strong>the</strong> Nation used available fuel suppliesless efficiently and thus obtained less benefit from <strong>the</strong>m becauseprice controls and allocation were imposed. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se actions <strong>the</strong>United States may have experienced less inflation and probably achievedlower unemployment than would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have occurred. Analysis <strong>of</strong> thisperiod thus requires examination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> energy and itseffects on production, consumption, net energy imports, and inventories.COSTS OF HIGHER ENERGY PRICESOne <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> costs incurred because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large increase in <strong>the</strong> relativeprice (including inconvenience and unavailability) <strong>of</strong> energy was <strong>the</strong> lossin current output. The higher energy price was transmitted into greaterprice changes for some products than for o<strong>the</strong>rs. Sales <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> products bearingrelatively greater price increases, and <strong>of</strong> complements to <strong>the</strong>m, declined,causing unemployment and excess capacity in some industries. Some<strong>of</strong> those unemployed resources could not be transferred easily to <strong>the</strong> production<strong>of</strong> less energy-intensive goods, even if demand for those products existed.The more specialized <strong>the</strong> labor and capital services, <strong>the</strong> longer <strong>the</strong> delaybefore <strong>the</strong>y can adjust to new patterns <strong>of</strong> demand and production. Some <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> highly specialized factors <strong>of</strong> production thus may have become perma-73


nently unemployed because <strong>the</strong>y had no alternative uses. In terms <strong>of</strong>labor, this unemployment sometimes took <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> humancapital because skills were no longer marketable. The increase in <strong>the</strong>price <strong>of</strong> energy also led to a reduction in aggregate demand which, becauseit was not <strong>of</strong>fset by macroeconomic actions, lowered output as well. Expendituresfell because <strong>the</strong> income that was transferred abroad as a result <strong>of</strong>higher oil prices was not fully matched by an increase in foreign demandfor goods and services. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong>energy was so large that it may have disrupted consumption and investmentplans and lowered actual expenditures. Given sufficient demand, <strong>the</strong> lossper unit <strong>of</strong> time declines as resources gradually adjust, but <strong>the</strong> loss inaccrued output is permanent. When resources are unemployed, net capitalformation is depressed along with current consumption. To some degree<strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> large increase in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> imported energy led to some permanentreduction in <strong>the</strong> potential output <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy.Beyond <strong>the</strong> sharp short-run losses in output, consumption and investmentare lowered even when employment rebounds. Resources are diverted toadjusting <strong>the</strong> economy to patterns <strong>of</strong> production and consumption thataccord with <strong>the</strong> new relative price <strong>of</strong> energy. Expansion <strong>of</strong> energy production,<strong>the</strong> substitution <strong>of</strong> capital for energy, and <strong>the</strong> "premature" replacement<strong>of</strong> a portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> capital stock all absorb resources. These adjustmentsmake <strong>the</strong> shortfall in production less than if <strong>the</strong> adjustments werenot made. However, <strong>the</strong> added output is at <strong>the</strong> expense <strong>of</strong> consumer andalternative investment goods that could o<strong>the</strong>rwise be produced. These adjustmentsare still in progress, and will continue so long as <strong>the</strong>y lead to fullerand more effective employment <strong>of</strong> resources. The largest part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> loss inoutput from this process occurs in <strong>the</strong> intermediate period when <strong>the</strong> capitalstock is being revised, but to <strong>the</strong> extent that capital formation is reduced,<strong>the</strong>re is again a permanent loss in <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy to satisfy wants.The economy is, <strong>of</strong> course, constantly in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> adjusting to changedrelative prices. The energy episode requires comment only because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>size and suddenness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> change which took place.The above effects reduce <strong>the</strong> total output <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy. In addition,<strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> bill for imported energy means that <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>the</strong>domestic economy derives from its production is reduced because greater realresources are relinquished to <strong>the</strong> oil exporters. If oil exporters increase <strong>the</strong>ircurrent imports <strong>of</strong> goods produced in <strong>the</strong> United States, this transfer isimmediate. To <strong>the</strong> extent that oil exporters hold dollars in banks or investin assets (stocks, bonds, certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit, real estate, and <strong>the</strong> like) formerlyheld by U.S. citizens, <strong>the</strong>y secure claims to future output <strong>of</strong> this economy.Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in oil revenues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exporting countries has takenthis latter, capital account form in various Western countries.The shift in <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong> all energy was initiated by <strong>the</strong> change in<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> imported oil. The structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. energy market is suchthat <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> approximately 15 percent <strong>of</strong> energy imported as oil sets74


<strong>the</strong> unconstrained domestic energy price as well. Average domestic oil andnatural gas prices, however, have not been allowed to rise to <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong>imported oil and gas. Prices to consumers instead reflect <strong>the</strong> composite <strong>of</strong>imported and controlled domestic prices. The result has been that <strong>the</strong> amount<strong>of</strong> energy demanded has been larger than it would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have been.Most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> additional energy demanded is supplied by imports <strong>of</strong> oil.Because <strong>of</strong> price controls more oil is imported, and it is consumed in producinggoods and services <strong>of</strong> less value than those which must be surrendered toacquire it.More extensive analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> energyaffected <strong>the</strong> major industrialized countries is found in Chapter 7. At thispoint, however, examination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> energy prices since January 1,1973, is useful in understanding <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r energy developmentsduring 1974.PRICESThe recent rise in all energy prices was caused by <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> price<strong>of</strong> imported oil, a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in payments to oil-exportinggovernments. The pattern <strong>of</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong>se payments per barrel is shownby <strong>the</strong> tax-paid f.o.b. cost <strong>of</strong> "Saudi Arabian Light," a common referencefor world crude oil prices. The tax-paid cost <strong>of</strong> this oil was approximately$1.10 per barrel in January 1971, $1.55 <strong>the</strong> following January, and $1.62in January 1973. The cost rose to $3.15 in October 1973 and to $7.11 inJanuary 1974. Changes in pricing and sales arrangements after <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong>1974 make it difficult to compare current Persian Gulf prices with those<strong>of</strong> earlier periods. Some inferences may be drawn, however, from <strong>the</strong>change in <strong>the</strong> landed cost <strong>of</strong> crude as reported by <strong>the</strong> Federal Energy Administration(FEA). The oil from Saudi Arabia that landed in <strong>the</strong> United Statesin December 1973 (presumably shipped prior to <strong>the</strong> embargo) carried anestimated landed cost <strong>of</strong> $5.49. The estimated comparable cost after <strong>the</strong>embargo ranged from $11.50 to $12.00. The effect <strong>of</strong> this pattern <strong>of</strong> changesas it was carried through to <strong>the</strong> average refiner acquisition cost <strong>of</strong> importedcrude is shown in Table 18. The percentage <strong>of</strong> total refinery inputs fromforeign and domestic sources is also indicated.The average refiner acquisition cost <strong>of</strong> domestic oil was affected also by<strong>the</strong> price control program. The wellhead price <strong>of</strong> controlled oil was set at$5.25 throughout 1974, but <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> domestically produced oil was notsubject to control if it fitted one <strong>of</strong> three categories: new, released, orstripper. New oil is <strong>the</strong> amount produced from a property in excess <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> amount produced during <strong>the</strong> same month <strong>of</strong> 1972, subject to someadjustments. Released oil is old oil from <strong>the</strong> same property equal to <strong>the</strong>amount <strong>of</strong> new oil produced. Stripper oil is that produced from propertieswhere <strong>the</strong> average production during <strong>the</strong> previous month was less than 10barrels per well per day. The proportion <strong>of</strong> uncontrolled crude tended todecline during 1974, falling from 40 percent in January to 33 percent inSeptember and 34 percent in October.75


TABLE 18.—Refineracquisition cost <strong>of</strong> crude petroleum and percentcrude petroleum in refinery inputs^ 1973-74<strong>of</strong> imported and domesticMonthCompositeCost (per barrel)ImportedDomesticPercent <strong>of</strong> refinery inputs 1ImportedDomestic1973: SeptemberOctober.NovemberDecember$5.446.54$4.544.916.498.22$5.655.9528292724727173761974: January..FebruaryMarch.AprilMayJune7.468.578.689.139.449.459.5912.4512.7312.7213.0213.066.727.087.057.217.267.20222022263031788078747069JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember 29.309.179.139.229.4112.7512.6812.5312.4412.537.197.207.187.267.46323030313268697069681 Stocks are assumed to be in <strong>the</strong> refinery stream and do not figure in this calculation. The base is <strong>the</strong> sum <strong>of</strong> importsand domestic production.2 Preliminary.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interior (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Mines) and Federal Energy Administration.The rise in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> domestic oil subject to control occurred inpart because properties were unable to maintain <strong>the</strong> production increasesover <strong>the</strong> same month in 1972 that were initially induced by greater demandand <strong>the</strong> higher oil prices <strong>of</strong> 1973 and 1974. In time, as new oil discoveriescome into production, uncontrolled oil will rise as a proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total.Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> controls system explains <strong>the</strong> pattern in <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> acquiringdomestic oil reported in Table 18. The price <strong>of</strong> uncontrolled oil did not risefast enough to <strong>of</strong>fset all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline in its part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total. This priceranged between a low <strong>of</strong> $9.82 and a high <strong>of</strong> $9.98 during <strong>the</strong> first 8 months<strong>of</strong> 1974. It rose rapidly in <strong>the</strong> next 3 months, however, reaching $10.83 inNovember.The price <strong>of</strong> coal, which is not controlled, rose rapidly during 1974. Itwas pulled upward by <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> its major substitute,residual fuel oil. The price <strong>of</strong> residual fuel oil is not controlled because most<strong>of</strong> it is imported. The price <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r major fuel, natural gas, also increased,but not as much as that <strong>of</strong> petroleum or coal. Because most naturalgas is sold under long-term contracts, its average price is slow to respond toan increase in demand. Federal controls on <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> gas sold for interstateresale restricted <strong>the</strong> price change still fur<strong>the</strong>r. Because <strong>of</strong> price control provisionsthat permit only <strong>the</strong> pass-through <strong>of</strong> costs, <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> refinedpetroleum products rose approximately with <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> crude oil to refineries.Electric power prices responded largely to increases in <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> fuelinputs. Table 19 shows that <strong>the</strong>re were substantial increases only in coalprices from 1964 to 1972. Prices rose fastest for refined petroleum productsin <strong>the</strong> last quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 and <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. The bulge in coalprices occurred 2 quarters later. Natural gas prices have risen less than those<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two primary fuels.76


TABLE 19.—Changes in wholesale frices <strong>of</strong> selected fuels, 1964 to 1974[Percent change; quarterly rate]PeriodCoalNaturalgasRefinedpetroleumproducts^ElectricpowerAverage quarterly change:1964 to 19691969 to 1972 .1972 to 19731973 to 19740.94.63.011.10.31.42.30.5.75.10.11.51.7Change from 3 months earlier:1973: MarchJuneSeptemberDecember . ..93.73.58.13.03.31.67.19.56.03.224.23.11.12.44.11974: March....June. . ...SeptemberDecember7.724.015.615.23.33.012.229.710.92.011.69.36.41 Through February 1973 <strong>the</strong>re were no lags in this series. Since March 1973, index numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major products inthis series refer to prices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous month. The unlagged portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> series has a very small weight.Note.—The price changes shown in this table have been calculated from <strong>the</strong> wholesale price index, adjusted for <strong>the</strong>lags embodied in some fuel price series. For example, changes shown in this table from June to September 1973, would bepresented in <strong>the</strong> wholesale price index as changes in natural gas prices from August to November, in refined petroleumproducts and electric power prices from July to October, and in coal prices from June to September.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.The price increases at <strong>the</strong> wholesale level were carried forward to consumers,though <strong>the</strong> proportional increases obviously were smaller. Gasolineprices rose 35 percent from September 1973 (before <strong>the</strong> embargo) to December1974. The increase for home heating oil was significantly greater—69 percent—primarily because crude oil cost makes up a much larger part<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> final price <strong>of</strong> home heating oil than it does <strong>of</strong> gasoline. The price<strong>of</strong> residential gas heating service rose 28 percent and <strong>of</strong> residential electricity25 percent over <strong>the</strong> same September 1973-December 1974 period.PRODUCTIONThe increase in <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong> energy during <strong>the</strong> past 2 yearsand <strong>the</strong> expectations that preceded it have induced additional investmentin energy-producing industries. Still more investment would have beenforthcoming had <strong>the</strong>re been greater certainty about government policyhere and abroad and if specialized resources had been available. The situationin <strong>the</strong> petroleum industry, which includes natural gas as well as crudeoil, is indicative. Activity takes place in four stages: geological (seismic) explorationand selection <strong>of</strong> sites, exploratory drilling, development drilling, andproduction. Table 20 presents data on drilling for <strong>the</strong> past 6 years and someinformation on geological activity, which serves as a leading indicator fordrilling. The low point for seismic exploration came in 1970 and for drillingin 1971. The increase in drilling in late 1973 and in 1974 was substantial.In addition to <strong>the</strong> increases in wells actually drilled, still more drillingwould have taken place if shortages <strong>of</strong> equipment and skilled labor had notrestrained investment during late 1973 and all <strong>of</strong> 1974. Very little well-77563-280 O - 75 - (


TABLE 20.—Indicators <strong>of</strong> domestic petroleumndustry investment, 1969—74PeriodCrewsengagedin seismicexplorationExploratorywellsDevelopmentwellsMonthly average:19691970197119721973197412461902212522503008086415776286227271.8741,702,577,6461,5941,9241974: 1IIIllIV i666679724838,8691,8952,1941 Preliminary.Sources: American Petroleum Institute and Society <strong>of</strong> Exploration Geophysicists.drilling capacity (rotary rigs) was idle for lack <strong>of</strong> work, but shortages <strong>of</strong>pipe idled or slowed some rotary rigs and delayed completion <strong>of</strong> some wells.The backlog <strong>of</strong> orders for rigs and o<strong>the</strong>r oilfield equipment increased duringmuch <strong>of</strong> this period because production facilities were working at capacity.The equipment shortages in part were <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general price controlsystem, that inhibited production and prevented efficient allocation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>material that was available. To some extent <strong>the</strong>y also resulted from <strong>the</strong>lags inherent in expansion <strong>of</strong> large, capital-intensive production facilities.The long decline in oilfield activity from its peak in 1956, when 58,000wells were drilled, to 1971, when a low <strong>of</strong> only 27,000 wells <strong>of</strong> all typeswere completed, left <strong>the</strong> oilfield equipment industry unprepared to meet <strong>the</strong>requirements placed upon it.Investment in <strong>the</strong> past has not been large enough to prevent <strong>the</strong> recentdecline in crude oil and natural gas output. Crude oil production in 1974totaled 3.2 billion barrels, nearly 4 percent less than in 1973. Marketed production<strong>of</strong> natural gas in 1974 is estimated to be 3.3 percent lower than in1973. Preliminary estimates show a 2.3 percent decline in <strong>the</strong> production<strong>of</strong> natural gas liquids from 1973 to 1974. Increased drilling so far has onlyslowed <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> decline from what it o<strong>the</strong>rwise would have been. It nowappears that domestic petroleum output may stabilize or even rise in 1977when Alaskan reserves begin to produce, but no turnaround can be expectedbefore <strong>the</strong>n. Natural gas supplies will not be forthcoming from Alaska until<strong>the</strong> 1980's. Oil and gas production rates at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> this decade, however,can be strongly influenced by Government policy and by price behaviorduring 1975 and 1976. The pattern <strong>of</strong> fuel production since 1963 is shownin Chart 6.Coal prices rose earlier than <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r fuels and on average haverisen more, but <strong>the</strong> increased revenues per ton did not flow through in <strong>the</strong>irentirety to incentives to expand production. In part <strong>the</strong>y were absorbed byincreased costs due to <strong>the</strong> changes in health and safety standards. In addition,when <strong>the</strong>se standards were introduced, production capacity was lost because78


Chart 6Domestic Energy ProductionINDEX, 1967=1001401301201101009080 J I | | | I I I I1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974* COAL INDEX FOR 1974 EXCLUDES STRIKE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.SOURCE: BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM.some mines could not pr<strong>of</strong>itably comply and were abandoned. In part <strong>the</strong>price increases were also <strong>of</strong>fset by uncertainty due to legislation designed toreduce industrial pollution. Because <strong>of</strong> this legislation, <strong>the</strong> anticipated marketfor high-sulfur coal fell. Potential producers may have anticipated that Federalpollution standards could not be met by coal-burning facilities or thatStates might impose more stringent controls. Finally, uncertainty about <strong>the</strong>costs <strong>of</strong> possible mandated standards for strip mine reclamation discouraged<strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> new mines and induced equipment manufacturers to deferexpansion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir production facilities. Despite <strong>the</strong>se factors, <strong>the</strong> higherprices for coal have elicited expanded capacity and greater output. Newmines have opened, and during October, <strong>the</strong> month prior to <strong>the</strong> 1974 strike,total output reached a modern peak, <strong>the</strong> highest output since 1947. Productionin 1974 was estimated to be 590 million tons, almost <strong>the</strong> same as in 1973.Labor disputes and <strong>the</strong> unscheduled memorial walkout lasted approximately7 weeks and resulted in <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> an estimated 35 million tons <strong>of</strong> coalproduction, about 5 to 6 percent <strong>of</strong> potential. Until <strong>the</strong> last quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974coal production had been running 5.5 percent ahead <strong>of</strong> 1973. The gain wasmore than eliminated in <strong>the</strong> last 3 months when output fell to about fourfifths<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> comparable period in 1973. Inventories were somewhat depletedbecause <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strike, and some export sales were lost, but <strong>the</strong> strike's disruptiveeffect was minimal except for <strong>the</strong> steel and railroad industries. Indus-79


trial production losses from <strong>the</strong> strike were reduced by <strong>the</strong> planned overhaulswhich took place in some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major coal-using industries and by <strong>the</strong> s<strong>of</strong>tening<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy.Output from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r major sources <strong>of</strong> energy—nuclear power plantsand hydro stations—was constrained by capacity limitations. Production wasnot affected during 1974 by changes in <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong> fossil fuels.The role <strong>of</strong> hydropower and nuclear power in U.S. energy productionremains small.CONSUMPTIONA combination <strong>of</strong> increasing relative energy prices (including supply constraintsduring <strong>the</strong> embargo), declining economic activity, and voluntaryconservation measures caused a drop in energy consumption in 1974 comparedto <strong>the</strong> previous year—<strong>the</strong> first since 1958. Total annual consumption<strong>of</strong> energy for <strong>the</strong> past 10 years and year-to-year rates <strong>of</strong> increase are shownin Table 21.TABLE 21.—Gross consumption <strong>of</strong> energy by major source, 1965—74Total energyconsumptionPercent <strong>of</strong> total energy consumptionYearAmount(quadrillionBtu's)Percentchange lTotalNaturalgasCoalPetroleumHydropowerNuclear196519661967..196819691970.1971197219731974 a53.356.458.361.865.067.168.771.974.772.74 15.83.36.05.23.32.34.73.9-2.7100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.043 643.243.543.843.844.044.545.846.446.030 230.931.331.732.332.833.232.030.630.122 322.121.020.519.618.917.617.317.918.33.93.74.03.84.14.04.14.13.94.20.1.1.2.3.6.81.21.41 Based on unrounded data.2 Preliminary estimate by Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interior, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Mines (except as noted).The use <strong>of</strong> primary energy for <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> electric power was significantlydepressed. The consumption <strong>of</strong> electric power historically hasrisen at a rate <strong>of</strong> about 7 percent per year. In 1974, however, <strong>the</strong>re was noincrease at all over 1973. This absence <strong>of</strong> usual growth occurred despite <strong>the</strong>fact that some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fuel price increases have yet to flow through to electricutility rates.The consumption <strong>of</strong> coal was about <strong>the</strong> same in 1974 as in 1973, despite<strong>the</strong> fact that energy use in aggregate declined. Coal use in electric utilitieswas increased by 5 to 6 million tons, roughly 1 percent, through specialefforts to convert facilities from oil to coal and through more intense use <strong>of</strong>coal generating plants. In addition to <strong>the</strong> oil shortage, <strong>the</strong> gap between <strong>the</strong>80


cost <strong>of</strong> oil used by electric generating stations and <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> coal widened,increasing <strong>the</strong> incentive to use coal. Never<strong>the</strong>less <strong>the</strong>re have been generallyadequate supplies <strong>of</strong> coal for electric generation. The major market for coalhas been steam electric plants, and air quality controls have made <strong>the</strong> economicuse <strong>of</strong> much additional steam coal impractical or impossible in existingfacilities.The consumption <strong>of</strong> oil, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, was restricted by lack <strong>of</strong> supplyduring <strong>the</strong> embargo and by lack <strong>of</strong> markets afterward. The allocationpolicies in force during <strong>the</strong> embargo required reductions in consumption,first to maintain and <strong>the</strong>n to increase inventories. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reduction in oilusage was later made up; most was not. O<strong>the</strong>r fuel developments, especially<strong>the</strong> growing shortages <strong>of</strong> natural gas, increased <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> petroleumconsumed. In late 1974, when oil was freely available, more petroleum andpetroleum products were used directly and for generating electricity thanwould have been used had natural gas been available. Despite <strong>the</strong>se stimulito demand, total consumption <strong>of</strong> petroleum fell during 1974, reflecting bothits increased price and <strong>the</strong> economy-wide decline in output. One majorsource <strong>of</strong> this decline was in motor vehicle fuel use. Gasoline consumptionfell by about 2 percent as miles traveled on highways declined by approximately3 percent, <strong>the</strong> first year-to-year decline since World War II. The dropin fuel consumption and miles driven occurred despite <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>rewere 5.3 million more registered vehicles in 1974 than in 1973.The pattern <strong>of</strong> consumption <strong>of</strong> energy by source over <strong>the</strong> past 10 years isshown in Table 21. The striking shift evident <strong>the</strong>re is in <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> naturalgas. After years <strong>of</strong> rapid growth, natural gas has been losing its market sharesince 1971. The shift against natural gas has been caused by lack <strong>of</strong> supply,not by a change in consumer preference or price. The relative price <strong>of</strong> gas,already lower than o<strong>the</strong>r fuels on an energy-contained basis because <strong>of</strong>regulation, fell even fur<strong>the</strong>r against its competitors during 1974. As a consequence,<strong>the</strong> amount demanded, shortages, and nonmarket allocation allreached higher levels in <strong>the</strong> gas industry in 1974 than before. The naturalgas situation is discussed below.IMPORTS AND EXPORTSThe United States, a net importer <strong>of</strong> petroleum and natural gas and anexporter <strong>of</strong> coal, has been a net importer <strong>of</strong> energy for two decades.For a decade and a half petroleum imports were restricted to protect domesticoil producers against low-priced foreign oil. Since May 1973, however, noquantitative restrictions have been in force. High-priced foreign petroleumnow supplements domestic supplies and fills <strong>the</strong> gap between energy demandand domestic energy supply. For this reason, increases in U.S. energy production(except for coal) relative to energy consumption lead directly to reductionsin oil imports. Gross imports <strong>of</strong> petroleum and petroleum products rosefrom about 21 percent <strong>of</strong> consumption in 1965 to 36 percent in both 1973and 1974. In absolute terms, imports in 1974 fell to 6.0 million barrels a day,3 percent below 1973.81


Goal is <strong>the</strong> only fuel <strong>the</strong> United States now exports on balance, with shipments<strong>of</strong> from 10 to 12 percent <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> domestic market. Metallurgicalcoal has found large and expanding markets abroad. Steam coal has movedinto foreign markets to some degree, and development <strong>of</strong> lower-sulfurwestern mines may increase this trend. Exports <strong>of</strong> coal have not interferedwith <strong>the</strong> meeting <strong>of</strong> energy demand through domestic supplies, though <strong>the</strong>external market has raised <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> coal inputs for both steam and metallurgicalcoal uses.Natural gas is imported by pipeline and in minor amounts in liquefiedform. The primary source <strong>of</strong> pipeline imports is Canada; small quantitiesare exported to Mexico and in a liquefied form from Cook Inlet, Alaska, toJapan. The imports from Canada have played an important role in <strong>the</strong>energy supply <strong>of</strong> some regions. According to some interpretations <strong>of</strong> recentCanadian policy announcements, however, those imports (as well as imports<strong>of</strong> oil from that nation) may be restricted in <strong>the</strong> future unless substantialdiscoveries <strong>of</strong> new Canadian reserves are made. Already pipeline companieshave been required to accept sharply higher prices as <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> 1975 orface supply cut<strong>of</strong>fs at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1976. The restriction <strong>of</strong> gas exports wouldcreate serious problems for West Coast consumers, just as restriction <strong>of</strong> Canadianoil exports will harm <strong>the</strong> "Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Tier" refiners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Midwest.INVENTORIESThe disruption in <strong>the</strong> petroleum supply in 1973-74 and <strong>the</strong> coal strike <strong>of</strong>1974 made it clear how important adequate fuel inventories are to <strong>the</strong> continuedsmooth functioning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy. The adequacy <strong>of</strong> inventories ispartly a function <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consumption rate. More importantly it is a function<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> probability <strong>of</strong> unpredictable variations in consumption or in <strong>the</strong> rate atwhich supplies are made available. End-<strong>of</strong>-month primary inventories for<strong>the</strong> past 3 years, as measured by <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> days' consumption <strong>the</strong>y represent,are shown for crude oil and important petroleum products in Table22. These data indicate that inventories measured in this way did notdecline during 1974 even though <strong>the</strong> embargo lowered total oil supplies. Theregulations imposed by Government, voluntary conservation, a warmer thannormal winter, and <strong>the</strong> expectation <strong>of</strong> even higher prices in <strong>the</strong> future contributedto maintaining inventories at pre-embargo levels. A drawdown <strong>of</strong>inventories would have reduced <strong>the</strong> actual cost <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> embargo to <strong>the</strong> economy.However, it would also have increased <strong>the</strong> vulnerability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates to a fur<strong>the</strong>r tightening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> embargo, a sudden deterioration in <strong>the</strong>wea<strong>the</strong>r, or an embargo which persisted beyond <strong>the</strong> actual termination point<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1973-74 episode.Both crude oil and product stocks approached new highs for <strong>the</strong> seasonas 1974 drew to a close. If inventories retain <strong>the</strong>ir current relationto consumption, an embargo during early 1975 would find <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates better prepared than it was in October 1973. Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong>seinventories may be drawn down for commercial reasons. A change in price82


TABLE 22.—Petroleum inventories expressed as days <strong>of</strong> consumption, 1972-74[Days]MonthCrude iGasolineDistillateResidualMarch:19721973197421.618.920.437.031.935.829.233.641.019.214.618.8June:19721973197421.818.319.929.429.932.958.757.177.225.619.931.5September:197219731974 .19.618.220.431.032.034.586.371.591.828.520.730.1December:1972197319742.19 218.919.633.433.734.736.553.359.917.518.425.7Months <strong>of</strong> oil embargo:1973: OctoberNovemberDecember__18.319.218.932.130.433.769.657.153.321.616.718.41974: JanuaryFebruaryMarchApril.19.220.520.420.637.535.935.834.747.438.941.044.115.315.018.821.11 Crude stocks divided by average daily runs to stills.2 Preliminary.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interior (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Mines) and Federal Energy Administration.expectations or in world oil market conditions may bring a rapid deterioration<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national petroleum inventory position. The threat <strong>of</strong> disruptedsupplies does not by itself guarantee retention <strong>of</strong> "excess" inventories bycommercial firms. Even though firms might expect a disruption, <strong>the</strong>re is noincentive for <strong>the</strong>m to maintain expensive inventories to be used in that eventso long as <strong>the</strong>y expect Government allocation and price controls to deny<strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> inventory pr<strong>of</strong>its that might be earned. Consequently, althoughinventories are now high, <strong>the</strong>y cannot be considered secure.Coal inventories were depleted during <strong>the</strong> coal strike but not dangerouslyso. By year-end, inventories were being rebuilt at a satisfactory rate.The o<strong>the</strong>r fuels are not subject to inventory or else, like natural gas, inventoriesare limited to working stocks and some supplies for seasonal balance.NATURAL GAS: A SPECIAL CASEThe only fuel in seriously short supply at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 was naturalgas. The shortage <strong>of</strong> natural gas became more severe during 1974 and islikely to get still worse in 1975. The shortage is taking <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> curtailments<strong>of</strong> deliveries under existing contracts and <strong>of</strong> failure among potentialconsumers to obtain supplies at <strong>the</strong> going price.The shortage <strong>of</strong> natural gas exists because <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> gas has been heldbelow <strong>the</strong> market-clearing level by Federal Power Commission (FPC) regulations.The FPC is required by statute to regulate <strong>the</strong> wellhead price <strong>of</strong>natural gas sold for resale in interstate commerce. It controls <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong>83


approximately 60 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gas produced in <strong>the</strong> United States. Theaverage price paid by interstate pipeline companies for regulated gas was27 cents per thousand cubic feet in October 1974. That price was clearlybelqw <strong>the</strong> market-clearing level, as indicated by <strong>the</strong> higher price <strong>of</strong> gas soldunder unregulated conditions (though that price too is held down indirectlyby regulation), and by <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> natural gas substitutes.The price <strong>of</strong> natural gas was below <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> its substitutes prior to <strong>the</strong>energy price escalation <strong>of</strong> 1973, and <strong>the</strong> differential increased markedlyduring <strong>the</strong> succeeding period. A rough measure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price differentialis seen in <strong>the</strong> price difference in terms <strong>of</strong> energy content <strong>of</strong> coal, oil, andgas in electric power plant use (Table 23). These data are <strong>the</strong> morestriking because gas requires no on-site storage and burns more cleanlythan o<strong>the</strong>r fuels. Buyers would be willing to pay a slight premium for gasif it were available. Instead, as shown in <strong>the</strong> table, <strong>the</strong> average price <strong>of</strong> gasis below <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> both coal and oilTABLE 23.—Average price paid by utilities for major fuels, 1972-74{Cents per million Btu's]PeriodCoalOilGas1972: IIIIV37.037.357.761.030.31973:1IIIII38.739 640.166.270 577.431.233 634.21973: OctoberNovemberDecember1974: January _ .FebruaryMarchApril .MayJune41 944.045.551.456.960 864.065.869.588.9104.0121.1162.7187.3189 1187.2187.9195.135.535.7CO CO 0042.543.644.047.9JulyAugust . -September72.977.379.1196.4196.2195.449.851.852.4Source: Federal Power Commission.Because consumers were increasingly unable to obtain all <strong>the</strong> gas <strong>the</strong>ywould have liked at <strong>the</strong> regulated price, nonprice rationing <strong>of</strong> natural gasincreased during 1974. Precise estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> gas which wouldhave been consumed if supply had been forthcoming are not available.Recorded shortfalls <strong>of</strong> contractually obligatory sales amounted to about9.6 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> volume called for during September 1973-August 1974.These curtailments are expected to reach about 16 percent during <strong>the</strong> like1974-75 period. The sales forgone under contractually "interruptible"contracts were approximately 38 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> contract volumes during<strong>the</strong> September-August period <strong>of</strong> 1973-74 and are expected to reach 58percent in <strong>the</strong> same 1974-75 period. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> priority allocation systemadopted by <strong>the</strong> Federal Power Commission most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se shortages areborne by industrial consumers, including electric utilities.84


The effect <strong>of</strong> regulating <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> natural gas has been to increase <strong>the</strong>demand for its substitutes, especially imported oil. The reasons are tw<strong>of</strong>old:First, <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> natural gas consumed by those who have preferentialaccess to it has been increased, leaving less for o<strong>the</strong>r consumers. Those thusdenied gas by regulation consequently consume more oil than <strong>the</strong>y o<strong>the</strong>rwisewould. Second, <strong>the</strong> lower price for natural gas has caused less <strong>of</strong> it to beproduced. Because imported oil makes up <strong>the</strong> difference between <strong>the</strong> demandfor and <strong>the</strong> domestic supply <strong>of</strong> energy, <strong>the</strong> gas shortfall during 1974was made up partially through greater consumption <strong>of</strong> higher-priced oil.85


CHAPTER 3UnemploymentEMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1946, which created <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong>•*• <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers, set forth <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> maintaining "maximum employment."The extent to which this objective is achieved is usually measuredby <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate, which has come to serve as a measure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>extent <strong>of</strong> resource underutilization in <strong>the</strong> economy. For many it is also ameasure <strong>of</strong> economic and social hardship.We are starting 1975 with <strong>the</strong> highest unemployment rate since 1958.The story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> deterioration in <strong>the</strong> economy during 1974 and its effectson <strong>the</strong> labor market is given in Chapter 2. This chapter examines <strong>the</strong> varioustypes <strong>of</strong> unemployment and unemployment rates at different points in timeand among demographic groups. It also looks at <strong>the</strong> welfare implications <strong>of</strong>unemployment, and at Government measures to ameliorate <strong>the</strong> difficultiescaused by unemployment.It is important to emphasize, because <strong>the</strong> point is <strong>of</strong>ten misunderstood,that to analyze unemployment is not to provide excuses for it or deny <strong>the</strong> personaland social problems associated with it. The unemployment <strong>of</strong> personswho seek work is costly to <strong>the</strong> workers <strong>the</strong>mselves, <strong>the</strong>ir families, and <strong>the</strong> Nationas a whole. Our goal should be to reduce unemployment whenever thiscan be done by means which are not more costly than <strong>the</strong> unemployment itself.It is <strong>the</strong>refore important to understand <strong>the</strong> different kinds <strong>of</strong> unemploymentso that <strong>the</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> alternative Government policies can beproperly evaluated. This chapter is intended to be a guide to <strong>the</strong> formulation<strong>of</strong> constructive policies toward unemployment over <strong>the</strong> long run.Unemployment is not as simple a concept as is <strong>of</strong>ten believed. The meaning<strong>of</strong> any particular unemployment rate depends on <strong>the</strong> way unemploymentis defined and measured, and on <strong>the</strong> sources and composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployment.Although it is generally clear when we are at points <strong>of</strong> very highunemployment and widespread underutilization <strong>of</strong> productive capacity, itis much more difficult to determine when we are at "maximum employment."The unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> 7.2 percent reached in December1974 clearly represents a substantial departure from maximum employment.At <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r extreme, under current definitions, a zero rate <strong>of</strong> unemploymentis impossible to attain, and efforts to do so would have undesirable consequences.Although <strong>the</strong> period following World War II was one <strong>of</strong> rapid86


economic growth and rising levels <strong>of</strong> real income, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rateaveraged 4.7 percent from 1947 through 1973. Only during World War II(1944), when 17 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total labor force were in <strong>the</strong> Armed Forces,did <strong>the</strong> rate ever fall close to 1 percent. An understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issuesrelated to unemployment is needed to determine <strong>the</strong> extent to which aparticular rate is too high, or when <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> maximum employment isattained.DEFINITION AND MEASUREMENT OF UNEMPLOYMENTThe major source <strong>of</strong> information on unemployment is a monthly Governmentsurvey <strong>of</strong> about 47,000 households, <strong>the</strong> Current Population Surveyor CPS. The survey includes detailed questions about <strong>the</strong> labor force status<strong>of</strong> household members aged 16 and over, with <strong>the</strong> object <strong>of</strong> identifyingthose who are employed, unemployed, or out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force.Persons are classified as employed if during <strong>the</strong> survey week <strong>the</strong>y didany work as a paid employee or in <strong>the</strong>ir own enterprise, or if <strong>the</strong>y worked15 hours or more as an unpaid employee in a family enterprise. Those temporarilyabsent from jobs because <strong>of</strong> labor-management disputes, bad wea<strong>the</strong>r,vacation, or illness and o<strong>the</strong>r personal reasons are counted as employed,regardless <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y were paid during <strong>the</strong> week.Persons are classified as unemployed if <strong>the</strong>y were not employed during<strong>the</strong> survey week but were available for work and had made a specific effortto find a job at some time within <strong>the</strong> preceding 4 weeks, or if <strong>the</strong>y werewaiting ei<strong>the</strong>r to report to a new job within 30 days or to be recalled to ajob from which <strong>the</strong>y were laid <strong>of</strong>f.The civilian labor force is <strong>the</strong> sum <strong>of</strong> those who are employed (excluding<strong>the</strong> Armed Forces) and those who are unemployed. The unemployment ratecommonly reported is <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> unemployed persons as a percentage<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force.The unemployment rate is, <strong>of</strong> course, a function <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> specific definitionsused and <strong>the</strong> manner in which <strong>the</strong> questionnaire is administered.For example, in 1967 it was first stipulated that unemployment shouldinclude those seeking work at any time during <strong>the</strong> preceding 4-week periodra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> previously implied 1-week period. This change in definitionis believed to have increased <strong>the</strong> measured unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> women,because many women are on <strong>the</strong> margin between being out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor forceand unemployed. The unemployment rate may also be affected by <strong>the</strong> expedient<strong>of</strong> relying on only one adult member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> household to reportfor all members. The respondent may not be accurately informed about <strong>the</strong>jobs held or sought by all household members. There is, for example, someevidence from special surveys that teenagers give a different impression <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>ir unemployment and labor force participation when <strong>the</strong>y respond directlyto <strong>the</strong> survey.87


SOURCES AND NATURE OF UNEMPLOYMENTUnemployment has several aspects that shift in relative importance fromtime to time. Some portion <strong>of</strong> unemployment is cyclical; that is, it isassociated with <strong>the</strong> business cycle. O<strong>the</strong>r unemployment is primarily aconsequence <strong>of</strong> frictional, structural, and seasonal factors. These components<strong>of</strong> unemployment are analytical concepts and are difficult to identify empirically.It is never<strong>the</strong>less important to understand <strong>the</strong>ir differing nature.FRICTIONAL UNEMPLOYMENTThe economy always generates a considerable amount <strong>of</strong> unemploymentresulting from <strong>the</strong> multiplicity <strong>of</strong> random events that occur in labor markets.Such unemployment arises partly as a by-product <strong>of</strong> normal economicchange—<strong>the</strong> closing <strong>of</strong> some firms, a slowdown in o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> opening andexpansion <strong>of</strong> still o<strong>the</strong>rs, and changing production techniques within firms.Partly in response to <strong>the</strong>se changes, some workers are laid <strong>of</strong>f and o<strong>the</strong>rs quitor enter or reenter <strong>the</strong> labor force. Many become unemployed during thisprocess because <strong>the</strong> matching <strong>of</strong> workers to <strong>the</strong> changing job openings isseldom accomplished instantaneously. Unemployment may also arise as a byproduct<strong>of</strong> personal considerations, quite independent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fortunes <strong>of</strong>firms. Thus, events such as <strong>the</strong> completion <strong>of</strong> school or <strong>of</strong> service in <strong>the</strong>Armed Forces and <strong>the</strong> lessening <strong>of</strong> household responsibilities <strong>of</strong>ten lead to amovement into <strong>the</strong> labor force. A preference for a different job environmentor geographic area also frequently results in job change, as does an employer'sdissatisfaction with a worker's performance.There is substantial turnover among both <strong>the</strong> employed and <strong>the</strong> unemployed.Employment in 1973 averaged 84 million persons per month, butabout 100 million different persons worked at some time during <strong>the</strong> year.Similarly, unemployment averaged 4 million persons per month in 1973,while at least 14 million persons experienced some unemployment in <strong>the</strong>year. About one-fourth <strong>of</strong> all those holding jobs in January 1973 had begun<strong>the</strong>ir job during <strong>the</strong> preceding 12 months.Job loss is usually taken to be an involuntary separation, and quitting avoluntary one. During 1974, 43 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed cited job loss as<strong>the</strong> immediate reason for unemployment; 15 percent said <strong>the</strong>y had quit <strong>the</strong>irjobs; but 42 percent had just entered or reentered <strong>the</strong> labor force. In 1973,a year <strong>of</strong> lower unemployment, <strong>the</strong> percentage citing job loss was smaller,39 percent; and <strong>the</strong> percentage citing quits, or labor force entry or reentry,was greater, 16 percent and 46 percent respectively. Thus, while separationfrom a job accounts for much unemployment, a similar amount is <strong>of</strong>ten<strong>the</strong> by-product <strong>of</strong> movement into <strong>the</strong> labor force.Entering <strong>the</strong> labor force usually entails search for a job. Since entrantsare by definition not working at a paid job (though <strong>the</strong>y may be fully employedin a real sense as students or housewives), <strong>the</strong>y will usually be countedas unemployed, unless <strong>the</strong>y found a job before becoming technically avail-88


able for work. Starting in <strong>the</strong> 1950's <strong>the</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force beganto change as middle-aged married women increased <strong>the</strong>ir participation. Since<strong>the</strong> 1960's <strong>the</strong> increasing tendency <strong>of</strong> younger married women to work, and<strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> teenage labor force because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> post-World War II"baby boom," resulted in rapid increases in <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force and in<strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force comprised <strong>of</strong> teenagers and married womenaged 20 or over (from 20 percent in <strong>the</strong> labor force in 1950 to 31 percent in1974). Both groups have relatively high rates <strong>of</strong> labor force entry and reentrybecause <strong>of</strong> school or home responsibilities. As a result, labor force entrantsand reentrants have probably accounted for an increasing proportion<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed during <strong>the</strong> post-World War IIperiod, and hence for a higher level <strong>of</strong> frictional unemployment. The unemployment<strong>of</strong> entrants and reentrants, however, is not always entirely frictional.For example, during a recession one sees a cyclical component in <strong>the</strong>unemployment <strong>of</strong> entrants and reentrants that is reflected by longer duration.In a dynamic economy, wage rates, skill requirements, and o<strong>the</strong>r jobcharacteristics are constantly changing. As such changes occur, <strong>the</strong> informationabout <strong>the</strong> labor market that people have acquired depreciates invalue. Because it takes time to acquire new and useful information, instantaneousjob change is seldom feasible. Individuals looking for more rewardingwork and firms looking for more productive employees invest time ando<strong>the</strong>r resources in <strong>the</strong> search process. Thus job mobility and <strong>the</strong> ensuingfrictional unemployment are essential consequences <strong>of</strong> economic change. To<strong>the</strong> extent that job mobility increases economic efficiency through a bettermatching <strong>of</strong> workers and jobs, it helps promote economic growth.This is not to say, however, that <strong>the</strong> actual amount <strong>of</strong> frictional unemploymentnecessarily equals <strong>the</strong> optimal amount required to promote efficienteconomic growth. That is, it is not known whe<strong>the</strong>r labor marketsin a private enterprise economy will allocate an optimal amount <strong>of</strong> resourcesto <strong>the</strong> dissemination <strong>of</strong> job information. Periodic surveys in which workersare asked how <strong>the</strong>y located <strong>the</strong>ir current job always show that informalsources <strong>of</strong> information, such as friends and relatives, are more importantthan such formal sources as private and public employment agencies. Informalnetworks seem to provide detail about <strong>the</strong> tangible and intangiblecharacteristics <strong>of</strong> job vacancies and <strong>of</strong> job applicants that workers andfirms value highly. Because such detail is much less readily obtained throughformal channels, it has been difficult for <strong>the</strong> Government to devise improvementsover <strong>the</strong> existing system.STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENTEven during periods <strong>of</strong> low unemployment, some groups have persistentlyhigh unemployment that tends to be <strong>of</strong> long duration, occurring ei<strong>the</strong>r in asingle spell or in a sequence <strong>of</strong> spells. Such unemployment is <strong>of</strong>ten referredto as structural, in contrast to frictional unemployment, which tends to be <strong>of</strong>89


shorter duration, although <strong>the</strong>re is no hard and fast line between <strong>the</strong>se twoclassifications.Structural unemployment represents imperfect labor market adjustmentas a result <strong>of</strong> some barrier to <strong>the</strong> mobility <strong>of</strong> resources. For example, <strong>the</strong> highunemployment in Appalachia during <strong>the</strong> 1950's and 1960's was initially aconsequence <strong>of</strong> a decline in <strong>the</strong> demand for coal and <strong>of</strong> union wages andfringe benefits that were pushed substantially above <strong>the</strong> competitive level,and thus led to greater mechanization. The resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region werenot readily adaptable to o<strong>the</strong>r industries, and <strong>the</strong> personal and financialcosts <strong>of</strong> moving to a different area, combined with a chance <strong>of</strong> obtaininga high-paying job in Appalachia, impeded migration from <strong>the</strong> region. Since<strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> migration out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region by younger workers, <strong>the</strong> retirement <strong>of</strong>older workers, and <strong>the</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> transportation systems which facilitated<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> new industries have dramatically reduced <strong>the</strong>unemployment rate in Appalachia. As a result, although <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate in <strong>the</strong> Appalachian region was 8.6 percent in 1962 compared to <strong>the</strong>national rate <strong>of</strong> 5.5 percent, by 1971 it had fallen to 5.9 percent—<strong>the</strong> sameas <strong>the</strong> national unemployment rate.The high unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> teenagers and <strong>of</strong> workers with little skillmay also be partly attributable to structural factors, but <strong>of</strong> a different sort.In 1974 <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> teenagers aged 16 to 19 was 14 percentfor white youths and 33 percent for black youths, compared to 3.8 percentfor all males aged 20 and over. These higher rates may to some extent resultfrom such artificial barriers to wage rate adjustment as legislated minimumwages; in this sense <strong>the</strong>y can be said to have structural elements. The Federalminimum wage at present is $2.10 per hour for workers covered by <strong>the</strong> legislationbefore 1966, and $1.80 per hour for workers who were covered later,mainly some agricultural workers, domestics, and employees <strong>of</strong> small retailchains. Some employment not covered by <strong>the</strong> Federal minimum wage iscovered by various State and local legislation. In some instances, State andlocal minimums exceed <strong>the</strong> Federal level. For example, <strong>the</strong> current minimumwage in <strong>the</strong> District <strong>of</strong> Columbia is $2.50 per hour in some industries.O<strong>the</strong>r legislation adds to <strong>the</strong> minimum cost <strong>of</strong> employing a low-wage workerby requiring, for example, employers' expenditures for social security, unemploymentinsurance, and workers' compensation insurance.Some adults, but more teenagers, do not have <strong>the</strong> skills to command a wagethat equals or exceeds this minimum cost <strong>of</strong> employment for o<strong>the</strong>r than peakperiods <strong>of</strong> demand in <strong>the</strong> business <strong>of</strong> a particular firm. The knowledge thatsome job openings exist at <strong>the</strong> minimum wage may encourage some to continuesearching, thus adding to <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> unemployed. O<strong>the</strong>rs may dropout <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force altoge<strong>the</strong>r. Since <strong>the</strong> minimum wage reduces wagedifferentiation among workers, it will generate a greater decline in employmentfor <strong>the</strong> less skilled and for those subject to discrimination in <strong>the</strong> labormarket. These effects explain part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> substantially higher unemployment90


ate for teenagers compared to adults and for black teenagers compared towhite teenagers. Racial differences in unemployment are discussed in greaterdetail below.SEASONAL UNEMPLOYMENTSeasonal fluctuations in <strong>the</strong> demand for and supply <strong>of</strong> labor cause largeflows <strong>of</strong> persons into unemployment. The seasonal nature inherent in someproduction processes, such as agriculture and construction, and in some consumption—visitingbeach resorts in <strong>the</strong> summer and ski resorts in <strong>the</strong>winter—can create seasonal fluctuations in employment and unemployment.For example, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> construction workers inFebruary tends to be 133 percent larger than in August. Changes in technology,such as mechanical harvesting equipment and new methods whichpermit all-wea<strong>the</strong>r construction, may have reduced some seasonal fluctuationsin employment. Some industries diversify <strong>the</strong>ir product lines oruse fluctuations in inventories to reduce <strong>the</strong> costs associated with seasonalvariations in demand.Seasonal fluctuations can also arise on <strong>the</strong> labor supply side. The unemployment<strong>of</strong> young people has a strong seasonal component, related mainlyto <strong>the</strong> search for jobs during school vacations. The school calendar was originallydesigned to fit seasonal demands for young workers in agriculture,but such employment has declined in relative importance.If <strong>the</strong> seasonal pattern is regular from year to year, and if data are availablefor several years, "seasonal factors" can be computed. Indeed, many <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> basic monthly unemployment statistics are "seasonally adjusted" by <strong>the</strong>Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics to show <strong>the</strong> month-to-month changein unemployment due to factors o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> season.Adjusting <strong>the</strong> basic data with <strong>the</strong> standard statistical technique, however,does not remove <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> seasonality from <strong>the</strong> average level <strong>of</strong> unemployment;ra<strong>the</strong>r, it spreads <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> seasonality uniformly throughout<strong>the</strong> year. Thus, groups with relatively high seasonal unemployment will, onan annual basis, have a relatively high unemployment rate, o<strong>the</strong>r thingsbeing <strong>the</strong> same. For example, <strong>the</strong> higher annual unemployment rates <strong>of</strong> bluecollarworkers compared to white-collar workers, <strong>of</strong> Alaska compared to <strong>the</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r States, <strong>of</strong> teenage males compared to adult males, are in part attributableto greater seasonality <strong>of</strong> employment.CYCLICAL UNEMPLOYMENTDuring a downturn in economic activity <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> plant closings acceleratesand <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> openings or expansions <strong>of</strong> firms declines. The rise inunemployment accompanying such a general decline in business activityis referred to as cyclical unemployment and is associated with <strong>the</strong> underutilization<strong>of</strong> economic resources, both human and physical. The rise in <strong>the</strong>unemployment rate from 4.7 percent in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to 6.6percent in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 is, <strong>of</strong> course, <strong>the</strong> most recent example<strong>of</strong> a cyclical increase in unemployment.91


The unemployment resulting from a general business recession differs fromunemployment attributable to o<strong>the</strong>r causes. As <strong>the</strong> rate rises during <strong>the</strong> cycle,<strong>the</strong>re is an increase in <strong>the</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> unemployment, that is, in <strong>the</strong> proportion<strong>of</strong> those who are unemployed during some part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year (Table 24).This increase accounts for only part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in unemployment, however.For example, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate in 1971 was 69 percentgreater than in 1969; but <strong>the</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> unemployment was only 30 percentgreater. The total number <strong>of</strong> weeks <strong>of</strong> unemployment experienced during<strong>the</strong> year by <strong>the</strong> average unemployed person also increases during arecession, and this is an additional factor increasing <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate.Available data on <strong>the</strong> unemployment <strong>of</strong> persons with work experience during<strong>the</strong> year indicate that for adult males, in <strong>the</strong> period 1964 to 1973, 28percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual variation in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate can be explainedby <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment over <strong>the</strong> year, 24 percent by <strong>the</strong> incidence<strong>of</strong> unemployment, and 48 percent by <strong>the</strong>ir joint effects. During a recession<strong>the</strong> greater average duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment over <strong>the</strong> year seems to belargely due to more weeks <strong>of</strong> unemployment per spell, ra<strong>the</strong>r than to morefrequent spells per unemployed person.TABLE 24.—Dimensions <strong>of</strong> unemployment and weekly hours worked: comparison <strong>of</strong> selectedyears <strong>of</strong> high and low unemployment, 1957—74Item1957 1958 1960 1961 1969 1971 1973 1974PercentUnemployment rate:*All civilian workersLong duration unemployment 24.3.86.82.15.51.46.72.23.55.91.44.9.95.61.0Percent unemployed at any time duringyear 84 . . . .Percent <strong>of</strong> those with unemploymentwith two or more spells* 814.741.117.941.117.236.618.437.012.532.316.332.514.232.5Unemployed by reason: 6Total unemployedJob losers .Job leaversReentrants and new entrants ,.100.035.915.448.7100.046.311.841.9100.038.715.745.7100.043.414.941.6WeeksAverage duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment:Currently unemployedCompleted spell <strong>of</strong> unemployment 7 ..Sum <strong>of</strong> spells <strong>of</strong> unemploymentduring <strong>the</strong> year **10.55.713.113.97.415.612.86.014.115.67.214.57.94.69.811.36.614.210.012.09.7Average hours worked per week41.040.640.540.539.939.339.339.01 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force.* Unemployed for 15 weeks or longer.3 Percent <strong>of</strong> those in <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force at anytime during <strong>the</strong> year.< Data from <strong>the</strong> Work Experience Survey and relate to persons 14 years <strong>of</strong> age and over for 1957-61 and 16 years andover for o<strong>the</strong>r years.6 Data relate only to persons with work experience during <strong>the</strong> year.« Data are not available for 1957-61.* Estimate.Note.—Data are from <strong>the</strong> Current Population Survey and relate to persons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over (except as noted).Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.92


As unemployment rises during <strong>the</strong> cycle, lay<strong>of</strong>fs account for a larger proportion<strong>of</strong> unemployment, while voluntary separation and entry and reentryinto <strong>the</strong> labor force decline in relative importance. Most workers who quit<strong>the</strong>ir jobs presumably do not return to <strong>the</strong>m. However, a substantial proportion<strong>of</strong> those on a lay<strong>of</strong>f do return to <strong>the</strong>ir former jobs, ra<strong>the</strong>r than take newjobs, and this proportion is greater for lay<strong>of</strong>fs attributable to a recession.Not all workers are equally likely to experience <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> cyclical unemployment(Table 25). Cyclical fluctuations generally have a small amplitudein <strong>the</strong> service sectors and a wide amplitude in manufacturing, particularly<strong>of</strong> durable goods. Within industries, cyclical fluctuations in employmenttend to be greater for blue-collar or production workers than forwhite-collar or supervisory workers. The differences, however, vary fromone cycle to ano<strong>the</strong>r.TABLE 25.—Unemployment rates by selected demographic and industrial groups: comparison <strong>of</strong>selected years <strong>of</strong> high and low unemployment, 1957-74[Percent!Group1957195819601961196919711973IVi1974All civilian workers4.36.85.56.73.55.94.76.6RACEWhiteNegro and o<strong>the</strong>r races3 87.96.112.64.910.26 012.43.16.45.49.94 38.65.911.7AGE-SEXMen 20 years and over.. .Women 20 years and overBoth sexes 16-19 years . . ...3.64.111.66.26.115.94.75.114.75.76.316.82.13.712.24.45.716.93.14.714.44.76.517.5OCCUPATIONWhite-collar workers .Pr<strong>of</strong>essional and technicalManagers and administrators, exceptfarmSales workers..Clerical workers1.91.21.02.62.83.12.01.74.14.42.71.71.43.83.83.32.01.84.94.62.11.3.92.93.03.52.91.64.34.82.92.21.33.64.03.72.52.25.25.0Blue-collar workers .Craft and kindred workersOperatives.Nonfarm laborers6.03.86.39.410.26.811.015.17.85.38.012.69.26.39.614.73.92.24.46.77.44.78.310.85.43.55.78.48.35.49,611.6Service workers4.76.95.87.24.26.35.66.9Farm workers.1.93.22.72.81.92.62.42.6INDUSTRYNonagricultural private wage and salaryworkers .ConstructionManufacturing:Durable goods .._Nondurable goodsService industries 2Government workers4.910 94.95.34.21.97.915.310.67.75.72.56.213.56.46.15.12.47.515.78.56.86.22.53.56.03.03.73.51.96.210.47.06.55.62.94.88.83.94.84.32.66.913.47.37.95.23.21 Seasonally adjusted.3 Quarterly data are for service and finance industries.Note.—Data relate to persons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over except for 1957 occupation data, which relate to persons 14 years<strong>of</strong> age and over.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.93563-280 O - 75 - 7


To a large extent <strong>the</strong> demographic characteristics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed varyover <strong>the</strong> business cycle because <strong>of</strong> differences in industry and occupation.Blue-collar workers in goods-producing industries are more likely thanwhite-collar and service industry workers to be adult males and unionmembers and less likely to be college graduates. Groups with <strong>the</strong>se characteristicswill <strong>the</strong>refore generally experience greater fluctuations in unemploymentover <strong>the</strong> business cycle.Even within an industry-occupation sector, <strong>the</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> unemploymentis uneven. Some workers undergo a sharp decline in <strong>the</strong>ir weeks orhours <strong>of</strong> employment during <strong>the</strong> year, while many o<strong>the</strong>rs experience little orno decrease. This unequal sharing <strong>of</strong> unemployment results in greater inequalityin <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> personal income during a recession.INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENTIt has been suggested that <strong>the</strong>re is a negative relation between <strong>the</strong>unemployment rate and <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase in wages and prices, and thatsuch a relation exists in <strong>the</strong> long run as well as over <strong>the</strong> business cycle.During a period <strong>of</strong> cyclical expansion, an increase in aggregate demandleads to a greater demand for labor, which is expressed by increases inwages (or in <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase in wages) or by <strong>the</strong> hiring <strong>of</strong> less skilledworkers at <strong>the</strong> same wage. This increase in demand for labor will resultultimately in a reduction in unemployment. Thus, in a cyclical expansionone observes a negative relation between wage-rate increases and unemployment.On <strong>the</strong> downside <strong>of</strong> a business cycle, firms with a decreaseddemand for labor lay <strong>of</strong>f workers and lower <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase in moneywages. The unemployment rate will increase, accompanied by a decline in<strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> wage increase.In <strong>the</strong> long run, however, <strong>the</strong>re would not appear to be a mechanismlinking <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment to any one rate <strong>of</strong> stable wage or priceincrease. One would expect <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate to be determined by<strong>the</strong> magnitude <strong>of</strong> frictional, structural, and o<strong>the</strong>r basic forces which areindependent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> particular level <strong>of</strong> a stable rate <strong>of</strong> inflation. The rate<strong>of</strong> unemployment that <strong>the</strong> economy tends to generate when <strong>the</strong> rate<strong>of</strong> inflation has no tendency to accelerate is sometimes referred to as <strong>the</strong>"natural" rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment. This is a misnomer, however, since <strong>the</strong>"natural" rate may vary over long periods in response to changes in <strong>the</strong>underlying factors which determine its level.During <strong>the</strong> 1960's many economists believed that <strong>the</strong>re was a long-run,negative relation between <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate and <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increasein wages or prices, initially described by <strong>the</strong> "Phillips curve" and later byfunctions involving additional variables and equations. Empirically, simplecharts relating <strong>the</strong> U.S. rate <strong>of</strong> increase in prices or wages to <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate did show a downward-sloping relation for <strong>the</strong> 1960's, althoughby <strong>the</strong> 1970's <strong>the</strong>re was clear evidence that <strong>the</strong> relation was not stable acrossdecades (Chart 7, top panel).94


Chart 7Unemployment Rate and PricesPERCENT CHANGE INPERSONAL CONSUMPTIONEXPENDITURES DEFLATOR121 111 I117411-10 h-8-'5J-6-'69'48'7. 3'7071-42'53.'52'6*8'67•'66'56•'57•'6572'50 '6j)'59\/L #63'61'58'49-2121 1 11 1 1 1 1 12.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (PERCENT)i i 11 1 1 1 1 17410--8'51_6-'48-420'69'68'5253'67'66'567 . 3 70•'65'57'55•7172•) '60•64 ' 5 . ( '59. J63V'54'49'61'58--21 I 11 1 1 1 1 12.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0FIXED (1956) WEIGHT UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (PERCENT)NOTE: WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS WERE IN EFFECT JANUARY 1951-FEBRUARY 1953AND AUGUST 1971-APRIL 1974. DURING THESE PERIODS, HOWEVER, THE CONTROLSVARIED IN COMPREHENSIVENESS.SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, AND COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS.95


One explanation for <strong>the</strong> instability across decades is that a long-runPhillips curve exists but that <strong>the</strong> curve has been shifting outwards. Somehave suggested that this shift is in response to an increase in labor forceturnover resulting from <strong>the</strong> increasing proportion <strong>of</strong> women and teenagersin <strong>the</strong> labor force. Even if <strong>the</strong> tightness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor market for each age-sexgroup were unchanged—that is, if age-sex specific unemployment rates wereunchanged—an increase in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force comprised <strong>of</strong>adult women and teenagers would increase <strong>the</strong> measured overall unemploymentrate. Hence <strong>the</strong> same rate <strong>of</strong> inflation would be associated with ahigher level <strong>of</strong> unemployment.The lower panel in Chart 7 presents data relating <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> change in aprice index to <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate, adjusted for changes in <strong>the</strong> age-sexcomposition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force by <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> 1956 labor force weights. Theadjusted unemployment rate has been falling relative to <strong>the</strong> measured rate.For example, <strong>the</strong> 1974 unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> 5.6 percent is reduced to4.8 percent if <strong>the</strong> age-sex weights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1956 labor force are used. Theadjustment reduces but does not eliminate <strong>the</strong> impression <strong>of</strong> outward movement<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> points during <strong>the</strong> 1970's; and <strong>the</strong> pattern <strong>of</strong> points suggeststhat <strong>the</strong> irregularity persists. Despite considerable empirical work allowingfor <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r variables and <strong>of</strong> lags, it has proved difficult to defend<strong>the</strong> claim <strong>of</strong> a long-run Phillips trade<strong>of</strong>f between inflation and unemployment.It should also be noted that a series <strong>of</strong> shifting, negatively sloped short-runcurves relating inflation and unemployment is <strong>the</strong>oretically consistent with<strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> a "natural" rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment which is independent <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation in <strong>the</strong> long run. As <strong>the</strong> short-run curves shift, <strong>the</strong>observed points on <strong>the</strong> curves trace out a long-run curve, which becomes morenearly vertical as more time is given to <strong>the</strong> process. Thus, no stimulus towardlowering unemployment can be derived from a higher inflation rate once<strong>the</strong> public has adjusted to it. The long-run vertical line originates at apoint on <strong>the</strong> unemployment axis corresponding to <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> "natural"unemployment rate, a rate which, as noted earlier, depends on <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong>frictional and structural unemployment and on o<strong>the</strong>r fundamental characteristics<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy. The changing composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor forcewould <strong>the</strong>n be one reason to expect an increase in frictional unemployment,and hence a rightward shift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vertical line in question, that is, a rise in<strong>the</strong> "natural" rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment.O<strong>the</strong>r factors may also have induced a higher natural rate <strong>of</strong> unemploymentover time. The increase in wealth and <strong>the</strong> accompanyinggrowth <strong>of</strong> consumer credit have made it easier to maintain consumptionduring periods <strong>of</strong> unemployment and may have <strong>the</strong>reby promoted morejob search. Similarly, changes in <strong>the</strong> welfare program, particularly <strong>the</strong>availability <strong>of</strong> food stamps and <strong>the</strong> program in Aid to Families with DependentChildren (AFDC) for unemployed fa<strong>the</strong>rs, available in 23States and <strong>the</strong> District <strong>of</strong> Columbia, now provide additional support for96


unemployed persons from families with few assets and little income fromo<strong>the</strong>r sources.Finally, <strong>the</strong> decline in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> employed who are selfemployedor unpaid family workers, from 21.5 percent in 1948 to 9.6 percentin 1974, would also tend to increase <strong>the</strong> measured unemployment rate,since both groups typically report very low unemployment, presumably because<strong>the</strong>ir earnings are residual and not contractual. For example, in 1974<strong>the</strong> unemployment rate for <strong>the</strong>se two groups was 0.9 percent, and <strong>the</strong> ratefor wage and salary workers, 5.3 percent.O<strong>the</strong>r factors, however, would have tended to decrease <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate over time. For example, rising wage rates increase <strong>the</strong> opportunitycost <strong>of</strong> absence from a job, although this effect may have been neutralizedby proportionate increases in unemployment compensation benefits. In addition,<strong>the</strong> occupational-industrial composition <strong>of</strong> employment has shiftedtoward white-collar jobs in <strong>the</strong> service and government sectors, and <strong>the</strong>seordinarily have lower rates <strong>of</strong> unemployment.In summary, although <strong>the</strong>re does generally appear to be an inverse relationbetween unemployment and inflation in <strong>the</strong> short run, <strong>the</strong> stability <strong>of</strong>such a long-run relation has been challenged. Much evidence suggests thatin <strong>the</strong> long run <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment is consistent with any fully anticipatedrate <strong>of</strong> inflation. Continued research on this topic should eventuallyprovide a more definitive answer.DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENTFor <strong>the</strong> average worker a spell <strong>of</strong> unemployment lasts only a few r weeks.From 1948 through 1969 <strong>the</strong> average completed spell was estimated at5.5 weeks, though it tended to be longer during a recession. It was 3.7weeks in 1953 (unemployment rate, 2.9 percent) and 7.4 weeks in 1958(unemployment rate, 6.8 percent).One should note that <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment commonly calculatedfrom <strong>the</strong> GPS refers to a different measure, <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> weeks <strong>of</strong>unemployment experienced by those who are currently unemployed. Calculatedthis way, <strong>the</strong> average duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment tends to be considerablylonger than <strong>the</strong> average completed spell <strong>of</strong> unemploymentduring <strong>the</strong> year. The difference arises because <strong>the</strong> probability <strong>of</strong> leavingunemployment <strong>the</strong> following week is related to <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> weeks<strong>the</strong> individual has been unemployed: <strong>the</strong> longer one has already been unemployed,<strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> probability <strong>of</strong> remaining unemployed. The proportionwith long-term unemployment will, <strong>the</strong>refore, be greater among <strong>the</strong>currently unemployed than among those who are completing spells <strong>of</strong> unemployment.In 1969 about 4.7 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> currently unemployed in anaverage month had been unemployed for 27 weeks or more, while only 1.8percent <strong>of</strong> all those who experienced a spell <strong>of</strong> unemployment at any timeduring <strong>the</strong> year were unemployed for 27 weeks or more.97


The duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment can be viewed still a third way. Somepersons experience several spells <strong>of</strong> unemployment in a year, which toge<strong>the</strong>radd up to a considerable length <strong>of</strong> time. Indeed those who havecompleted a spell <strong>of</strong> unemployment are more likely to become unemployedagain than are those who have not been unemployed. In 1973, 13 percent<strong>of</strong> those working at some time during <strong>the</strong> year had one or more spells <strong>of</strong> unemployment,but 32 percent <strong>of</strong> those with at least one spell had two or morespells, and 52 percent <strong>of</strong> those with at least two spells had three or morespells. Counting all spells, 11 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> experienced workers who hadsome unemployment reported that <strong>the</strong>y were unemployed for a total <strong>of</strong> 27weeks or more in 1973. On <strong>the</strong> average, workers who had been unemployedat some time reported 12.0 weeks <strong>of</strong> unemployment during <strong>the</strong> year. Forthis group, which excludes persons who were seeking jobs at some time in<strong>the</strong> year but did not work, <strong>the</strong> average length <strong>of</strong> a completed spell was 8.5weeks and <strong>the</strong> average number <strong>of</strong> spells was about 1.7.Estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment from <strong>the</strong> work experience surveymay be biased upwards because <strong>the</strong> survey is conducted in March butrelates to <strong>the</strong> previous year and hence must rely on <strong>the</strong> respondent's memory.Retrospective reporting may be particularly faulty about brief episodes <strong>of</strong>unemployment and among those who did not receive unemployment insurance.The number <strong>of</strong> spells may thus be underestimated and <strong>the</strong>ir averagelength overestimated, particularly for women and teenagers. This wouldexplain why <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> a completed spell obtained from <strong>the</strong> workexperience survey exceeds estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> a completed spellbased on <strong>the</strong> data in <strong>the</strong> monthly CPS.The duration <strong>of</strong> a spell <strong>of</strong> unemployment seems to vary among demographicgroups. Among <strong>the</strong> currently unemployed, <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> unemploymentis somewhat lower for women than for men, and it increasesmarkedly with age for both sexes. In 1973 <strong>the</strong> group aged 55 and over madeup 9 percent <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> unemployed, but 19 percent <strong>of</strong> those who were unemployed27 weeks or more.Older workers usually have longer tenure on <strong>the</strong> job and greater jobsecurity, and thus a low incidence <strong>of</strong> unemployment. Once <strong>the</strong>y lose a job,however, it is much more difficult for <strong>the</strong>m to find a comparable one. Olderworkers are likely to have had much training that was useful to <strong>the</strong>irprevious employer but would not necessarily be <strong>of</strong> value to any o<strong>the</strong>r; andbecause <strong>the</strong>ir general training was received at an earlier time <strong>the</strong>ir generalskills may have become obsolete. Firms are reluctant to invest in an olderworker whose remaining work life is shorter and whose retirement withpension is more imminent. Finally, geographic mobility is much more costlyat older ages. The closing <strong>of</strong> a firm or a decline in an industry or an area maythus result in severe problems for older workers.INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONSGenerally <strong>the</strong> United States and Canada have higher measured rates <strong>of</strong>unemployment than most o<strong>the</strong>r developed countries with market economies98


(Table 26). The sources <strong>of</strong> unemployment, its duration, and <strong>the</strong> hardshipassociated with it differ greatly from country to country, and an understanding<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se factors is needed to interpret <strong>the</strong> differences.The definition <strong>of</strong> unemployment also varies among countries, and this cancause differences in <strong>the</strong> measured unemployment rate. In some countriesmeasured unemployment represents <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> persons registered withgovernment unemployment exchanges; such a procedure usually produceslower rates than <strong>the</strong> one used in <strong>the</strong> United States. The U.S. Department<strong>of</strong> Labor has adjusted <strong>the</strong> unemployment rates <strong>of</strong> major developed countriesto conform more closely to U.S. concepts. However, although <strong>the</strong> greatestcare is taken in making <strong>the</strong>se difficult adjustments, it is probably impossibleto achieve full comparability. The adjustments must depend on labor forcesurveys which differ in <strong>the</strong> wording and sequence <strong>of</strong> questions, and <strong>the</strong> trueeffect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se differences cannot be determined. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> vast institutionaldifferences among countries would raise serious questions about <strong>the</strong>comparability <strong>of</strong> data even if <strong>the</strong> questionnaires were identical.TABLE 26.—Unemployment rates in <strong>the</strong> United States and seven o<strong>the</strong>r developed countries,selected periods, 1969-74[Percent; seasonally adjusted)Adjusted to U.S. concepts»As published'Country1974197419691973III19691973IIINovemberNovemberUnited States3.54.95.56.63.54.95.56.6CanadaFranceWest Germany..Great Britain 3ItalyJapanSweden.4.73.1.83 03.71.11.95.63.51.03 03 81.32.55.44 12.63 23.21.42.15.55.63.13 1«3. 51.74.71.7.92.43 41.11.95.62.11.22.63.51.32.55.42.53.12.73.01.42.15.53.43.72.7*3.21.71 With <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong> Canada, labor force and unemployment data are adjusted where possible to be made morecomparable to U.S. definitions and concepts. Age limits roughly approximate <strong>the</strong> age at which compulsory schooling ends.For <strong>the</strong> United States and Canada published and adjusted data are identical.2 For Great Britain and West Germany, registered unemployed as a percent <strong>of</strong> employed wage and salary workers plus <strong>the</strong>unemployed. For o<strong>the</strong>rs, unemployment as a percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian or total labor force. With <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong> France, w hichdoes not publish an unemployment rate, <strong>the</strong>se are <strong>the</strong> rates most usually published in <strong>the</strong> country.3 Data as published exclude school leavers and adult students. Including such persons, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate was2.7 in 1973.* October 1974.Note.—The quarterly and monthly adjusted data are estimates based on annual adjustment factors and should beviewed as approximate indicators <strong>of</strong> unemployment under U.S. concepts.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.The Labor Department adjustments (Table 26) bring <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrates <strong>of</strong> some countries closer to <strong>the</strong> U.S. level, although for West Germany<strong>the</strong> differential widens. Significant differentials still remain. Although internationaldata on duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment are less comparable, <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates appears to have more short-term frictional unemployment, but arelatively low rate <strong>of</strong> long duration unemployment compared to several99


o<strong>the</strong>r countries (Table 27). It is not known to what extent differences.in<strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> those unemployed for long periods can be attributed todifferences in <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment benefits or in o<strong>the</strong>r provisions<strong>of</strong> unemployment compensation systems.TABLE 27,—Long-term unemployment in <strong>the</strong> United States and six o<strong>the</strong>r developedcountries•, selected periods, 1970—74Country and periodUnemployment rate 1PercentRelative toaverage1968-1973Percent <strong>of</strong> unemployedwho have been seekingwork for: l3 monthsor more 36 monthsor more 4Long-term unemploymentrate (percent) i- 23 monthsor more6 monthsor moreUnited States:1970 .19731974: III4.94 95.51.041 041.1716.218 919.05.77 87.60.891.00.34.4Canada:197019735.95.61.051.0033.135.415.615.62.02.0.9.9France:1970: March2.2.8556.340.61.2.9West Germany:1970: April1972: April.5.9.631.0669.963.450.541.4.2.6.2.4Great Britain:197119731974: July3.32 62.71.18.93.9347.028.241 633.71.2.91.1.9Italy:1970 . .3.11.0973.042.82.41.4Sweden:1970 . . . .19731.52.5.681.1421.836.79.818.7.3.9.1.51 Data for Canada, France, West Germany, Italy and Sweden are based on labor force surveys and are fairly comparable toU.S. data. However, <strong>the</strong>y have not been adjusted to U.S. concepts. Data for Great Britain are from <strong>the</strong> series on registeredunemployed and are not comparable to <strong>the</strong> United States.2 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian or total labor force, except in Great Britain where it is a percent <strong>of</strong> registered unemployed plusemployed wage and salary workers.3 Fifteen weeks or more in <strong>the</strong> United States, 4 months or more in Canada, and 13 weeks or more in Great Britain andSweden.4 Twenty-six weeks or more in <strong>the</strong> United States, 7 months or more in Canada, 26 weeks or more in Great Britain, and27 weeks or more in Sweden.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics) and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.One reason for <strong>the</strong> greater frictional unemployment in <strong>the</strong> United Statesand Canada, compared to many countries in Western Europe, may be <strong>the</strong>rapid rate <strong>of</strong> growth in <strong>the</strong> labor force and in employment, primarilybecause <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir more rapidly growing populations. From 1962 to 1972, <strong>the</strong>civilian labor force increased at annual rates <strong>of</strong> 2.1 percent in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates and 3.0 percent in Canada; but <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force (adjusted toU.S. concepts) increased only 1.3 percent in Japan, 1.0 percent in France,and 0.7 percent in Sweden; and it declined by 0.1 percent in West Germanyand by 0.7 percent in Italy. A more rapidly growing labor force may implya larger proportion <strong>of</strong> recent entrants who have a high incidence <strong>of</strong> unemployment,though <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>of</strong> short duration. In addition, employers may beless reluctant to lay <strong>of</strong>f workers when <strong>the</strong>re is a steady flow <strong>of</strong> new workersinto <strong>the</strong> market.100


The relatively high level <strong>of</strong> frictional unemployment in <strong>the</strong> United Statesis also reflected in comparatively high rates <strong>of</strong> job turnover. For example,turnover rates in manufacturing, measured as <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> separations(quits and lay<strong>of</strong>fs) per 100 employees per year, were 55 and 65 respectivelyin <strong>the</strong> United States and Canada in <strong>the</strong> 1960's—from 70 percent to morethan 100 percent higher than in countries such as West Germany, GreatBritain, or Italy, even in years <strong>of</strong> very low unemployment. Institutional andcultural factors may account for <strong>the</strong>se differences in turnover. In manyWestern European and Asian countries worker-employer relationships discouragelay<strong>of</strong>fs and quits. A distinctive characteristic <strong>of</strong> Japanese labor marketsis <strong>the</strong> system <strong>of</strong> "lifetime employment," in which many workers arefelt to be committed to employment by a single firm throughout <strong>the</strong>ir careers.The firms with such arrangements are usually large, and intrafirm jobmobility replaces interfirm mobility. Available data indicate very low rates <strong>of</strong>job change in Japan^ even for young workers. Among young graduates <strong>of</strong>manpower training programs in 1968, only 28 percent changed employersduring <strong>the</strong> next 3 years. Among U.S. youths aged 15 to 20 who had left schooland entered <strong>the</strong> labor force, however, about 53 percent <strong>of</strong> whites and 66percent <strong>of</strong> blacks changed employers between 1966 and 1967, according to<strong>the</strong> National Longitudinal Survey. It is difficult to evaluate <strong>the</strong> efficiency<strong>of</strong> intercountry differences in job mobility, but <strong>the</strong> variation in behavior isstriking.Ano<strong>the</strong>r factor in <strong>the</strong> differing measured unemployment among somecountries is <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> self-employment. Self-employed persons and unpaidworkers in family enterprises, mainly farms, are seldom reported asunemployed. In <strong>the</strong> United States, about 10 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> employedare self-employed or unpaid family workers. Although in Sweden <strong>the</strong>proportion is similar to that in <strong>the</strong> United States, it is considerably higherin several o<strong>the</strong>r countries: 32 percent in Japan, 29 percent in Italy, 21 percentin France, and 16 percent in West Germany. Thus, relative to <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, unemployment appears lower in <strong>the</strong>se countries than it would be ifonly wage and salary workers were considered.Finally, government actions can influence <strong>the</strong> extent to which measuredunemployment varies over <strong>the</strong> business cycle. In Sweden, for example, extensiveexpenditures on training and public employment programs duringrecessions reduce <strong>the</strong> cyclical increase in measured unemployment. During1973, a year <strong>of</strong> cyclical downturn in Sweden, an annual monthly average <strong>of</strong>79,000 persons were in training or public employment programs and hencewere counted as employed or out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force. Since this group islarge compared to <strong>the</strong> monthly number <strong>of</strong> persons reported unemployed,about 98,000, it is clear that without <strong>the</strong> programs, or if persons in <strong>the</strong>programs were counted as unemployed, <strong>the</strong> measured rate would have beensubstantially higher than <strong>the</strong> reported rate.In West Germany, some adjustment to <strong>the</strong> business cycle has been madethrough <strong>the</strong> migration <strong>of</strong> foreign workers who now comprise about 10 per-101


cent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian labor foro . 1 hiring slack times <strong>the</strong> foreign workers, whoare more prone to lay<strong>of</strong>f, usually returned to <strong>the</strong>ir home countries. In 1974,however, this pattern seems to have changed, perhaps partly because <strong>of</strong>recent restrictions on new migrant labor: and fewer unemployed foreignworkers left <strong>the</strong> country. Thus, in October 1974 foreign workers made up13 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> registered unemployed, compared to 6 percent in March1973. In January 1975 renewed government efforts were made in WestGermany to encourage <strong>the</strong> emigration <strong>of</strong> unemployed migrant workers.THE DISTRIBUTION OF UNEMPLOYMENTThe U.S. data for 1974 show a wide disparity in unemployment amongdemographic groups. The unemployment rate is higher for teenagers than foradults, for women than for men, for blacks than for whites, and for unskilledworkers than for <strong>the</strong> skilled. These differentials have endured in U.S. labormarkets for a long time. Even in 1969, a year <strong>of</strong> extremely tight labor markets,when <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate for adult men was 2.1 percent, <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate was 3.7 percent for adult women, 6.4 percent for blacks,and 12.2 percent for teenagers. The development <strong>of</strong> efficient public policyrequires an understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nature and causes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se unemploymentdifferentials.DIFFERENTIALS DUE TO LABOR FORCE TURNOVERLabor force turnover seems to explain much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployment <strong>of</strong>women and teenagers. Some teenagers and more women have a continuousattachment to <strong>the</strong> labor force; o<strong>the</strong>rs are just beginning such an attachment;and still o<strong>the</strong>rs enter and leave <strong>the</strong> labor force, sometimes more than onceduring <strong>the</strong> year. For example, although more than half <strong>the</strong> women and teenagerswere in <strong>the</strong> labor force at some time in 1973, only 31 percent and 22percent respectively were in <strong>the</strong> labor force for 50-52 weeks. Of all malesaged 25 to 54, however, 87 percent were in <strong>the</strong> labor force for <strong>the</strong> entire year.As noted above, high rates <strong>of</strong> labor force turnover generally have <strong>the</strong>effect <strong>of</strong> increasing measured unemployment, while job-to-job mobility doesnot always have such an effect. In our unemployment statistics, personswith a job are not classified as unemployed, even though <strong>the</strong>y may besearching for ano<strong>the</strong>r. During <strong>the</strong> recession year <strong>of</strong> 1961 less than half<strong>the</strong> persons who changed jobs for any reason, including job loss,experienced unemployment as it is defined here. In a year <strong>of</strong> normal unemployment<strong>the</strong> proportion is likely to be still lower. Entry and reentry into<strong>the</strong> labor force, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, is subject to a more direct translation intomeasured unemployment, since search by those working as students or in <strong>the</strong>home is counted as unemployment. Not surprisingly, a large amount <strong>of</strong>unemployment among teenagers and women is accounted for by labor forceentrants and reentrants (Table 28).In 1974, 44 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed adult women and 68 percent <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> unemployed teenagers had been out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force before becoming102


TABLE 28.—Distribution <strong>of</strong> unemployed by reason for unemployment, by ageand sex, 1973-74(Percent)Men 20 years and overWomen 20 years and overBoth sexes 16 to 19 yearsReason197319741973197419731974Total unemployed100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0Job separationsJob losersJob leavers75.059.115.979.465.414.153.234.618.656.538.618.029.017.211.831.919.712.2Previously out <strong>of</strong> labor force..ReentrantsNew entrants25.021.63.420.518.22.446.841.55.343.537.95.671.129.541.568.130.637.4Unemployment rate J3.23.84.85.514.516.01 Unemployment as percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.unemployed, compared to only 21 percent <strong>of</strong> unemployed adult men. Wecan exclude both new entrants and reentrants from <strong>the</strong> unemployed andfrom <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force to compute an unemployment rate referringonly to persons who are unemployed because <strong>the</strong>y lost or quit <strong>the</strong>ir jobs. Theresulting unemployment rate for adult women declines almost to that foradult males, and <strong>the</strong> differential between adults and teenagers is substantiallynarrowed (Table 29).TABLE 29.—Civilian unemployment rates by age and sex, under alternative definitions, 1969-74[ Percent!Unemployment rateMen 20 years and over:196919701971197219731974Sex, age, and yearAllunemployed l2.13.54.44.03.23.8Job losers andjob leavers 21.62.73.43.02.43.0Job losers 31.22.32.92.51.92.5Unemployedplusdiscouragedworkers 4 2.43.84.74.33.54.1Women 20 years and over:1969197019711972197319743.74.85.75.44.85.51.92.73.33.12.63.21.32.02.52.21.72.24.96.07.26.96.06.6Both sexes 16 to 19 years:196919701971197?1973197412.215.316.916.214.516.03.65.05.35.34.75.72.03.23.63.52.83.613.416.618.417.615.817.21 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force.2 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force excluding new entrants and reentrants.3 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force excluding new entrants, reentrants, and job leavers.4 Percent <strong>of</strong> civilian labor force plus discouraged workers. Discouraged workers are defined here as those not in <strong>the</strong>labor force because <strong>the</strong>y believe <strong>the</strong>y cannot find a job.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics) and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.103


Labor force turnover has ano<strong>the</strong>r side, exits from <strong>the</strong> labor force; andsome suggest that many <strong>of</strong> those who leave <strong>the</strong> labor force are discouragedworkers who cannot find jobs. The flows <strong>of</strong> women and teenagers out<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force are large; quantitatively <strong>the</strong>y can be expressed as <strong>the</strong>percentage <strong>of</strong> those in <strong>the</strong> labor force who withdrew. Withdrawals represented33 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> teenage labor force in 1973; 24 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laborforce for women aged 20 to 24 and 13 percent for women aged 25 to 59;and 1.8 percent for men aged 25 to 59. Only a small proportion cited economicfactors as <strong>the</strong> reason for leaving <strong>the</strong> labor force, however; and amongthis group still fewer cited "slack work" as opposed to what would seemto be a planned short-term job—"seasonal or temporary job" (Table 30)."Discouraged workers" are <strong>of</strong>ten defined more broadly to include allpersons outside <strong>the</strong> labor force who would like a job but think it is uselessto seek one. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people so classified in 1973, about 14 percent, havenever worked. Most, about 77 percent, intend to seek work within a year,and about 40 percent had looked for a job at some time but could not findTABLE 30.—Reason for separation from last job for persons not in <strong>the</strong> labor force but who workedduring <strong>the</strong> previous 12 months, by age and sex, 1973Reason tor separationTotal16 to 1920 to 24Age in years25 to 5960 and overMENNumber (thousands)3,7141,427776660849Percent distribution by reason:TotalSchool, home responsibilities111 health, disabilityRetirement, old age _<strong>Economic</strong> reasonsEnd <strong>of</strong> seasonal or temporary jobSlack workAll o<strong>the</strong>r reasons100 041.612.014.416.211.84.315.9100 061.81.60) .,n15.13.917.6100.064.02.30) 13.99.94.019.7100.021.234.09.515.08.56.520.3100.02.821.155.414.310.73.56.5WOMENNumber (thousands) .6,3291,3601,3482,994626Percent distribution by reason:TotalSchool, home responsibilitiesIII health, disabilityRetirement, old age<strong>Economic</strong> reasons .End <strong>of</strong> seasonal or temporary jobSlack workAll o<strong>the</strong>r reasons100.051.47.94.418.914.44.417.4100.063.91.8(i)16.513.82.717.9100.068.83.0(i)12.89.73.115.4100.046.110.91.322.817.25.718.9100.012.318.038.418.513.54.912.91 Not applicable.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.one. One can calculate an unemployment rate in which those who are out<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force because <strong>the</strong>y believe <strong>the</strong>y cannot find a job are added to<strong>the</strong> unemployed and to <strong>the</strong> labor force. This change increases <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate for adult men by 0.3 percentage point and for adult women104


y 1.1 to 1.5 percentage points, and hence increases <strong>the</strong> male-femaleunemployment differential (Table 29).When discouraged workers are included in <strong>the</strong> unemployment data, <strong>the</strong>increment in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate fluctuates somewhat with <strong>the</strong> businesscycle for adult women (by 0.3 percentage point from 1969 to 1971), butnot for adult males. It is thus not <strong>the</strong> business cycle but ra<strong>the</strong>r demographicor structural economic factors, such as age, skill, and region, that accountfor most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> "discouraged worker" phenomenon.THE MALE-FEMALE DIFFERENTIAL FOR EXPERIENCED WORKERSWhen entrants are excluded from <strong>the</strong> data, as in Table 29, <strong>the</strong> sex differentialin unemployment becomes very small. When <strong>the</strong> comparison isconfined only to those among <strong>the</strong> unemployed who lost <strong>the</strong>ir jobs, <strong>the</strong>unemployment rate for women is about that <strong>of</strong> men during times <strong>of</strong> lowunemployment; but it is lower than <strong>the</strong> rate for men during times <strong>of</strong> higherunemployment.In principle, women would be more vulnerable to lay<strong>of</strong>fs than men,because on average <strong>the</strong>y do not have as many years <strong>of</strong> work experienceas men <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same age. They are <strong>the</strong>refore likely to have accumulated fewerseniority rights and to have received less training or o<strong>the</strong>r investment inskill specific to <strong>the</strong> firm. In addition—and it is difficult to separate thisfactor from <strong>the</strong> preceding one—employers may discriminate against marriedwomen when reducing <strong>the</strong> firm's payroll. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, a smallerproportion <strong>of</strong> employed women are in occupations and industries with sharpcyclical fluctuations. Women are more likely to be employed in white-collarjobs—62 percent <strong>of</strong> women and 40 percent <strong>of</strong> men were in such jobs in1974—and in service industries like government where unemployment fluctuatesless over <strong>the</strong> business cycle. The industrial-occupational mix factorseems to dominate, since during recessions <strong>the</strong> unemployment differential bysex narrows for experienced workers. In addition, <strong>the</strong> slower rate <strong>of</strong> entry <strong>of</strong>women into <strong>the</strong> labor force during a recession narrows <strong>the</strong> sex differential in<strong>the</strong> overall unemployment rate (including labor force entrants).Ano<strong>the</strong>r factor that tends to increase <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> marriedwomen is <strong>the</strong> migration <strong>of</strong> families, who generally move where <strong>the</strong> husband'sjob opportunities are better. Although in some cases this migration mayalso improve <strong>the</strong> wife's job opportunities, it more <strong>of</strong>ten results initially inher unemployment in a new labor market. Thus in 1970, married womenaged 25 to 34 who had moved to a different county within <strong>the</strong> year had anunemployment rate <strong>of</strong> 11 percent, compared to 5 percent for nonmigrants;among married men <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same age <strong>the</strong> rates for migrants and nonmigrantswere 4.8 percent and 2.1 percent respectively. This effect diminishes, however,in <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> time.Women differ from men in <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y search for jobs. Among marriedwomen, this difference may well be a function <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir dual responsibilitiesin <strong>the</strong> labor market and at home. In 1973, a sample <strong>of</strong> workers who had taken105


<strong>the</strong>ir current jobs within <strong>the</strong> year responded to a survey about job searchmethods. Men spent more time in search: 40 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men and 29percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women usually spent 6 or more hours per week looking forwork. Men searched over a wider area: 67 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men and 45 percent<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women reported that <strong>the</strong>y had traveled 11 or more miles from homein search <strong>of</strong> a job. Men also used more methods <strong>of</strong> search than women.STUDENT AND NONSTUDENT TEENAGERSThe unemployment <strong>of</strong> teenagers who have ended <strong>the</strong>ir schooling is quitedifferent from that <strong>of</strong> students seeking part-time or summer jobs <strong>of</strong>tenunrelated to <strong>the</strong>ir eventual careers.The proportion <strong>of</strong> teenagers aged 16 to 19 who are enrolled in school inOctober has increased from 58 percent in 1956 to 66 percent in 1973. Theproportion <strong>of</strong> students who participate in <strong>the</strong> labor force during <strong>the</strong> schoolyear has also been increasing—from 32 percent in October 1956 to 41 percentin October 1973. As a result, 52 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> teenage labor force wereenrolled in school in 1973 compared to only 39 percent in 1956.Every June brings a large increase, usually a 30—40 percent increase, in<strong>the</strong> teenage labor force, which currently averages 8.1 million youths during<strong>the</strong> school months. The economy manages to absorb most <strong>of</strong> this influx. In1969, as many as four out <strong>of</strong> five teenage students were reported in <strong>the</strong> laborforce at some time during <strong>the</strong> summer; all but 11 percent eventually foundjobs. About one-third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unsuccessful jobseekers searched only 2 weeksor less, and 68 percent searched 4 weeks or less. During <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>the</strong> teenageunemployment rate rises sharply, <strong>the</strong>reby increasing <strong>the</strong> average annualrate <strong>of</strong> teenage unemployment.In <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1960's <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate among teenagestudents increased in relation to <strong>the</strong> rate for nonstudents and respondedlittle to <strong>the</strong> expansion in <strong>the</strong> economy. Because <strong>of</strong> students' increased participationin <strong>the</strong> labor force, however, employment ratios <strong>of</strong> students (employedstudents as a percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population) also increased in comparisonwith those <strong>of</strong> nonstudents. Thus unemployment rates should beevaluated in conjunction with employment ratios or labor force participationrates for teenagers or any o<strong>the</strong>r group whose participation rate is substantiallybelow 100 percent.Since <strong>the</strong> middle 1950's <strong>the</strong> labor force participation rate <strong>of</strong> nonstudentsaged 16 to 19 has been around 70 percent. Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se young people areinterested in full-time jobs and remain in <strong>the</strong> labor force all year. Since <strong>the</strong>yare learning about <strong>the</strong> labor market, more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir unemployment arisesfrom changing jobs than from <strong>the</strong> movement into <strong>the</strong> labor force that characterizesstudent unemployment.Although youths out <strong>of</strong> school have above average lay<strong>of</strong>f and quit rates,<strong>the</strong> resulting job changes may have beneficial consequences. New or relativelynew members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force search extensively for desirable conditions<strong>of</strong> employment, experimenting among different occupations and106


employers. Moreover, since young workers do not have a work history,employers have less information about teenagers than <strong>the</strong>y have about olderworkers, and this makes <strong>the</strong> hiring process more difficult. Informationfrom a survey <strong>of</strong> out-<strong>of</strong>-school male youths between 1966 and 1968suggests that job changing may be a good investment. Those who changedemployers generally obtained larger pay gains over <strong>the</strong> period than thosewho did not; and among black youths <strong>the</strong> pay increases during <strong>the</strong> periodrose consistently with <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> changes.The unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> all teenagers has risen sharply relative to <strong>the</strong>rate <strong>of</strong> adult men since <strong>the</strong> late 1950's. This rise is due partly to <strong>the</strong> increasein school enrollment and to <strong>the</strong> changing participation pattern <strong>of</strong> students,both <strong>of</strong> which result in higher turnover. Part <strong>of</strong> this relative rise in teenageunemployment may stem from <strong>the</strong> extension <strong>of</strong> minimum wage coverageand from <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> social legislation that raises <strong>the</strong> cost to <strong>the</strong> firm <strong>of</strong>teenage compared to adult labor.The minimum wage may also have a more insidious long-run effect on<strong>the</strong> careers <strong>of</strong> youths, particularly teenagers out <strong>of</strong> school. Traditionally,on-<strong>the</strong>-job training has done much to improve skills. Such job training maybe unpr<strong>of</strong>itable for employers if <strong>the</strong>y must pay higher minimum wagerates. The youths who suffer most would be precisely those who mightneed <strong>the</strong> most help—youths with little schooling and greater learning difficultiesand those subject to discrimination.VETERANS AND NONVETERANSThe higher unemployment rate <strong>of</strong> male veterans <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vietnam era comparedto nonveterans has been a matter <strong>of</strong> public concern. When <strong>the</strong> rateis disaggregated by age, however, it is clear that only veterans aged 20 to 24have significantly higher rates <strong>of</strong> unemployment than nonveterans(Table 31). The relative and absolute difference in unemployment declineswith age and disappears for those aged 30 to 34. The relative unemploymentrate <strong>of</strong> veterans aged 20 to 34 has fallen since 1971, largely because <strong>of</strong> adecline in discharges and <strong>the</strong> consequent increasing average age <strong>of</strong> veteranscompared to nonveterans.Since young veterans include most <strong>of</strong> those recently discharged from <strong>the</strong>Armed Forces, <strong>the</strong>y are likely to be new entrants or reentrants to <strong>the</strong> civilianlabor force. As discussed above, entry is generally associated with higherunemployment. Veterans may also be less informed about <strong>the</strong> currentcivilian labor market than o<strong>the</strong>r entrants whose activities have been largelycentered in <strong>the</strong> home and school. After being away for a number <strong>of</strong> years,veterans may find that previously acquired information about <strong>the</strong> labormarket has become obsolete, and new information is difficult to acquirebecause <strong>of</strong> weakened ties with friends and home. This drawback disappearsas <strong>the</strong> veterans acquire information relevant to job search in <strong>the</strong> civiliansector.Under <strong>the</strong> federally financed program <strong>of</strong> Unemployment Compensationfor Ex-Servicemen (UCX), newly discharged veterans with at least 90107


TABLE 31.—Unemployment rates for male Vietnam era veterans and nonveterans20 to 34 years, by age, 1970-74[PercentAge and veteran status1970197119721973197420 to 34 years:VeteransNonveterans.Ratio 26.75.31.268.36.31.326.75.71.184.94.91.005.36.0.8820 to 24 years:VeteransNonveteransRatio 2_9.58.11.1712.39.51.2910.68.71.228.86.81.2910.98.21.3325 to 29 years:VeteransNonveteransRatio 24.53.91.155.84.71.234.94.21.173.74.3.864.34.9.8830 to 34 years:Veterans . . .NonveteransRatio 23.23.11.033.53.7.953.03.01.002.62.41.082.73.4.791 Except as noted.2 Ratio <strong>of</strong> rate for veterans to that for nonveterans.Note.—Vietnam era veterans are those who served after August 4, 1964. In 1973, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vietnam era veterans <strong>of</strong> allages, 91 percent were 20 to 34 years <strong>of</strong> age.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.days <strong>of</strong> continuous active service and a discharge o<strong>the</strong>r than dishonorableare eligible for unemployment compensation in any State where <strong>the</strong>y wishto file a claim, under <strong>the</strong> conditions and benefits prevailing in that State.In fiscal 1974 <strong>the</strong>re were 527,000 military separations and 342,000 initialclaims for UCX, a claim rate <strong>of</strong> 65 percent. The average weekly benefitwas $66, and benefits were received for an average <strong>of</strong> 13.6 weeks in a benefityear, about <strong>the</strong> same as for all insured unemployed.The UCX program may encourage unemployed veterans to spend moretime searching for a job; and among veterans who become students itmay encourage a period <strong>of</strong> unemployment ra<strong>the</strong>r than withdrawal from<strong>the</strong> labor force. Most young nonveterans, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, have toolittle work experience to qualify for substantial unemployment insurancebenefits, if any. Again, as <strong>the</strong> cohort ages, <strong>the</strong> veterans exhaust <strong>the</strong>ir eligibilityfor UCX, nonveterans acquire more job experience, and <strong>the</strong> gap in eligibilityfor unemployment benefits narrows. These developments also narrow <strong>the</strong>unemployment differential.UNEMPLOYMENT DIFFERENTIALS BY EDUCATIONA pronounced inverse relation exists between education and unemployment(Table 32). The differential varies among demographic groups andover time. For example, <strong>the</strong> differential narrowed perceptibly in <strong>the</strong> lastdecade for males aged 35 to 54.There is a presumption that firms would be most reluctant to lose, througha lay<strong>of</strong>f or a quit, those workers in whom <strong>the</strong>y had made <strong>the</strong> largest investments.Among such investments are hiring costs (such as <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> evaluatingprospective employees), and <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> training that is specific to <strong>the</strong>108


TABLE 32.—Unemployment rates by education, sex, and age, 1962 and 1972[Percent]AgeSex and years <strong>of</strong> school completed20 years and over20 to 34 years35 to 54 years196219721962197219621972Men: Total5.74.97.16.84.83.48 years9 to 11 years12 years16 years or more7.37.34.31.55.86.44.82.211.411.25.71.910.011.06.92.97.35.73.0.96.24.03.01.7Women: Total5.65.48.07.24.94.78 years9 to 11 years _.12 years16 years or more ...6.28.35.21.55.57.55.13.013.613.07.21.98.714.46.64.06.47.04.01.65.65.44.32.4Note.—Data relate to March <strong>of</strong> each year.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.particular firm (that is, training useful almost exclusively in <strong>the</strong> firm whereit is acquired). Workers with more education tend to be less homogeneous,and <strong>the</strong> less homogeneous <strong>the</strong> class <strong>of</strong> workers, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> resources devotedby <strong>the</strong> firm to acquiring information about <strong>the</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong> particularindividuals. More educated workers also appear to receive moretraining on <strong>the</strong> job, because <strong>the</strong>ir prior education facilitates fur<strong>the</strong>r trainingand because <strong>the</strong>y are more likely to have characteristics such as ability,steadfastness, and good health which firms find desirable in <strong>the</strong>ir trainees.Thus one expects a lower incidence <strong>of</strong> turnover (lay<strong>of</strong>fs plus quits) amongmore educated workers. Related to <strong>the</strong>se points is <strong>the</strong> different occupationaland industrial distribution <strong>of</strong> those with more schooling: a greater concentrationin white-collar jobs and in <strong>the</strong> service sector. As indicated above,<strong>the</strong>se occupational and industrial characteristics are associated with a reducedamplitude <strong>of</strong> cyclical fluctuations in unemployment.Workers with more education are more likely to change jobs withoutundergoing unemployment. It may be easier for <strong>the</strong>m to search for anew job while employed because <strong>the</strong>ir more cerebral and portable workpermits more flexible work schedules, or because prospective employers canevaluate <strong>the</strong>ir qualifications initially without <strong>the</strong>ir presence. Moreover, unemploymentis more expensive for those with higher levels <strong>of</strong> schooling; as aresult <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir higher wages, unemployment benefits replace a lower proportion<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir lost wages.Data on job mobility which are available for 1961 by occupation butnot by education support <strong>the</strong>se hypo<strong>the</strong>ses. Job turnover was generally muchlower in <strong>the</strong> highly skilled occupations associated with more education.Thus, only 4.7 percent <strong>of</strong> male nonfarm managers and 8.5 percent <strong>of</strong> malepr<strong>of</strong>essionals changed jobs in 1961. The rate <strong>of</strong> job change increased consid-563-280 O - 75 - *109


erably for those with less skill, reaching 16.4 percent for laborers. When <strong>the</strong>number <strong>of</strong> changes made by those who changed jobs is also considered, <strong>the</strong>differentials in total turnover become even more pronounced; <strong>the</strong> jobchangers with lower skills were more likely to have made more than onechange (40 percent for laborers), while a smaller proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highlyskilled had changed jobs more than once (22 percent for pr<strong>of</strong>essionals). Theproportion <strong>of</strong> males who changed jobs without any unemployment was 55percent for pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, 37 percent for operatives, and 32 percent forlaborers.It has been suggested that <strong>the</strong> increase in education over <strong>the</strong> past threedecades may have reduced overall unemployment. The reasons why unemploymentdiffers among education groups, however, need not apply to unemploymentover time. For example, <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> training specific to <strong>the</strong>firm would not necessarily respond proportionately to increases in <strong>the</strong> education<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population, although at a given moment training and educationmay be strongly linked. In addition, increases in education over time resultin increases in schooling levels within occupations, as well as an increasein <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force in more skilled occupations. If unemploymentis more strongly associated with occupation than with education, secularincreases in <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> education would result in less than proportionatedeclines in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate. For a rising level <strong>of</strong> education tohave no effect on <strong>the</strong> overall unemployment rate would require an increasein unemployment rates within at least some education groups. It is notpossible to test this hypo<strong>the</strong>sis adequately since unemployment rates by education,controlling for demographic characteristics, are not availablefor <strong>the</strong> years before 1962, and hence <strong>the</strong>re are not enough data points toseparate cyclical from longer-term effects.UNEMPLOYMENT DIFFERENCES BY RAGEThe rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment among blacks has been about double that <strong>of</strong>whites in <strong>the</strong> post-World War II period. From 1948 through 1973 <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate averaged 8.6 percent for blacks and 4.3 percent for whites.Although <strong>the</strong> black-white differential in earnings has narrowed over <strong>the</strong> past20 years, no such narrowing is as evident in <strong>the</strong> unemployment differential.The race difference in unemployment may be attributed to differences indemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as to current discriminationin <strong>the</strong> labor market. Some demographic and socioeconomic differences,however, may <strong>the</strong>mselves be consequences <strong>of</strong> past discrimination.Among whites, unemployment rates vary across groups with different characteristics;for example, rates are higher for teenagers than for adults, forhigh school dropouts than for college graduates, for laborers than for pr<strong>of</strong>essionals;and <strong>the</strong>y are higher in <strong>the</strong> West than in <strong>the</strong> South. Because<strong>the</strong>se characteristics differ by race, unemployment rates for blacks and whiteswith <strong>the</strong> same characteristics could be <strong>the</strong> same although <strong>the</strong>ir overall ratesdiffered. The younger average age and lower levels <strong>of</strong> schooling and occu-110


pation <strong>of</strong> blacks would imply higher black unemployment rates. The greaterresidential concentration <strong>of</strong> blacks in <strong>the</strong> South would, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,imply lower black unemployment rates.The extent to which racial differences in unemployment can be attributedto various measurable factors has been computed for March 1970 from datacollected in <strong>the</strong> 1970 Census <strong>of</strong> Population. As reported in <strong>the</strong> census, <strong>the</strong>unemployment rate for persons aged 16 and over was 6.3 percent for blackmen and 3.6 percent for white men; 7.7 percent for black women and4.8 percent for white women (Table 33). The computations were performedseparately for <strong>the</strong> more restricted group <strong>of</strong> men and women aged25 to 64 who were experienced workers, that is, who had worked at sometime during 1969. For this group <strong>the</strong> civilian unemployment rate for menwas 3.5 percent for blacks and 2.5 percent for whites. By excluding youngpersons, those aged 65 and older, and those who had been out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laborforce <strong>the</strong> preceding year, <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate is reduced, and more s<strong>of</strong>or blacks. The rate differential is <strong>the</strong>reby reduced, especially for men. Itis primarily <strong>the</strong> exclusion <strong>of</strong> young workers which accounts for this effect.TABLE 33.—Unemployment rates by race, Spanish heritage, and sex, March 7970[Percent]ItemComparison <strong>of</strong>blacks and whiteshComparison <strong>of</strong> persons <strong>of</strong>| [Spanish heritage and whitesI not <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritageMenWomen Men WomenPersons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over:White or white not <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage.Black or Spanish heritage3.66.34.87.73.55.84.78.1Persons 25 to 64 years <strong>of</strong> age who worked in 1969:White or white not <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage.Black or Spanish heritagePredicted black or Spanish heritage rate if blacks orpersons <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage had <strong>the</strong> white or white not !<strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage distribution <strong>of</strong>: 1 |2.53.53.15.22.43.73.05.4AgePlus: RegionPlus: SchoolingPlus: Marital statusPlus: Occupation3.43.83.33.02.64.74.94.24.13.93.73.1 I2.52.62.54.63.92.52.52.1i Using micro-data from <strong>the</strong> 1/1,000 sample <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1970 Census <strong>of</strong> Population, <strong>the</strong> dichotomous variable unemployedemployedin <strong>the</strong> survey week in March 1970 was regressed for each group on <strong>the</strong> control variables. The mean values <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> control variables for whites or whites not <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same sex were inserted into <strong>the</strong> regression for blacksor persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage to obtain <strong>the</strong> predicted value for blacks or persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage.Note.—The unemployment status refers to <strong>the</strong> week prior to Census Day, April 1. 1970. For those who returned <strong>the</strong>forms late, <strong>the</strong> data may refer to April. The data, <strong>the</strong>refore, are not strictly comparable to unemployment rates obtainedfrom <strong>the</strong> Current Population Survey and reported by <strong>the</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics. Data relate to persons living in<strong>the</strong> 50 States and <strong>the</strong> District <strong>of</strong> Columbia.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census) and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.The remaining race differential in unemployment rates <strong>of</strong> 1.0 percentagepoint for March 1970 among males aged 25 to 64 who worked in 1969would be increased to 1.3 percentage points if adult blacks had <strong>the</strong> samedistribution <strong>of</strong> age and region <strong>of</strong> residence as whites (Table 33). This111


arises primarily because blacks are more concentrated in <strong>the</strong> South, whereunemployment is lower. When control for <strong>the</strong> race difference in schoolingis added, <strong>the</strong> differential is reduced to 0.8 percentage point; and 20 percent<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> original differential is explained. A substantial reduction in <strong>the</strong> differentialis obtained, however, only when marital status and occupation (10broad categories), are introduced. With <strong>the</strong>se five variables, one can accountfor 90 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> differential in unemployment. Under <strong>the</strong> same stepwiseprocedure as for men, 62 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> larger race differential for womenis accounted for by <strong>the</strong> five control variables. Among women, however, age,region, and schooling have a larger effect on <strong>the</strong> differential than amongmen.These results cannot easily be used to determine <strong>the</strong> extent to which <strong>the</strong>racial differences in unemployment are due to current discrimination in <strong>the</strong>labor market. Race differences in some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> control variables, such asmarital status and occupation, may <strong>the</strong>mselves be partly attributed to <strong>the</strong>effects <strong>of</strong> current discrimination. For example, unemployment and lowincome due to discrimination in employment could lead to higher rates <strong>of</strong>marital separation; employers may bar some persons from particular occupationson <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> race. However, o<strong>the</strong>r relevant variables which werenot measured—such as <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> schooling and <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> trainingon <strong>the</strong> job—could also have important effects and help to explain racedifferences in unemployment.Differences between blacks and whites in <strong>the</strong>ir basic education and o<strong>the</strong>rskills may also have arisen indirectly through discrimination. Labor marketdiscrimination can lower or make more uncertain <strong>the</strong> monetary return fromschooling and consequently lower <strong>the</strong> incentive for additional schooling.Perhaps more important, past discrimination, unrelated to <strong>the</strong> current labormarket, clearly lowered <strong>the</strong> quantity and quality <strong>of</strong> schooling for blacks.Several decades ago when <strong>the</strong> older workers in today's labor market were <strong>of</strong>school age, <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> schooling for blacks was vastly inferior by almostany measure. There has been considerable progress in this area, so that todayavailable measures <strong>of</strong> schooling resources, such as expenditures per pupil,have been brought to approximate equality.Even if discrimination in <strong>the</strong> labor market were widespread, it couldresult in lower wages instead <strong>of</strong> higher unemployment for blacks relative towhites with <strong>the</strong> same skill and o<strong>the</strong>r relevant characteristics. If <strong>the</strong>re were noequal opportunity legislation or o<strong>the</strong>r restrictions on wages, and if employersdiscriminated against blacks, blacks might work for less pay than similarlyqualified whites; this would provide an incentive for employers to hire <strong>the</strong>m,although <strong>the</strong> incentive might not always be sufficient. If white employeeswere to refuse to have a black supervisor, employers might hire blacks forjobs below <strong>the</strong>ir skill level or maintain segregated work forces. If, because<strong>of</strong> racial tension, it were too costly to employ black and white workers <strong>of</strong>similar skill levels in an integrated work force, segregated work forces may112


also develop. In each case, discrimination could take <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> reducedcompensation, inferior jobs, or segregation, ra<strong>the</strong>r than higher unemployment.Discrimination is more likely to lead to unemployment differentials whenemployers are prevented from paying different wages for equal work, because<strong>of</strong> legal, union, or social pressure. Discrimination may <strong>the</strong>n to a greaterextent take <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> restricted job openings for blacks, because it is sometimesmore difficult to prove discrimination in hiring or promotion than inovert pay differences. Such a development could increase <strong>the</strong> difficulty <strong>of</strong>finding and maintaining employment, and hence increase <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate for blacks. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> prospect <strong>of</strong> equal pay may encourageblacks to quit jobs with low pay and search longer for more promisingpositions.Empirical studies have estimated <strong>the</strong> extent to which differences in Statelaws requiring "equal pay for equal work" (prior to <strong>the</strong> national Civil RightsAct <strong>of</strong> 1964) affect race differences in income and unemployment, wheno<strong>the</strong>r economic variables are held constant. The results indicate that Stateequal pay law r s reduced <strong>the</strong> gap between <strong>the</strong> wage rates <strong>of</strong> equally skilledblacks and whites but increased <strong>the</strong> difference in unemployment. The wageeffect was greater than <strong>the</strong> unemployment effect, however, and annualearnings differentials between blacks and whites consequently narrowed.The ambiguity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> relation between discrimination and unemploymentis fur<strong>the</strong>r illustrated by a comparison <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployment differentialbetween <strong>the</strong> urban South and <strong>the</strong> urban non-South during <strong>the</strong> decennialcensus years 1940 through 1970 (Table 34). The unemployment differentialbetween white and black men tends to be larger in <strong>the</strong> non-South, partic-TABLE 34.—Unemployment rates for males in <strong>the</strong> urban South and urban non-South, by raceand age, selected years, 1940—70Age group and yearNorth and West(percent)South(percent)Differencebetween blackand white rates(percentage points)Ratio <strong>of</strong> blackto white rateBlackWhiteBlackWhiteNorthandWestSouthNorthandWestSouthMales 14 to 24 years:19401950 . .1960197034.722.918.516.722.610.79.08.623.114.013.412.414.78.07.76.712.112.29.58.18.46.05.75.71.542.142.061.941.571.751.741.85Males 25 years andover:194019501960197016.510.69.85.59.44.73.92.911.67.07.03.56.43.43.31.97.15.95.92.65.23.63.71.61.762.262.511.901.812.062.121.84Note.—In 1940 black includes Negro and o<strong>the</strong>r nonwhite races; in 1950, 1960, and 1970 Negro only.In 1970 white includes some races o<strong>the</strong>r than Negro and American Indian usually classified as nonwhite. These o<strong>the</strong>rraces made up 0.6 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> combined group "white and o<strong>the</strong>r" in <strong>the</strong> South and 1.8 percent in <strong>the</strong> North and West.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.113


ularly in 1950 and 1960. Since <strong>the</strong> black-white difference in education hasbeen larger in <strong>the</strong> South than in <strong>the</strong> non-South, unemployment rate differentialsadjusted for education would show an even more exaggerated tendencyfor <strong>the</strong> South to display a smaller race differential in unemployment. On <strong>the</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r hand, broadly considered, economic opportunities have generally beengreater for blacks outside <strong>the</strong> South both absolutely and relative to whites;this is reflected in <strong>the</strong> much smaller differences in earnings in <strong>the</strong> non-Southbetween blacks and whites <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same education.By 1950 eight States had passed enforceable fair employment laws, andby 1960 eight more had such legislation. All were outside <strong>the</strong> South. Perhapsfor this reason <strong>the</strong> unemployment differential by race became much morepronounced in <strong>the</strong> non-South than in <strong>the</strong> South in 1950 and 1960. By 1970,however, <strong>the</strong> national Civil Rights Act (1964) prohibited discrimination inall States, and <strong>the</strong> regional difference in <strong>the</strong> unemployment differentialbecame much smaller.Factors o<strong>the</strong>r than equal opportunity legislation may also have influenced<strong>the</strong> regional pattern <strong>of</strong> unemployment by race. A large proportion <strong>of</strong> blackworkers in <strong>the</strong> North and West migrated from <strong>the</strong> South as young adults.As relative newcomers, <strong>the</strong>y had less access to information about job opportunitiesthan whites, who were more likely to have an established network<strong>of</strong> information among friends and relatives. Among blacks new to an area,information about where to expect discrimination would be gained primarilyby experimentation. In <strong>the</strong> South, although many blacks migratedto urban areas, <strong>the</strong> available opportunities were probably much betterknown to <strong>the</strong> black community.The persistence <strong>of</strong> a differential in unemployment between blacks andwhites, after adjustment for skill and o<strong>the</strong>r factors, is <strong>the</strong>refore not easilyexplained. In part, <strong>the</strong> direct influence <strong>of</strong> discrimination may be greater onunemployment but less on wage rates now than in previous periods because<strong>of</strong> nationwide equal employment legislation. Moreover, ending all forms<strong>of</strong> current labor- market discrimination would not necessarily affect unemploymentin <strong>the</strong> short run. It could increase unemployment for a time asblacks found it worthwhile to search more widely for new and unfamiliar,but potentially highly rewarding, opportunities. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, groupsthat have been discriminated against for a long time may not immediatelybelieve that a change has taken place, and <strong>the</strong>refore only gradually respondto <strong>the</strong> new opportunities. One would not, <strong>of</strong> course, expect substantial newinvestments or changes in occupation by older blacks in response to a decreasein current labor market discrimination, because <strong>the</strong>y have alreadymade investments specific to <strong>the</strong>ir job or occupation, and <strong>the</strong> length <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>ir future work life is shorter.UNEMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS OF SPANISH ORIGINAno<strong>the</strong>r group which has been subject to discrimination in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates is made up <strong>of</strong> persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish descent who comprise about 5 per-114


cent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population and <strong>of</strong> whom about 95 percent are white. In 1974<strong>the</strong> unemployment rate for men classified as <strong>of</strong> Spanish origin was 7.3 percent,compared to 4.8 percent for all white men. For women, <strong>the</strong> comparisonwas 9.4 percent and 6.7 percent respectively.Persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish origin differ from whites as a whole in characteristicsthat are likely to influence <strong>the</strong>ir unemployment rates. For example, amongmen aged 25 and over in 1974, <strong>the</strong> median years <strong>of</strong> school completed bymen <strong>of</strong> Spanish origin was 9.7 years, compared to 12.4 years for all whitemen. Difficulties in communicating in English may affect employment opportunities,although this factor interacts with level <strong>of</strong> schooling. About16 percent <strong>of</strong> persons classified as <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage in <strong>the</strong> 1970 Census<strong>of</strong> Population were foreign-born, compared to 5 percent for all whites. Persons<strong>of</strong> Spanish origin are also more likely to be young and to live in <strong>the</strong>western regions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, two categories associated with higher unemployment.For example, about 30 percent <strong>of</strong> all persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish origin in<strong>the</strong> United States live in California, compared to about 10 percent forall whites in <strong>the</strong> United States; and <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate for Californiatends to be higher than <strong>the</strong> national average—44 percent higher in <strong>the</strong>period 1969 through 1973.To determine <strong>the</strong> extent to which particular demographic and economiccharacteristics account for <strong>the</strong> difference in unemployment between those<strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage and whites not <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage, an analysis similarto that for <strong>the</strong> black-white comparison was made on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> data from<strong>the</strong> 1970 Census <strong>of</strong> Population (Table 33). Although in <strong>the</strong> census (March1970), men <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage aged 16 and over had substantially higherunemployment rates than o<strong>the</strong>r white men, <strong>the</strong> differential <strong>of</strong> 2.3 percentagepoints is nearly halved when <strong>the</strong> data are restricted to men aged 25 to 64who worked in 1969. The decline in <strong>the</strong> differential is largely due to <strong>the</strong>exclusion <strong>of</strong> youths aged 16 to 24, who make up a greater proportion <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Spanish heritage labor force than <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> white labor force. Of <strong>the</strong> 1.3percentage point differential in unemployment rates for adult men w r howorked in 1969, 0.6 percentage point, or nearly half, is attributable to region,that is, to <strong>the</strong> greater relative concentration <strong>of</strong> men <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage in<strong>the</strong> West, where unemployment is high. Nearly all (92 percent) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>differential in unemployment rates <strong>of</strong> adult men is explained by <strong>the</strong> threevariables: age, region, and schooling.In March 1970 women <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritage aged 25 to 64 who workedin 1969 had higher unemployment rates than white women not <strong>of</strong> Spanishheritage, although 63 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> differential is due to differences inage and region (Table 33). After adjusting for differences in schooling,as well as in age and region, one finds that women <strong>of</strong> Spanish heritageactually have lower unemployment rates than o<strong>the</strong>r white women with<strong>the</strong> same characteristics—2.5 percent compared to 3.0 percent.The analysis <strong>of</strong> unemployment differences between persons <strong>of</strong> Spanishheritage and o<strong>the</strong>r whites suggests that <strong>the</strong> significantly higher unemploy-115


ment rate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> former is due to differences in age, region, and schooling.The extent to which <strong>the</strong>se differences in characteristics are attributableto historical discrimination in <strong>the</strong> United States is not known, but it wouldseem that differences in unemployment rates are not a consequence <strong>of</strong> currentlabor market discrimination. This analysis does not, however, shedlight on <strong>the</strong> magnitude <strong>of</strong> discrimination against persons <strong>of</strong> Spanish originin o<strong>the</strong>r phases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir economic and social life.UNEMPLOYMENT AND INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMSAssistance to <strong>the</strong> unemployed has been widely accepted on grounds <strong>of</strong>equity and economic efficiency as an appropriate Government function since<strong>the</strong> Great Depression <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1930's. Greater equity can be achieved byincreasing <strong>the</strong> income <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed through transfers which spread <strong>the</strong>cost <strong>of</strong> unemployment among <strong>the</strong> public. In addition, <strong>the</strong> transfers may stimulate<strong>the</strong> employment <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rwise idle resources by increasing <strong>the</strong> aggregatedemand for goods and services. Two major Government programs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>last four decades to provide income support for <strong>the</strong> unemployed are <strong>the</strong>unemployment insurance system and public service employment.UNEMPLOYMENT, INCOME, AND POVERTYA cyclical downturn in business activity is associated with lower employmentand a shorter average workweek for <strong>the</strong> employed. The effect <strong>of</strong> adownturn is to change <strong>the</strong> level and distribution <strong>of</strong> aggregate earnings.Because approximately 95 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force is employed, however,even a sharp rise in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate means a relatively small declinein employment and <strong>the</strong>refore in earnings. For example, from 1969 to 1971<strong>the</strong> unemployment rate increased from 3.5 to 5.9 percent, with little changein <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> labor force participation; employment as a percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>labor force decreased from 96.5 percent to 94.1 percent, or by 2.5 percent.The average length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> workweek decreased by 0.6 hour (1.5 percent)to 39.3 hours. Thus, aggregate hours worked per member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor forcedecreased by approximately 4 percent. In <strong>the</strong> most recent cyclical downturn,from <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong> aggregatehours worked per member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force fell by approximately 3 percent.This decrease in <strong>the</strong> hours <strong>of</strong> employment during a cyclical downturn isnot shared equally throughout <strong>the</strong> labor force. Ra<strong>the</strong>r, for most workerslittle or no decline occurs in <strong>the</strong>ir hours <strong>of</strong> work, while for o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>the</strong> decreaseis large. The result is more inequality in <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> income fromemployment. Empirical studies <strong>of</strong> income inequality among families andadult males in <strong>the</strong> post-World War II period demonstrate that inequalityincreases in recessions and decreases during cyclical expansions, but <strong>the</strong>rehas been no secular trend.Because many unemployed individuals are eligible for income transfers,<strong>the</strong> decline in income for those who become unemployed is smaller than116


might be suggested by <strong>the</strong> decline in hours <strong>of</strong> work or in labor market earnings.In 1974 experienced workers who became unemployed because <strong>of</strong> lay<strong>of</strong>fs(and in some cases because <strong>the</strong>y quit <strong>the</strong>ir jobs) generally received unemploymentinsurance benefits for up to 26 or 39 weeks; and if income weresufficiently low, <strong>the</strong>y qualified for income maintenance programs. Thosewho remained employed, though <strong>the</strong>ir hours <strong>of</strong> work fell, and those who wereunemployed but ineligible for unemployment benefits could have receivedassistance from o<strong>the</strong>r income maintenance programs if <strong>the</strong>ir incomes weresufficiently low. Temporary legislation enacted in December 1974 increases<strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> workers covered by unemployment insurance and extends<strong>the</strong> benefits up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> 52 weeks during this period <strong>of</strong> highunemployment.Recent studies based on 1971 survey data have estimated <strong>the</strong> extent towhich transfer programs replace income losses associated with rising overallunemployment. The transfer programs include unemployment insurance,Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, and social security.Among households headed by a person aged 65 or under and at <strong>the</strong> povertylevel before receiving <strong>the</strong> transfers, <strong>the</strong> programs were estimated to replace31 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lost earnings <strong>of</strong> male-headed households and 56 percent <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> lost earnings <strong>of</strong> female-headed households. The replacement ratios werelower for higher-income families.One study also calculated <strong>the</strong> average family income loss, after takingaccount <strong>of</strong> transfer benefits and changes in work participation <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rfamily members, arising from unemployment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family head. Amonghouseholds experiencing some unemployment and headed by a man aged65 or under, <strong>the</strong> average annual family income loss (net <strong>of</strong> transfers) associatedwith a 1 percentage point higher unemployment rate was estimated tobe 5.7 percent for those at <strong>the</strong> poverty level. At five times <strong>the</strong> poverty level,<strong>the</strong> loss was 4.9 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family income. Among households headedby a woman aged 65 or under, <strong>the</strong> estimated loss was approximately 3 percentfor all income levels. There was, <strong>of</strong> course, considerable variation in incomeloss within <strong>the</strong>se groups.These estimates <strong>of</strong> income loss may be biased upward for several reasons.In surveys <strong>the</strong>re is much more underreporting <strong>of</strong> transfer income than <strong>of</strong>earned income. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> appropriate comparison is with incomeafter deduction <strong>of</strong> payroll and income taxes and <strong>of</strong> work-related expenses;and, although transfers are not subject to payroll and income taxation,<strong>the</strong> estimates were made for pretax earnings. In addition, no estimatewas made <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> extra home productivity or leisure arising from<strong>the</strong> reduced work time, a value that may not be negligible during briefspells <strong>of</strong> unemployment. The study is especially likely to underestimate replacement<strong>of</strong> lost earnings by transfers when <strong>the</strong> increased unemploymentresults from <strong>the</strong> business cycle, because <strong>the</strong> estimates were based on differencesin income and unemployment between households at a moment in time.Cyclical increases in unemployment involve a larger proportion <strong>of</strong> workerseligible for unemployment compensation, because <strong>the</strong> unemployment is more117


heavily weighted toward lay<strong>of</strong>fs than quits or labor force entry, and toward<strong>the</strong> covered sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work force. In addition, <strong>the</strong> maximum number <strong>of</strong>weeks for which benefits are available generally increases in a recession. Forexample, 64 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed received benefits in <strong>the</strong> high unemploymentyear <strong>of</strong> 1961, compared to 39 percent in <strong>the</strong> low unemploymentyear <strong>of</strong> 1966. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, additional factors may lead to a downwardbias. The study could not account for <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> employees' fringe benefitswhen <strong>the</strong>y are unemployed, or for <strong>the</strong> adverse psychological and o<strong>the</strong>r effectsdue to <strong>the</strong> greater uncertainty among both <strong>the</strong> employed and <strong>the</strong> unemployedwhen unemployment rises. However, it would appear that <strong>the</strong> transfer programsmay replace a substantial proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> loss in after-tax earnings,particularly during cyclical increases in unemployment.Even during times <strong>of</strong> relatively low unemployment, more weeks <strong>of</strong> unemploymentand lower incomes are associated with each o<strong>the</strong>r. Contrary tocommon belief, however, unemployment is no longer a major cause <strong>of</strong> poverty.Although during <strong>the</strong> Great Depression <strong>the</strong> relation between unemploymentand poverty was undoubtedly strong, in <strong>the</strong> postwar period <strong>the</strong> relationweakened. Table 35 shows data on <strong>the</strong> work experience <strong>of</strong> persons whoheaded poverty households in 1959 and 1972, years with roughly <strong>the</strong>same level <strong>of</strong> unemployment (5.5 percent) although <strong>the</strong> number and percentage<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population in poverty declined considerably over <strong>the</strong> period.Although failure to work a full year was strongly associated with povertyin both years, only a minority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> heads <strong>of</strong> households in poverty citedTABLE 35.—Work experience <strong>of</strong> family heads below <strong>the</strong> low-income level, by sex,1959 and 1972Work experience <strong>of</strong> headTotalMale headFemale head1959 19721959 19721959 1972Total families (thousands)..Total families (percent)Did not work full year.Unemployment a main reason for not working a fullyear..Worked 1-49 weeksDid not work, unable to find a job.Unemployment not a main reason for not workinga full yearWorked 1-49 weeks.Did not work and did not seek a jobKeeping houseIII, disabledRetired, going to school, and o<strong>the</strong>r reasons.Worked a full year (50-52 weeks) 21 Not applicable.2 Includes head in Armed Forces.Note.—Persons below <strong>the</strong> low-income level are those falling below <strong>the</strong> poverty index adopted by <strong>the</strong> Federal InteragencyCommittee in 1969.Data for 1959 and 1972 are not exactly comparable because <strong>of</strong> changes in definition and methodology.Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.8,320100.061.515.614.41.245.916.529.410.99.58.938.55,075100.076.013.211.12.262.719.143.719.014.610.124.06,404100.054.718.417.31.0Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census) and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.36.314.821.5&•10.745.32,917100.065.416.814.91.948.516.432.20)17.115.134.61,916100.084.26.44.91.577.922.355.647.55.42.715.82,158100.090.48.45.82.682.022.759.344.711.33.39.6118


inability to find work as <strong>the</strong> reason for working less than a full year. In 1959,only 15.6 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> heads <strong>of</strong> poverty households worked less than a fullyear because <strong>the</strong>y could not find work, and by 1972 this percentage haddecreased to 13.2 percent.An increasing proportion <strong>of</strong> poor families are headed by someone whoworks only part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year—or more <strong>of</strong>ten, who does not work at all—because <strong>of</strong> ill health, old age, or home responsibilities, not from inability t<strong>of</strong>ind a job. Low wage rates, however, remain an important cause <strong>of</strong> poverty.The decline in <strong>the</strong> relative importance <strong>of</strong> unemployment as a reason forpoverty is primarily related to rising real wage rates during periods <strong>of</strong> employmentand to increased real income supplements for <strong>the</strong> unemployed. Inaddition, for <strong>the</strong> same overall unemployment rate, <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> maleheads <strong>of</strong> households experiencing unemployment has been declining.There is some increase, or a slowing rate <strong>of</strong> decrease, in poverty duringrecessions. The increase in poverty is greater, <strong>the</strong> deeper <strong>the</strong> recession. Forthose with fixed incomes, poverty increases as <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation rises.Data for 1974 are not yet available; but it can be anticipated that because<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cyclical rise in unemployment and <strong>the</strong> high rate <strong>of</strong> inflation, povertyis likely to have increased over <strong>the</strong> year and may increase still fur<strong>the</strong>r in 1975.UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEMThe nationwide unemployment insurance system, initiated by <strong>the</strong> SocialSecurity Act <strong>of</strong> 1935, is a joint program administered by <strong>the</strong> States withinbroad Federal guidelines. As a result <strong>of</strong> Federal tax law, private nonfarmwage and salary workers (except domestics and employees <strong>of</strong> very smallnonpr<strong>of</strong>it organizations) and certain State employees are covered by <strong>the</strong>unemployment compensation system. In some States, agricultural, domestic,local government, and additional State workers are also covered. SeparateFederal programs exist for unemployed Federal employees and unemployedpersons recently discharged from <strong>the</strong> Armed Forces. A temporary, whollyfederally financed program for employees not covered by <strong>the</strong> State or o<strong>the</strong>rFederal programs was enacted in December 1974. (See <strong>the</strong> discussion <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Unemployment Assistance (UA) program below.)A worker must satisfy several "tests" to be eligible for unemployment benefits.These tests refer to cause <strong>of</strong> unemployment, duration <strong>of</strong> covered employment,earnings in covered employment, and availability for work. The workerusually cannot receive benefits unless he or she is available for, activelysearches for, and does not reject, suitable employment. Benefits are availablein all States for those unemployed because <strong>of</strong> a job lay<strong>of</strong>f. A waiting period<strong>of</strong> 1 week after <strong>the</strong> filing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> claim is required before benefits begin inmost States. In some States and under certain circumstances, benefits arealso available to those discharged for misconduct and to those who voluntarilyleft a job with "good cause." In <strong>the</strong> latter two situations, <strong>the</strong> conditions<strong>of</strong> eligibility, <strong>the</strong> length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> waiting period before benefits can begin, and<strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> benefit reduction vary considerably from State to State. Strikersare generally not eligible for unemployment compensation, although in New119


York and Rhode Island <strong>the</strong>y become eligible after a waiting period <strong>of</strong> severalweeks. There arc many o<strong>the</strong>r specific provisions for eligibility, and <strong>the</strong>y toovary from State to State.The duration <strong>of</strong> regular benefits usually increases with <strong>the</strong> length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>worker's past employment in jobs covered by <strong>the</strong> program, up to a maximum<strong>of</strong> 26 weeks <strong>of</strong> benefits in most States. Extended benefits have been grantedfor up to an additional 13 weeks in States with high rates <strong>of</strong> unemployment,for a maximum <strong>of</strong> 39 weeks. Public Law 91-373 requires that States provide<strong>the</strong>se 13 weeks <strong>of</strong> additional compensation for those who have exhausted<strong>the</strong>ir regular State benefits if two conditions are satisfied. First, <strong>the</strong> averageState-insured unemployment rate for <strong>the</strong> 3 most recent calendar months mustequal or exceed 4.0 percent. Second, <strong>the</strong> average rate for this 3-month periodmust be at least 120 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> average <strong>of</strong> such rates for <strong>the</strong> same weeks in<strong>the</strong> prior 2 years. Under Public Law 93-368, however, States can elect towaive <strong>the</strong> "120 percent rule" to extend benefits. By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> December1974, 11 States were providing extended benefits, one under this waiver.New LegislationIn response to <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in unemployment in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974,two new laws that affect <strong>the</strong> unemployment insurance program were enactedin December 1974. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act providesfor an additional 13 weeks <strong>of</strong> benefits, for a maximum <strong>of</strong> 52 weeks. Thenew benefits go into effect in a State when <strong>the</strong> insured unemployment rateaverages 4 percent or more over <strong>the</strong> preceding 1 3 weeks, ei<strong>the</strong>r nationallyor in <strong>the</strong> particular State. Benefits cease when nei<strong>the</strong>r condition is satisfied.The program became operative in January 1975. Using general funds, <strong>the</strong>Federal Government reimburses <strong>the</strong> States for 100 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefitspaid under this program, which lasts through 1976.Under Title II <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emergency Jobs and Unemployment AssistanceAct <strong>of</strong> 1974 a special unemployment compensation program was establishedto provide benefits lasting up to 26 weeks for some unemployed workerswho are ineligible for <strong>the</strong> regular State or Federal programs. UnemploymentAssistance benefits are available to workers who would satisfy <strong>the</strong> Staterequirements when two modifications are made in <strong>the</strong> regulations. Oneis that all wage and salary employment is treated as covered, a benefitto those who have had part or all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir previous employment in industriesnot covered by <strong>the</strong> State program (12 million wage and salary workers).The o<strong>the</strong>r modification is that <strong>the</strong> most recent 52 weeks can be used to satisfy<strong>the</strong> employment requirement, replacing <strong>the</strong> usual practice in <strong>the</strong> State programs<strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong> 52 weeks prior to <strong>the</strong> most recent 3-month period. Thisprimarily benefits recent entrants to <strong>the</strong> labor force. When employment recordsare not immediately available, claims for Unemployment Assistancemay be evaluated on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> an affidavit filed by <strong>the</strong> applicant.Unemployment Assistance, which is fully federally financed from generalrevenues, becomes operative in a local area when for 3 consecutive months<strong>the</strong> national unemployment rate averages 6.0 percent or more, or <strong>the</strong> local120


area unemployment rate averages 6.5 percent or more. The program ceasesin a State when <strong>the</strong>se conditions are no longer satisfied. The program startedaccepting claims in January 1975; <strong>the</strong> legislation terminates in December1975.Farm and domestic workers had generally been excluded from regularState unemployment coverage, largely because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> substantial administrativedifficulty in verifying previous employment, previous wages, availabilityfor work, and search for work, and in experience rating <strong>of</strong> employers.These problems unavoidably remain in <strong>the</strong> UA program. One studyestimated that <strong>the</strong> two new unemployment compensation laws would inducean increase in <strong>the</strong> measured unemployment rate by about 0.7 percentagepoint. However, because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> expected high level <strong>of</strong> unemployment in1975, <strong>the</strong> social benefit <strong>of</strong> extending income support to a broader group <strong>of</strong>unemployed workers was considered <strong>of</strong> greater value than <strong>the</strong> difficultiescreated by <strong>the</strong> programs.BenefitsThe average weekly number <strong>of</strong> persons receiving unemployment benefitswas 2.3 million and <strong>the</strong> average check was $64 in 1974. Some receivedbenefits for less than a full week because <strong>the</strong>y started a job or had a part-timejob. Benefits are related to earnings and range among <strong>the</strong> States from onehalfto two-thirds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> worker's recent average weekly wage, up to a Statemaximum. The maximum basic benefit varies from about $60 to $117 perweek. The percentage <strong>of</strong> unemployed claimants who are at <strong>the</strong> maximum alsovaries widely from State to State. For example, in 1972 <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong>newly insured claimants eligible for <strong>the</strong> maximum ranged from 12 to 73percent, while <strong>the</strong> average for <strong>the</strong> country was 44 percent. Ten States and<strong>the</strong> District <strong>of</strong> Columbia provide "dependents' allowances" for children, andsome <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se States also provide <strong>the</strong>m for a nonworking spouse. These benefitscan amount to a maximum <strong>of</strong> an additional $46 per week. State unemploymentcompensation benefits are not subject to taxation.Some union contracts have provisions for private supplements to Stateunemployment compensation. For example, United Auto Workers' contractshave established Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Funds (SUB Funds)to which <strong>the</strong> employer contributes. A worker with at least 3 years' experiencecould receive a stipend from <strong>the</strong> fund for up to 52 weeks which would makehis total State plus SUB Fund compensation approximately 95 percent <strong>of</strong>his regular take-home earnings, less $7.50. In January 1975 <strong>the</strong> averageweekly SUB Fund benefit was approximately $100 for a worker receivingState unemployment insurance benefits and $185 for a worker who hadexhausted <strong>the</strong> State benefits. SUB Fund benefits are subject to incometaxation.Changes in Coverage and BenefitsAlthough coverage under <strong>the</strong> unemployment insurance program has beenextended periodically since its inception, <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed121


who receive benefits has declined (Table 36). This seeming paradox isexplained by <strong>the</strong> changing composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed. Over <strong>the</strong> post-World War II period, <strong>the</strong>re has been a large increase in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong>recent entrants in <strong>the</strong> labor force. Recent entrants have high unemploymentbut are less likely to meet <strong>the</strong> eligibility requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemploymentinsurance system, and this accounts for <strong>the</strong> increasing proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>unemployed who do not receive benefits. Unemployed youths and womenare more likely to be entrants or reentrants and <strong>the</strong>refore are less likely toreceive benefits. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> increase in school attendance among thoseaged 16 to 24 has led to a change in work behavior: students enter andreenter <strong>the</strong> labor force, <strong>of</strong>ten more than once during <strong>the</strong> year, taking shorttermjobs, and quitting more <strong>of</strong>ten than older wmkers. For <strong>the</strong>se reasons, <strong>the</strong>percentage <strong>of</strong> unemployed youths receiving benefits under State programshas declined since 1960. Adult men, in contrast, are more likely to qualifyfor unemployment benefits because <strong>the</strong>y have sufficient work experience andbecause a lay<strong>of</strong>f more frequently precipitates <strong>the</strong>ir unemployment. The exten-TABLE 36.—Insured unemployment as percent <strong>of</strong> total unemployment and unemployment benefitsas percent <strong>of</strong> average weekly earnings, 1948-73YearTotalinsured lInsured unemployment as percent <strong>of</strong> total ijnemploymentTotal16 yearsand over16 to 24yearsState insured aMen25 yearsand over16 to 24yearsWomen25 yearsand overAverageweeklyState unemploymentbenefitsas percent<strong>of</strong> averageweeklyearningsin coveredemployment1948194963 568.043 154.234 136.01950195119521953 _ .1954195519561957.1958195948 848.756 858.258.149.148.154 971. C56 146 047.255 454.052.944.444.250 654.945 034 432.233 032.333 532.133.333 535.333 419601961. .19621963 31964 . _196519661967.. ...1968196953 863.549.848.546.343.139.342.742.141.649 548.645.644.442.439.536.940.539.438.924 025.320.919.516.814.611.913.611.710.763 362.860.359.460.959.961.072.474.076.619 219.217.116.714.812.39.811.89.89.363 958.658.358.656.554.653.353.256.957.335 235.434.934.633.833.834.734.734.334.4197019711972 .197350.646.345.141.444.243.138.237.816.017.615.715.776.974.270.671.712.813.411.211.265.158.652.653.835.736.535.936.01 Includes persons covered under <strong>the</strong> following unemployment compensation programs: State, Federal employee,Railroad Retirement Board, and veterans. Also includes Federal and State extended benefit programs.2 Includes only persons covered under <strong>the</strong> State programs and excludes all o<strong>the</strong>r programs as well as Federal and Stateextended benefit programs.3 Totals include Puerto Rican sugar cane workers beginning July 1963; but <strong>the</strong>y are excluded from data by sex and ageNote.—State insured unemployment data are not available by age and sex prior to 1960.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Manpower Administration.122


sions <strong>of</strong> coverage are reflected in <strong>the</strong> rising proportion <strong>of</strong> adult men whoreceive benefits. Thus, even though <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> adult men receivingbenefits has risen, two factors have caused a reduction in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> total unemployed receiving benefits: an increase in <strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>unemployed who are young workers and women; and a decline in <strong>the</strong> proportion<strong>of</strong> unemployed youth receiving benefits.During recessions, an increased proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed receivebenefits, especially when <strong>the</strong> data include recipients <strong>of</strong> extended benefits. Inpart this reflects <strong>the</strong> greater proportion <strong>of</strong> job losers and adult men among<strong>the</strong> unemployed. Due to <strong>the</strong> new legislation, an unusually high proportion<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployed will receive benefits in 1975.As indicated in Table 36, <strong>the</strong> average weekly unemployment insurancebenefit has ranged from 32 to 37 percent <strong>of</strong> average gross weekly wages incovered employment. This ratio underestimates <strong>the</strong> actual replacement <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> earnings loss <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> insured unemployed because <strong>the</strong>y usually earn lessthan <strong>the</strong> average covered worker, and unemployment benefits are not taxed.It has been estimated that for unemployed insured male family heads infamilies with income below 150 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> poverty line, benefits mayreplace about 70 percent <strong>of</strong> lost income after taxes; for those with higherincome, <strong>the</strong> replacement ratio may be about 40 percent.Effects <strong>of</strong> Unemployment InsuranceThe unemployment compensation system may itself influence <strong>the</strong> frequencyand duration <strong>of</strong> unemployment, and hence <strong>the</strong> measured unemploymentrate. The State unemployment insurance system is funded by taxes levied onemployers in proportion to <strong>the</strong>ir wage bill. The tax rate varies according to<strong>the</strong> employers' experience rating, which is based on <strong>the</strong> extent to which<strong>the</strong>ir workers draw benefits from <strong>the</strong> system. Because <strong>the</strong> variation in taxrates is set within narrow margins, however, <strong>the</strong> experience rating is notclosely matched to benefits. Thus, in firms with high lay<strong>of</strong>f* rates <strong>the</strong> benefitsto employees over a long period are likely to exceed <strong>the</strong> employers' contributionto <strong>the</strong> fund. In effect <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> tax and benefit structure tends tosubsidize seasonal and casual employment relative to stable employment.For example, it makes <strong>the</strong> planned annual lay<strong>of</strong>f an attractive alternative to<strong>the</strong> paid vacation for employers <strong>of</strong> lower-wage workers. This in turnmay induce an increase in <strong>the</strong> frequency <strong>of</strong> measured unemployment and<strong>the</strong>reby lead to an increase in <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate.Unemployment benefits may also tend to leng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> duration <strong>of</strong> insuredunemployment. The system partially compensates for <strong>the</strong> time spent searchingfor employment, <strong>the</strong>reby reducing <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> longer unemployment.The system clearly makes it easier for a worker to maintain his accustomedpattern <strong>of</strong> consumption during a longer search period.Studies <strong>of</strong> interstate differences in unemployment have found that <strong>the</strong>rate is higher where benefits are high relative to wages. The denial rate,based on administrative decisions regarding eligibility, is also important123


in explaining interstate differences in insured unemployment. The denialrate appears to be higher in States devoting more resources to administering<strong>the</strong> program.The longer period <strong>of</strong> unemployment stimulated by unemployment compensationmay represent a worthwhile investment for society. If a longersearch leads to a job with higher wages and fringe benefits, more pleasantworking conditions, or a longer expected tenure, it benefits both <strong>the</strong> individualand society. Some unemployed persons, however, may have no intention<strong>of</strong> accepting a job—perhaps because <strong>the</strong>y are planning to leave <strong>the</strong>labor force or simply because <strong>the</strong>y want a vacation—but go through <strong>the</strong>necessary steps to collect benefits.Some have questioned <strong>the</strong> equity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployment compensation programlargely because its benefits are tax free. The greater <strong>the</strong> family's o<strong>the</strong>rincome, <strong>the</strong> larger is <strong>the</strong> benefit net <strong>of</strong> taxation that a family receives from amember who gets unemployment compensation ra<strong>the</strong>r than wages. A low r -paid worker in a high income tax filing unit could actually receive moreincome net <strong>of</strong> taxes and work-related expenses by being unemployed than bybeing employed.In spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> difficulties inherent in <strong>the</strong> current unemployment compensationprogram, it is never<strong>the</strong>less <strong>the</strong> most effective w 7 ay <strong>of</strong> providing financialsupport for those who suffer a loss in income due to unemployment.PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENTFederal public service employment programs are a means <strong>of</strong> increasingemployment opportunities, particularly during periods <strong>of</strong> high unemployment.It is intended that Federal revenues will be used to employ personswho would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be jobless, in government jobs that would not o<strong>the</strong>rwiseexist.The Emergency Employment Act <strong>of</strong> 1971 (EEA) provided <strong>the</strong> first largescalepublic employment program broadly applicable to <strong>the</strong> unemployedpopulation since <strong>the</strong> Works Progress Administration (WPA) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1930's.Special types <strong>of</strong> public employment programs for particular target groups,however, have been funded on a more limited scale since <strong>the</strong> 1960's, forexample, <strong>the</strong> summer employment <strong>of</strong> youth in <strong>the</strong> Neighborhood YouthCorps and <strong>the</strong> subsidized employment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> elderly in Operation Mainstream.In contrast to <strong>the</strong> WPA, which was administered by separate Federalagencies created for <strong>the</strong> task, <strong>the</strong> Public Employment Program (PEP)under EEA was essentially a form <strong>of</strong> revenue sharing, with <strong>the</strong> FederalGovernment supplying <strong>the</strong> funds and State and local governments actuallyadministering <strong>the</strong> program.PEP was conceived as a countercyclical program to provide "transitional"jobs at a time when <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate was about 6 percent. PEP participantswere more likely than <strong>the</strong> average unemployed person to be veterans,male, and well educated (75 percent had graduated from high school).In fiscal 1973, when <strong>the</strong> program was in full operation, an estimated 150,000124


man-years <strong>of</strong> employment were funded by <strong>the</strong> PEP program. The extent towhich <strong>the</strong>se numbers reflect net additions to State and local employment—that is, employment that would not have occurred without <strong>the</strong> program—can only be estimated. Studies indicate that each PEP job created less thana job, and that this "displacement effect" increased as time passed and as <strong>the</strong>possibility <strong>of</strong> substituting Federal for State and local funds increased. Severalestimates put <strong>the</strong> displacement effect after 2 years in <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> 50percent.The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), whichbecame operative in 1974, provides public employment funds in two formsto States and localities acting as prime sponsors. Under Title I, blocgrants for manpower programs allocated to <strong>the</strong> sponsor may at <strong>the</strong> sponsor'sdiscretion be applied to public service employment or to any o<strong>the</strong>r activityrelated to manpower. Title II is labeled Public Employment Programs, but<strong>the</strong> funds can be used for ei<strong>the</strong>r public service employment or traditionalmanpower programs, such as on-<strong>the</strong>-job training. Title II funding is to beprovided only to areas where <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate has averaged 6.5 percentor higher for 3 consecutive months.Estimated outlays on <strong>the</strong> various parts <strong>of</strong> CETA for fiscal 1975 are:Title I, $1.6 billion; Title II, $585 million; Titles III and IV (Indians,migrants, Job Corps), $342 million. An additional $250 million will be spentin fiscal 1975 for public service employment from 1974 CETA authority thatallowed a one-time appropriation for continuing programs under <strong>the</strong> EEA.Of this estimated total <strong>of</strong> $2.8 billion, $380 million was spent on summeryouth programs in 1974. It is expected that <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> CETA publicservice jobs will increase from approximately 85,000 in fiscal 1974 to 170,000during 1975 and 1976. Compensation and administrative costs per man-yearareanticipated to be about $9,000.New LegislationThe Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act <strong>of</strong> 1974 supplementsCETA by providing a public service employment program known as<strong>the</strong> Temporary Employment Assistance (TEA) program. Under this newlegislation an additional $875 million will be available during fiscal 1975 toState and local government prime sponsors to create as many as 97,000jobs. The funds may be used for projects that extend over a 12-monthperiod and employ persons who have been unemployed for at least 30 days,or at least 15 days in areas <strong>of</strong> excessively high unemployment. "Preferredconsideration" is to be given to those who have exhausted <strong>the</strong>ir unemploymentcompensation. The Administration has also requested that $125 millionbe restored to <strong>the</strong> TEA program in fiscal 1975. The TEA program toge<strong>the</strong>rwith CETA would <strong>the</strong>n provide up to 280,000 jobs when bothprograms are in full operation.563-280 O - 75 - 9125


Effects <strong>of</strong> Public Employment ProgramsPublic employment has been suggested as a way <strong>of</strong> reducing unemploymentduring recessions. Some argue that public employment, whereby peopleare directly hired by <strong>the</strong> government, is superior to o<strong>the</strong>r macroeconomicinstruments with respect to creating more employment per dollar spent. Estimateshave been made <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> net employment generated by a given expenditureon public employment, compared to that generated by an equal expenditureon government purchases from <strong>the</strong> private sector or by an equal reductionin <strong>the</strong> tax bill. On <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PEP experience, public employmentwas found to create rnore additional jobs in <strong>the</strong> very short run (1 or 2 quartersafter <strong>the</strong> program begins) than ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two policies. After 5 or 6quarters have passed, however, <strong>the</strong> superiority <strong>of</strong> public employment as atool for creating jobs was found to diminish as State and local governmentssubstitute Federal funds for <strong>the</strong>ir own funds. Eventually, this displacement <strong>of</strong>State and local funds with Federal funds would allow State and local taxesto be reduced (or grow at a slower rate) and in turn stimulate economicactivity, including employment. Then, in effect, <strong>the</strong> public employmentfunds can be viewed as generalized revenue sharing funds, with Federalsources (taxes, deficits) replacing local funding <strong>of</strong> local projects.The reduction in unemployment due to public service jobs would dependpartly on <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program on <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force. If publicservice jobs could be confined only to persons with previous work experienceand with a proved period <strong>of</strong> unemployment, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> employment-generatingeffects would be directly translated into reduced unemployment.There are o<strong>the</strong>r advantages, and <strong>the</strong>se are frequently cited to supportpublic service employment. For some workers <strong>the</strong> jobs may provide trainingand, by allowing a regular work schedule and environment, slow <strong>the</strong> depreciation<strong>of</strong> prior training and work habits. Some useful output is produced;income maintenance is provided without <strong>the</strong> welfare stigma. Critics <strong>of</strong> publicemployment have noted, however, that a public service job reduces <strong>the</strong> timeavailable for seeking more permanent private sector employment, and formany workers it would leng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> time away from usual employment. Timeaway from usual work may increase <strong>the</strong> depreciation <strong>of</strong> skills specific toparticular jobs.Although public employment appears to have a short-run advantage overo<strong>the</strong>r policy tools in creating jobs, it also appears more likely than o<strong>the</strong>rpolicies to put pressure on <strong>the</strong> price level. Indeed, <strong>the</strong> more successful <strong>the</strong>program is in employing individuals who would normally be seeking jobsor working in <strong>the</strong> private sector, <strong>the</strong> tighter <strong>the</strong> private sector labor marketwill be; and rising wages and prices will result. The inflationary impactwould be smaller if <strong>the</strong> program were financed by an increase in taxes ra<strong>the</strong>rthan by an increase in <strong>the</strong> debt. The jobs lost as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tax increase,however, are likely to be more productive than <strong>the</strong> jobs created by <strong>the</strong> public126


employment program, both because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> difficulty <strong>of</strong> matching <strong>the</strong> skills <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> unemployed with those required for public service jobs and because <strong>the</strong>assigned tasks are <strong>of</strong>ten ones that would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be given low priority.In summary, a public employment program that is effective as a countercyclicalmeasure would presumably provide jobs that State and local governmentswould not o<strong>the</strong>rwise create, that can be established quickly, and thatcan be readily eliminated as job opportunities in <strong>the</strong> private sector increase.To ensure that jobs are net additions to employment, it may be necessary tocreate distinct tasks in separate and visible agencies set up for <strong>the</strong> purpose.To provide productive employment, <strong>the</strong> jobs have to be suitable for persons<strong>of</strong> diverse prior training, employment experience, and age; and <strong>the</strong>y mustrequire at most a very short period <strong>of</strong> training. These sometimes conflictingconditions may increase <strong>the</strong> difficulty <strong>of</strong> creating a successful program.127


CHAPTER 4Inflation During The Past DecadeTHE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE BEEN CHARACTERIZED by an averagegrowth rate <strong>of</strong> aggregate expenditures that is very high by historicalstandards and that has substantially outstripped <strong>the</strong> sustainable growth <strong>of</strong>supply <strong>of</strong> real goods and services. Contributing significantly to <strong>the</strong> growth inaggregate demand were rapidly increasing Government expenditures alongwith monetary policies that were appreciably more expansionary than thosein earlier post-World War II periods. In addition, a sharp rise has occurredin foreign expenditures on American goods in recent years. Supply reductionsalso contributed to imbalances between aggregate supply and demand, particularlyin <strong>the</strong> past few years: crop failures and reduced oil supplies are <strong>the</strong>most notable examples. Without neglecting specific features, <strong>the</strong> U.S. inflationsince <strong>the</strong> mid-1960's can never<strong>the</strong>less be analyzed in terms <strong>of</strong> a generalconception <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inflationary process that emphasizes <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> monetaryand fiscal policies, and <strong>the</strong> decision-making process that leads to <strong>the</strong>se policies.A brief outline <strong>of</strong> this conception will be useful.Governments can achieve certain short-term objectives by following policiesthat allow <strong>the</strong> aggregate demand for goods and services to rise fasterthan <strong>the</strong> supply can rise in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> available resources. One such objectiveis to keep <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> resource utilization very high and to postpone <strong>the</strong>temporary underutilization that occurs in some phases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> business cycle.Ano<strong>the</strong>r objective is to embark on spending programs without making <strong>the</strong>burden explicit to <strong>the</strong> public by correspondingly higher taxation, and thuswithout raising <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> this burden. At high rates<strong>of</strong> resource utilization, however, such policies Will provide a stimulus only solong as <strong>the</strong> public expects less inflation than will actually be developing, andso long as <strong>the</strong> public <strong>the</strong>refore acts as if more real income were availablethan will in fact be earned. Concerning <strong>the</strong> recent inflationary period, opinionsurveys as well as actual trends in real wage rates and real pr<strong>of</strong>its suggest asubstantial underestimate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future inflation rate and a correspondingoverestimate <strong>of</strong> prospective real incomes by <strong>the</strong> public. Since people learnfrom <strong>the</strong>ir experience, efforts to continue providing such stimulus requiregenerating an inflationary process that will show a strong tendency toaccelerate. At some stage it becomes imperative to put an end to such aprocess.When <strong>the</strong> inflationary phase has lasted so long that expectations <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>rinflation are firmly embedded in <strong>the</strong> cost trend, a shift to policies <strong>of</strong> restraint128


first exerts an adverse influence on output and <strong>the</strong> desired price decelerationeffect materializes only with a lag. Any convincing interpretation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>events during 1970 and 1973-74 must stress this difficulty.During 1973 and 1974 this difficulty was magnified by a steep increase inraw material prices and by <strong>the</strong> price effects <strong>of</strong> specific capacity shortages ina number <strong>of</strong> industries. Even when major specific cost increases occur,monetary and fiscal restraint can prevent a lasting acceleration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>general price trend; yet such policies will not be able to prevent a temporarysteepening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> general price increase, especially in an environmentinfluenced by inflationary expectations. The explanation here also is that <strong>the</strong>adverse effect <strong>of</strong> policies <strong>of</strong> restraint on output will precede <strong>the</strong>ir desiredeffect on prices. Policies <strong>of</strong> restraint could keep even permanently tightersupplies, resulting from "natural" or from "institutional" factors, fromtouching <strong>of</strong>f continuing inflation, though when changes <strong>of</strong> this sort occur nopolicy may be capable <strong>of</strong> preventing a lasting adverse effect on output.Lags <strong>of</strong> price response behind output response are among <strong>the</strong> characteristics<strong>of</strong> adjustment periods which may bring substantial discomfort, even ifmethods are now available for greatly reducing <strong>the</strong> hardships suffered insuch phases <strong>of</strong> development. During <strong>the</strong>se phases political pressures becomestrong to adopt stimulative policies prematurely on a scale that wouldrule out any appreciable decline <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation. Since it is impossibleto live indefinitely with an explosive inflationary process, <strong>the</strong> resumption<strong>of</strong> expansionary policies is in turn apt to evoke strong pressures to adoptcomprehensive wage and price controls. These controls would allegedly enableus to follow <strong>the</strong> desired expansionary policies under circumstances inwhich prices and w r ages are directly regulated according to acceptable norms.However, if after much unsuccessful experimentation that approach were tobe followed through with <strong>the</strong> consistency needed to make it effective, itwould lead to an economic and political system <strong>the</strong> basic characteristics <strong>of</strong>which are very different from those under which we now live. Rigorouslycontrolled systems cause a loss <strong>of</strong> basic freedoms, and <strong>the</strong>y have proved seriouslydeficient on grounds <strong>of</strong> economic efficiency as it reflects itself in <strong>the</strong>living standards <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population. Which way history will move in thisregard remains an open question, and it is <strong>the</strong> most dramatic question posedby <strong>the</strong> present difficulties.The possibility remains <strong>of</strong> trying to attain a steadily rising general pricetrend to which <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r economic variables adjust. Not to allow such atrend to steepen would require <strong>the</strong> same effort—<strong>the</strong> same resistance totemptation—as would have been required for keeping to <strong>the</strong> near-zeroinflation path <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1952-65 period. It could be argued that once we arein <strong>the</strong> two-digit range a greater effort is needed for gradually reducinginflation to negligible size than for achieving a much less ambitious longrunobjective, such as that <strong>of</strong> a significant but nonaccelerating inflationrate. Yet this would be an unconvincing argument because no policydirected at a steady price trend can be successful unless it is credible to <strong>the</strong>129


public, and <strong>the</strong> more policy makers adjust <strong>the</strong>ir initial objectives to <strong>the</strong>upward deviations that have occurred in <strong>the</strong> past <strong>the</strong> less credible <strong>the</strong>ybecome in <strong>the</strong>ir promise not to accommodate accelerating inflation in <strong>the</strong>future.PERIODS OF PRICE INSTABILITYSince 1929 <strong>the</strong> United States has experienced several periods <strong>of</strong> substantialprice instability as measured by such general price measures as <strong>the</strong>gross national product (GNP) price deflator or <strong>the</strong> consumer price index(CPI). During <strong>the</strong> Great Depression <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early 1930's prices fell sharply,declining by more than 20 percent from 1929 to 1933 (Table 37). Priceincreases <strong>of</strong> a similar magnitude occurred following <strong>the</strong> outbreak <strong>of</strong> WorldWar II in Europe, before wartime price controls took effect. Prices rose evenfaster on <strong>the</strong> average in 1946, 1947, and 1948, after <strong>the</strong>se controls had beenlifted. The outbreak <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Korean war in 1950 also brought a brief butsignificant price spurt. The largest year-to-year price increase since 1947occurred in 1974, when <strong>the</strong> GNP deflator rose 10.2 percent over its 1973level and <strong>the</strong> GPI rose 11.0 percent. This happened after inflationary antecedentsthat started developing about 1965.TABLE 37.—Changesin <strong>the</strong> GNP implicit pricedeflator and <strong>the</strong> consumer price index, 1930-74Percent change frompreceding yearPercent change frompreceding yearYearGNP implicitpricedeflatorConsumerpriceindexYearGNP implicitpricedeflatorConsumerpriceindex19301931 _1932193319341935 _19361937 __19381939-2.7-9.1—10.1-2.47.31.1.34.1—1.4-1.5-2.5-8.8—10.3-5.13.42.51.03.6—1.9-1.41955195619571958.1959196019611962196319641.43.43.72.51.71.61.31.11.31.6-.41 53 62.781 61.01 11 ?1.3194019411942194319441.57.712.37.22.31.05.010.76.11.7196519661967196819691.82.83.24.04.81 72.9? ff4.25.4194519461947194819492.611.811.96.6-.62.38.514.47.8-1.0197019711972197319745.54.53.45.610.25 94.33 36.211.0195019511952_ . .19531954._ _1.36.82.11.01.51.07.92.2.8.5Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics)The 1965-74 inflation, taken as a whole, also reflects <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong>too rapid an expansion <strong>of</strong> aggregate demand. However, at least two fur<strong>the</strong>rconsiderations are relevant to <strong>the</strong> explanation <strong>of</strong> why inflation continued in130


years like 1970 and 1974 after policy restraint had been applied. One is thatsuch interludes clearly demonstrate <strong>the</strong> difficulty which policy makers encounterin trying to reduce <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation after <strong>the</strong> preceding inflationarytrend and its expected continuation have entered into cost trends.But <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>of</strong> 1974 also shows something else that had already beenobserved in 1973. If forces operating from <strong>the</strong> supply side significantlyraise <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> specific raw materials and <strong>of</strong> products <strong>of</strong> industries withcapacity shortages, <strong>the</strong>n even if policies <strong>of</strong> restraint are applied to prevent apermanent steepening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general price trend, <strong>the</strong> specific price increaseswill show never<strong>the</strong>less for a while in <strong>the</strong> behavior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general price level.These difficulties become greater <strong>the</strong> longer <strong>the</strong> preceding inflationarydevelopment has lasted and <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong> public suspects that <strong>the</strong> same politicalconsiderations which induced governments to engage in inflationarypractices in <strong>the</strong> past will lead <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> future to retreat from a policy <strong>of</strong>restraint prematurely.EXCESSIVE GROWTH IN AGGREGATE DEMAND, 1965-74<strong>Economic</strong> <strong>the</strong>ory suggests that many factors, domestic and foreign, privateand governmental, can affect aggregate demand. The two that receive mostattention, however, are monetary and fiscal policy actions. Fiscal policycan stimulate consumption and investment demand through tax cuts andby increases in government expenditures. Even if <strong>the</strong> growth rate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>money supply remained at a level which would be consistent with noninflationarygrowth at given fiscal receipts and expenditures, an increasedfiscal deficit could bring about price inflation. Interest rates would be raisedand <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> holding currency and demand deposits would be increased.For this reason <strong>the</strong> public would wish to decrease its average money holdingsin relation to its expenditures, and total expenditures could increase beyond<strong>the</strong> noninflationary rate.Yet price inflation caused by deficits with unchanging money supplywould be <strong>of</strong> limited significance. Rapid and sustained inflation requiresa continual inflationary increase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> money. The main reasonwhy expansionary fiscal operations are among <strong>the</strong> factors generating sustainedinflation is that when fiscal deficits are large <strong>the</strong> monetary authorities,in an attempt to <strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> interest rate and credit availability effects <strong>of</strong>large increases in government debt, tend rapidly to increase <strong>the</strong>ir securityholdings and hence to inject new money into <strong>the</strong> economy. Thus expansionaryfiscal policies are <strong>of</strong>ten accompanied by expansionary monetary policies,with a correspondingly rapid growth <strong>of</strong> aggregate demand even at highlevels <strong>of</strong> resource utilization.Of course, rapid increases in aggregate demand are not always inflationary.When aggregate demand increases by <strong>the</strong> same amount as real aggregatesupply, markets can clear at <strong>the</strong> current price level. Although many individualprices may move up or down, <strong>the</strong>se changes tend to balance out, leaving <strong>the</strong>general price level unchanged. Sometimes, however, aggregate demand and131


supply do not mesh, and if <strong>the</strong>y are not brought into balance at given prices,<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> price level will move. The maximum feasible growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> supply<strong>of</strong> goods and services over any period is limited by <strong>the</strong> existing quantity <strong>of</strong>labor, capital, and natural resources, and by <strong>the</strong> rate at which new physicaland human capital and new knowledge can be acquired. The increase indemand depends on demand management policies and is subject to no suchlimits. Over <strong>the</strong> past 10 years <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> technological progress and <strong>the</strong>growth in <strong>the</strong> quality and size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> capital stockhave been such as to raise potential output on <strong>the</strong> average by 4 percent ayear in constant dollars. Hence whenever at high levels <strong>of</strong> resource utilizationaggregate demand grows by more than an annual rate <strong>of</strong> 4 percent, <strong>the</strong>faster growth <strong>of</strong> demand must be reconciled with <strong>the</strong> slower growth <strong>of</strong> realsupply through <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> inflation.During <strong>the</strong> period from 1965 to 1973, for example, real output grew by36 percent, or at a compound annual rate <strong>of</strong> about 4 percent. Largely as <strong>the</strong>result <strong>of</strong> expansionary policies, however, aggregate demand in money termsgrew by 89 percent, or at a compound annual rate <strong>of</strong> 8 percent. Hence priceshad to rise by about 4 percent a year on <strong>the</strong> average to make <strong>the</strong> 8 percentgrowth in aggregate expenditures consistent with <strong>the</strong> 4 percent growth inreal output. By 1973 <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> price level had become muchlarger than <strong>the</strong> average during <strong>the</strong> 8 years, and in 1974 inflation had movedinto <strong>the</strong> two-digit range, as special factors reinforced a strong underlyingtrend.Any explanation <strong>of</strong> inflation must <strong>the</strong>refore come to grips with <strong>the</strong> questions<strong>of</strong> why, about 1965, aggregate demand started to grow so much fasterin nominal terms than real output, and why it has continued to grow at afaster rate subsequently.The observed steep rise <strong>of</strong> aggregate expenditures could not have takenplace had monetary aggregates not grown very rapidly after 1965. While<strong>the</strong>re are no hard and fast rules to define excessive versus noninflationarygrowth rates in monetary aggregates, recent experience does provide someguidelines. The periods <strong>of</strong> rapidly rising prices have been periods in whichMi (currency plus demand deposits) and M 2 (Mi plus time deposits exceptlarge certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit) grew at high average yearly rates.Over a limited period, which until now has lasted about 12 years,aggregate demand as measured by <strong>the</strong> money GNP has tended to growin <strong>the</strong> same proportion as M 2 , although short-run deviations from thisrelationship have occasionally been very large. This suggests that a rate <strong>of</strong>growth in M 2 <strong>of</strong> about 5 to 6 percent over <strong>the</strong> 1965-74 period would havebeen consistent with a rate <strong>of</strong> growth in aggregate demand <strong>of</strong> about <strong>the</strong>same magnitude. Fur<strong>the</strong>r, if real supply over <strong>the</strong> 1965-74 period had grownat its long-run annual average <strong>of</strong> about 4 percent, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> price level wouldhave risen very little. In fact, from 1965 to 1970, M 2 increased at an averageyearly rate <strong>of</strong> more than 7 percent, and from 1970 to 1974 it increased at arate <strong>of</strong> about 10 percent. Given our economy's inability to sustain a real132


growth rate <strong>of</strong> more than about 4 percent, <strong>the</strong> rapid rates <strong>of</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>money aggregates since 1965 were not consistent with reasonably stableprices.O<strong>the</strong>r countries have also experienced a recent acceleration in money andin prices, as shown in Table 38. However, <strong>the</strong> rates <strong>of</strong> monetary expansionthat are consistent with <strong>the</strong> mild price increases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1960's and with <strong>the</strong>much more rapid inflation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1970's will vary from country to country.One reason for this is that <strong>the</strong> money supply is not defined <strong>the</strong> same wayin <strong>the</strong> various countries. Ano<strong>the</strong>r reason is that <strong>the</strong> countries differ in <strong>the</strong>types and quantities <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r liquid assets which <strong>the</strong> public holds alongwith its stock <strong>of</strong> money. Also, trends in velocity differ across countries.But what probably matters most is that in rapidly growing economies, suchas those <strong>of</strong> Japan or Germany, a relatively large proportion <strong>of</strong> a givenincrease in aggregate demand has been satisfied by increases in real goodsand services. The same rate <strong>of</strong> growth in money and expenditures in lessrapidly growing countries, such as <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom or <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, would lead to higher rates <strong>of</strong> inflation. Generally <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong>money growth rates that is consistent with stable prices will be differentin each country. The central conclusion remains, however, that whenmoney growth rates proceed at a rate far exceeding that with which outputcould keep pace, <strong>the</strong> price level too will rise sharply.Considering that our monetary authority, <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System,creates <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> reserves which is a basic determinant <strong>of</strong> how muchmoney can be created in addition to hand-to-hand currency, one is ledto ask why <strong>the</strong> regulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> money supply has not prevented <strong>the</strong>seundesirable price trends.We may begin by recognizing that <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> monetary expansion isinfluenced by several factors which result in a ra<strong>the</strong>r flexible relationTABLE 38.—Growth rates <strong>of</strong> consumer prices and money stock for <strong>the</strong> United States and fiveo<strong>the</strong>r developed countries, 1965-74[Percent change; annual rate]Consumer pricesMoney stock»Country1965to19701970to197421965 tc> 19703M,1970 to 1974 -M IUnited States4.26.05.27.15.9M 298CanadaFranceGermany.. .ItalyJapan3 84.42.43 05.46 48.06.29 511.08 15.36.415.8M6.210 610.812.713.76 16.519.74 12.19.221.924.416 8M7 114. 422.1 Mi = "Money" and M2 = "Money" plus "Quasi-Money" as <strong>the</strong>y appear for each foreign country in InternationalFinancial Statistics, International Monetary Fund. These data are roughly equivalent in all countries.2 Change from June" 1970 to June 1974.3 Based on average <strong>of</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>-month figures; average <strong>of</strong> first 6 months for 1974 and 12-month average for o<strong>the</strong>r years(except for <strong>the</strong> United States, which are based on averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures for December 1965 and 1970 and June 1974).* Change from 1970 to 1973.5 Change from 1966 to 1970.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics), Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, andInternational Monetary Fund (International Financial Statistics).133~


etween <strong>the</strong> variables under <strong>the</strong> control <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve and <strong>the</strong>money aggregates <strong>the</strong>mselves. This is so, quite aside from <strong>the</strong> fact thatapproximately 25 percent <strong>of</strong> total demand and time deposits are held inbanks that are not members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System. For example,<strong>the</strong> public may decide to hold less currency relative to total deposits, ashas been <strong>the</strong> case during most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> period with which we are concerned,or it may move in <strong>the</strong> opposite direction as it has since December 1973.When people exchange currency for deposits at <strong>the</strong>ir banks, <strong>the</strong> banks gainreserves, and <strong>the</strong> converse is true in <strong>the</strong> contrary case. Increased reservescan be and usually are used to expand loans and investments and hencedeposits, thus generating increases in M x and M 2 .Ano<strong>the</strong>r factor is that banks need to hold reserves also for purposes o<strong>the</strong>rthan incurring those types <strong>of</strong> deposit liability which economists have foundmost useful to include in <strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> money. The public's increasingpreference for interest-bearing assets led to a very rapid increase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>volume <strong>of</strong> large-denomination certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit which are not definedas "money" but are never<strong>the</strong>less subject to reserve requirements. In addition,<strong>the</strong> deposits held by <strong>the</strong> Treasury are also subject to reserve requirements,though <strong>the</strong>y are not "money." Moreover a given quantity <strong>of</strong> reserves supportsmore money in <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> M 2 if that aggregate consists to an increasingextent <strong>of</strong> time deposits, as has been <strong>the</strong> case in recent years, becausereserve requirements are smaller for time deposits than for demand deposits.Finally, given <strong>the</strong> legally required minimum reserve ratios, banks find itconvenient to hold more reserves per dollar <strong>of</strong> deposits during some periodsthan in o<strong>the</strong>rs. For <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r reasons a given amount <strong>of</strong> total reserveswill correspond to a different amount <strong>of</strong> total deposits in different periods <strong>of</strong>time. The money supply corresponding to any particular amount <strong>of</strong> reservecreation by <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve is not precisely predictable.Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> long-run growth in monetary aggregates is determinedlargely by <strong>the</strong> rate at which <strong>the</strong> monetary authority injects "high-poweredmoney," defined as <strong>the</strong> sum <strong>of</strong> total reserves and currency, into <strong>the</strong> system.The Federal Reserve can inject high-powered money into <strong>the</strong> banking systemby acquiring Treasury securities from banks or from o<strong>the</strong>r businessesor individuals, or by making advances to banks, or by discounting eligiblesecurities, although o<strong>the</strong>r factors too can affect <strong>the</strong> growth rates in thispolicy-controlled aggregate.High-powered money grew at a 3.9 percent annual rate from 1960 to1965, at 5.0 from 1965 to 1970, and at a 7.7 percent rate from 1970 to 1974.This acceleration reflects itself in those <strong>of</strong> Mi and M 2 , although M 2 hasgrown faster than Mi.The question <strong>the</strong>refore remains why <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System did notprevent this sustained period <strong>of</strong> steepening inflation.A reason mentioned earlier is <strong>the</strong> relationship between monetary andfiscal policies. Large fiscal deficits express <strong>the</strong>mselves in large fiscal borrowing,and <strong>the</strong>y are apt to squeeze out a good deal <strong>of</strong> private borrowing134


unless <strong>the</strong> actions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> monetary authority speed <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moneysupply. Yet if <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> resources is not sufficiently elastic, such accommodationby <strong>the</strong> monetary authority will lead subsequently to <strong>the</strong> inflationarydifficulties discussed in this chapter.In most years since 1965 Federal Government borrowings have beensubstantial. Government expenditures rose steeply after 1965 as a result<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vietnam war and <strong>of</strong> greatly expanded social welfareprograms. In <strong>the</strong> 4 fiscal years from 1965 to 1969, defense outlays increasedby $31.6 billion (64 percent) and nondefense outlays by $34.5 billion(50 percent), while money GNP increased $243.4 billion (37 percent). In<strong>the</strong> following 5 fiscal years, from 1969 to 1974, money GNP rose by 50percent and Government outlays by 45 percent, with defense outlays remainingunchanged but nondefense outlays, prominently including transferpayments, rising by about 84 percent. Resources were fully, if not "overfully,"used in <strong>the</strong> 1965-69 period, during which <strong>the</strong> large increase inGovernment spending was already associated with a substantial increasein Government debt. The unified budget deficit, which is <strong>the</strong> deficit conceptthat comes closest to showing <strong>the</strong> net financing needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury,reached $25 billion in fiscal 1968 and $23 billion in fiscal 1971 and 1972;it was also <strong>of</strong> appreciable size in o<strong>the</strong>r years since 1965. Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> resultingdebt was financed by <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve so that monetary policy wasexpansionary enough not to force a reduction <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r money expendituresto <strong>of</strong>fset increased Government spending. The results were overrapid expansionin total expenditures and a significant rise in <strong>the</strong> general price level.Deficits, however, represent only part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total borrowing operationsinvolving <strong>the</strong> Federal Government. In recent years, <strong>the</strong> rapid growthin <strong>the</strong> borrowings <strong>of</strong> federally sponsored credit agencies greatly added to<strong>the</strong> Government-induced financing pressures on credit markets, even thougha large part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> funds thus raised was lent again to borrowers whosedemand for credit would o<strong>the</strong>rwise have been satisfied by private lenders.Outstanding agency borrowing increased by $3.5 billion in calendar 1968,when total funds raised by nonfinancial sectors amounted to $95.9 billion,but this net borrowing jumped to $19.6 billion in 1973 when <strong>the</strong> budgetdeficit was $8 billion and total funds raised by nonfinancial sectorsamounted to $187.4 billion. Partly to avoid a tightening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> market too<strong>the</strong>r borrowers, <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System bought Government securitiesand <strong>the</strong>reby monetized Federal debt in response to Federal financing pressures.Given <strong>the</strong> inflationary consequences <strong>of</strong> such a policy, it could bringonly temporary relief because <strong>the</strong> steepening <strong>of</strong> inflationary expectationstightened <strong>the</strong> markets again by increasing <strong>the</strong> demand for credit relativeto <strong>the</strong> supply.Ano<strong>the</strong>r important reason for <strong>the</strong> high average rates <strong>of</strong> monetary expansionduring <strong>the</strong> past 10 years was <strong>the</strong> effort <strong>of</strong> policy makers to play safeagainst recessions or at least to postpone <strong>the</strong>m and to promote a very rapidrate <strong>of</strong> cyclical expansion in <strong>the</strong> advanced stages <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recovery after <strong>the</strong>135


ecession <strong>of</strong> 1970. In an attempt to achieve <strong>the</strong>se objectives, money growthrates were allowed to climb far<strong>the</strong>r and far<strong>the</strong>r above <strong>the</strong>ir noninflationaryranges.These growth rates, however, did not increase steadily. On three occasionspolicy actions contributed to substantial slowdowns in money expansion.Each such action attempted to deal with <strong>the</strong> worsening inflation, first andmost briefly in 1966-67, <strong>the</strong>n in 1969-70, and most recently in 1973-74. Thefirst two periods <strong>of</strong> tightening were soon followed, however, by reversals inpolicy that led to substantially higher rates <strong>of</strong> money growth than thosepreceding <strong>the</strong> slowdowns and hence carried us even fur<strong>the</strong>r above noninflationarygrowth rates in money aggregates. The pressures on <strong>the</strong>monetary authority to return to policies <strong>of</strong> rapid expansion were strong in1966 and in <strong>the</strong> recession <strong>of</strong> 1970, and <strong>the</strong>y became increasingly strong againrecently. These are pressures to "validate" <strong>the</strong> already observable rate <strong>of</strong>inflation by a policy that would lead to <strong>the</strong> expectation that on <strong>the</strong> nextoccasion an even higher inflation rate will be validated.Yet, showing substantially increased resistance against <strong>the</strong>se pressures,Federal Reserve policy has moderated monetary growth in 1974. FromDecember 1973 to December 1974 <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> narrowly definedmoney supply, Mi, was kept to about 4.5 percent, and <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong>broadly defined money supply, M 2 , to about 7.3 percent, that is, to 1.6 percentagepoints less than <strong>the</strong> year before for both, and to 4.2 and 3.8percentage points less than during 1972. Indeed, <strong>the</strong> steeper price trend<strong>of</strong> 1974 has turned <strong>the</strong> 1974 increase in <strong>the</strong> nominal money supply into adecline in real balances. Even though <strong>the</strong> prospective money growth rates<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> near future are somewhat higher, this policy reflects determinationto accommodate growth <strong>of</strong> output only as <strong>the</strong> inflation rate declines.As for fiscal policy, even <strong>the</strong> actual budget deficit remained small for <strong>the</strong>fiscal year 1974, though it was larger for calendar 1974; in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate from about 5 percent to over 7 percent during<strong>the</strong> calendar year, <strong>the</strong> same fiscal policy would have produced a largesurplus at high levels <strong>of</strong> employment (see Chapter 2).THE UNSTABLE TRADEOFFBy <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong> inflation problem became acute in most Western countries,<strong>the</strong> conviction had spread both within and outside <strong>the</strong> Government that atrade<strong>of</strong>f between inflation and unemployment—<strong>the</strong> so-called Phillips trade<strong>of</strong>f—was<strong>of</strong> considerable importance. A stable downward-sloping "Phillipscurve" with rates <strong>of</strong> price or wage inflation plotted against <strong>the</strong> unemploymentrate was <strong>of</strong>ten used to illustrate this thinking. Policy makers weresupposed to have a choice as to how much inflation <strong>the</strong>y would accept forachieving low unemployment rates. As discussed in Chapter 3, <strong>the</strong> shortcomings<strong>of</strong> such simple presentations were soon recognized. For instance,it was pointed out that, in view <strong>of</strong> changes in <strong>the</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor136


force, more refined measures than <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial unemployment rate are neededfor measuring <strong>the</strong> tightness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor market. It was suggested also thatallowances need to be made for <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r variables and <strong>of</strong> lags. Theanalysis would <strong>the</strong>n show that a given increase in appropriately definedlabor market tightness, if maintained, will gradually lead to a stable, thoughhigher inflation rate to which <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r economic variables could adjust.However, <strong>the</strong> ideas underlying <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> researchers who have suggestedthis conclusion are not easily reconciled with each o<strong>the</strong>r.While econometric work on this question has yielded valuable by-products,<strong>the</strong> results remain far too inconclusive to serve as a basis for policy. Therecomes a point at which <strong>the</strong>re is reason to return to <strong>the</strong> direct observation <strong>of</strong>simple facts, and what <strong>the</strong>se show is that in <strong>the</strong> period following 1965 <strong>the</strong>relation between inflation and unemployment has been distinctly unstable.As can be seen from Chart 8, when similar unemployment rates recur, <strong>the</strong>ytend to be accompanied by appreciably higher inflation rates.When statistical testing <strong>of</strong> econometric models leads to inconclusive results,<strong>the</strong>re is all <strong>the</strong> more reason to reexamine <strong>the</strong> basic logical underpinnings <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> hypo<strong>the</strong>ses. No convincing case can be made for <strong>the</strong> hypo<strong>the</strong>sis that ifinflation were fully anticipated, a higher anticipated rate <strong>of</strong> inflation towhich all variables have adjusted would stimulate a higher level <strong>of</strong> activityand thus more employment than a lower rate. Inflationary policies candrive <strong>the</strong> actual rate <strong>of</strong> price increase temporarily above <strong>the</strong> expected rateso that greater real income gains are anticipated than will in fact be forthcoming.It is this unrealistic expectation <strong>of</strong> higher real incomes that resultsin an increased level <strong>of</strong> activity, thus giving rise to a Phillips trade<strong>of</strong>f betweeninflation and unemployment in <strong>the</strong> short run. But such a trade<strong>of</strong>f will beunstable when <strong>the</strong> expected rate <strong>of</strong> inflation is rising, so that a stimulativepolicy can be maintained only by allowing <strong>the</strong> actual rate <strong>of</strong> inflation toincrease fur<strong>the</strong>r. If <strong>the</strong> process were allowed to proceed far enough, priceacceleration might even become associated with rising unemployment. Thiscould happen because by <strong>the</strong>n inflationary expectations would be risingeven more rapidly than actual inflation, or because <strong>the</strong> uncertainties surrounding<strong>the</strong> decision-making processes in markets would reduce economicactivity.Since <strong>the</strong> trade<strong>of</strong>f between unemployment and inflation lacks stability,trying to base policy on it compels one eventually to face <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> truechoices or trade<strong>of</strong>fs are <strong>of</strong> a different kind. In <strong>the</strong> first place, before <strong>the</strong> resultingprocess <strong>of</strong> accelerating inflation approaches its limits in a state <strong>of</strong> socalledhyperinflation, <strong>the</strong>re is always a choice between accepting <strong>the</strong> difficulties<strong>of</strong> adjustments "now" or moving toward even greater future difficulties.Secondly, after an extended inflationary span <strong>the</strong>re is a choice betweenfacing <strong>the</strong> lag between output and price response or engineering atransition into a "controlled" system, <strong>the</strong> deficiencies <strong>of</strong> which are verysevere even if <strong>the</strong> symptoms are different.137


• >/' / ' // / ' • * ' • '• / ' • // / ' '• ' / ' • '• // • / y: ' / : • /Chart 8Inflation and <strong>the</strong> Unemployment RatePERCENT10CHANGE INCONSUMER PRICE INDEXJ/SEASONALLY ADJUSTEDUNEMPLOYMENT RATEPERCENT101957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962SEASONALLY ADJUSTEDUNEMPLOYMENT RATECHANGE INCONSUMER PRICE INDEXJ/\PERCENT1510 -1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968/ / ' s s"/ • y ' '•' / i • /o JJ.LJIJJLLLSEASONALLY ADJUSTEDCHANGE IN V\ '/ '


SPECIAL FACTORS AND THE LAGGED PRICE RESPONSEThere are a number <strong>of</strong> possible explanations for <strong>the</strong> unusual degree <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> acceleration <strong>of</strong> price inflation during 1973, when after <strong>the</strong> first quarter<strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase <strong>of</strong> output was declining significantly, and during 1974when output itself was declining. The termination <strong>of</strong> wage and price controlson April 30, 1974, needs to be mentioned even though opinions differconcerning <strong>the</strong> significance <strong>of</strong> decontrol for price acceleration. Controls hadbeen imposed on a wide range <strong>of</strong> wages and prices in August 1971; <strong>the</strong>ygradually came to operate against <strong>the</strong> increasing pressure <strong>of</strong> market forces,and <strong>the</strong>y caused an increasing amount <strong>of</strong> distortion before being phasedout. Wages and prices bulged to some extent in <strong>the</strong> month immediatelyafter controls ended. The controls and <strong>the</strong>ir removal had an effect on <strong>the</strong>timing <strong>of</strong> price increases.By <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 1973 ano<strong>the</strong>r type <strong>of</strong> price fixing—<strong>the</strong> fixing <strong>of</strong> exchangerates in <strong>the</strong> currency markets—had been abandoned as most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> majortrading countries had switched from fixed exchange rates to managedfloating. This led to <strong>the</strong> depreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar against most majorcurrencies, continuing with some interruptions until July 1973. As Americangoods and services became more competitive in <strong>the</strong> world markets, <strong>the</strong> netexports <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States increased by almost $10 billion from 1972 to1973. From <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se years to <strong>the</strong> second, net exports turned fromsignificantly negative to significantly positive, and remained very highthrough <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974, after which <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>oil price increase started to show. While an increase in net exports tends toraise real GNP when resources are underutilized, it lowers <strong>the</strong> domesticavailability <strong>of</strong> goods when resources are already approximately fully utilized,as <strong>the</strong>y were through much <strong>of</strong> 1973, or if <strong>the</strong>re exist shortages in specificareas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy, as was <strong>the</strong> case through part <strong>of</strong> 1974. For this reason,an increase in net exports has contributed to inflation.Important special factors in <strong>the</strong> recent inflation were <strong>the</strong> unanticipateddecision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arab countries to place an embargo on crude oil exports to <strong>the</strong>United States and <strong>the</strong> decision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Organization <strong>of</strong> Petroleum ExportingCountries (OPEC) steeply to increase <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil. The precipitousincrease <strong>of</strong> foreign crude oil prices during <strong>the</strong> year, similar price movement<strong>of</strong> "new," "released," and "stripper" domestic crude oil (which by October1974 jointly accounted for 34 percent <strong>of</strong> U.S. domestic production), and <strong>the</strong>concurrent increase in <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r energy materials had a substantialcost-raising impact in 1974. Until <strong>the</strong> spring, crude material priceso<strong>the</strong>r than crude foodstuffs and feeds also continued to rise steeply. Largeprice increases in a number <strong>of</strong> important intermediate products continuedeven longer as capacity shortages persisted until midyear and inventorydemand remained strong. Such industries as primary metals, chemicals,stone, clay and glass, and paper provide prominent illustrations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>sespecific shortages.139


After increasing sharply in 1973, farm product prices behaved erraticallyduring 1974. On <strong>the</strong> whole, however, <strong>the</strong> price-raising effect <strong>of</strong> shortagesoriginating in specific sectors played a role in 1974 as well as in <strong>the</strong> precedingyear. This statement must be understood in <strong>the</strong> context <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lag problemmore generally discussed before. Even if a monetary and fiscal policy doesnot provide for a permanent speeding up <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general price trend, it willnot prevent a temporary rise in general price indexes when raw materialprices rise sharply.The problem <strong>of</strong> lags has become more troublesome than it had been inearlier periods. The available data suggest that, particularly since 1965,prices and wages have responded less quickly to declining demand in <strong>the</strong>product and labor markets. For instance, Table 39 points in this directionby showing various rates <strong>of</strong> change, including changes in compensation perman-hour and in <strong>the</strong> private nonfarm deflator, for 4-quarter periods beforeand after cyclical peaks. Both compensation and <strong>the</strong> deflator show moreresistance to moderating cyclical forces after <strong>the</strong> downturn in recent cyclesthan in earlier ones. Admittedly this statement is based on a rigid definitionTABLE 39.—Comparisons <strong>of</strong> behavior <strong>of</strong> selected variables before and after cyclical peaks, 1947-74Percent change to or from peakPeriodCyclicaipeak*Private nonfarmeconomy 3Outputper manhourCompensationperman-hourGNP implicitprice deflatorPrivatenonfarmFarmRealGNPCivilianunemploymentrates(percent)Four-quarter change:Before peak...After peakDifference*.1948 IV2.83.1.38.0-7! 65.8-1.2-7.0-16.8-13.83.04.5-1.6-6.13.87.03.2Before peak..After peak...Difference .Before peak..After peak...Difference.1953 111957 III3.51.5-2.02.83.06.03.3-2.75.43.8-1.62.31.8-.53.51.4-2.1-14.4-3.510.92.36.23.96.9-3.4-10.32.4-1.0-3.42.65.83.24.27.33.1Before peak..After peak...Difference.1960 II.72.72.04.33.0-1.31.61.0-.6-1.7-1.3.42.0.6-1.45.27.01.8Before peak..After peak«..Difference.1969 IV-1.12.53.66.77.4.74.85.81.010.4-7.8-18.21.2.4-.83.66.02.4Before peak...After peak 7...Difference 7 .1973 IV«.4-3.6-4.08.09.71.75.913.77.854.8-11.1-65.93.9-5.0-8.94.76.61.91 Quarter designated as cyclical peak by National Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Research (NBER), except as noted.3 All persons.3 Rate for peak quarter and 4 quarters after peak.4 All differences in this table are changes 4 quarters after peak minus changes 4 quarters before peak.«Change from 1969 IV to average <strong>of</strong> 1970 IV and 1971 I to smooth effect <strong>of</strong> auto strike.« Peak quarter <strong>of</strong> real GNP used as NBER has not yet designated this quarter as a cyclical peak.7 Preliminary.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics) ,and National Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Research.140


<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> time periods used for comparison and is so aggregative as to precludeconsideration <strong>of</strong> special developments in various sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy.Nor does it take into account economic developments subsequent to <strong>the</strong>year following a peak or preceding <strong>the</strong> year leading up to <strong>the</strong> peak. Still thisand o<strong>the</strong>r evidence points to less prompt deceleration <strong>of</strong> prices and wages inrecent downturns.As mentioned before, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increasing downward rigidities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>wage and price trends have resulted from <strong>the</strong> firming up <strong>of</strong> inflationaryexpectations. Past developments as well as observable political pressuresmay have made it more difficult even for <strong>the</strong> most determined policy makersto establish <strong>the</strong> credibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir anti-inflationary policies.By late 1974 various components <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wholesale price index started tosignal impending general price deceleration, and so did some o<strong>the</strong>r measures<strong>of</strong> general price change, such as <strong>the</strong> fixed-weight GNP deflator. Even <strong>the</strong>present money wage trend is compatible with a reduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> currentrate <strong>of</strong> general price increase, though not to a level that could be consideredacceptable. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, in <strong>the</strong> weakened commodity andlabor markets <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> near future, with <strong>the</strong> unemployment rate expected torise to above 7.5 percent, price deceleration is very likely in time to resultin wage deceleration with a feedback on prices. Still, after an unusuallyprotracted period <strong>of</strong> inflation, <strong>the</strong> lags between <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> restrictivepolicies on output and <strong>the</strong> desired effect on prices will prove to be long.INDEXATION AND THE TAX STRUCTUREThe length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se lags has awakened interest in suitable mechanismsthat can take into account <strong>the</strong> inevitable gradualness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unwindingprocess, without preventing or even markedly slowing <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> unwinding<strong>the</strong> inflation. Opinions differ on whe<strong>the</strong>r "indexing" <strong>the</strong> commitmentsinvolving future payments <strong>of</strong> fixed dollar amounts meets <strong>the</strong>se requirements.When such commitments are indexed, <strong>the</strong>y are expressed in constant ra<strong>the</strong>rthan in current dollars; that is, <strong>the</strong> amounts paid at a later date are adjustedfor changes in a general price index.Recently <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> formal indexation in this sense has attractedconsiderable attention. There is wide agreement that truly comprehensiveindexing is not feasible immediately. A major obstacle is that many currentdollarpayment obligations have been incurred in past periods. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,individuals can hardly be forced to index <strong>the</strong>ir future contracts if, instead<strong>of</strong> relying on some index number formula, <strong>the</strong>y wish to make o<strong>the</strong>r allowancesfor <strong>the</strong> price movements <strong>the</strong>y expect. But one has good reason tobelieve that during <strong>the</strong> phase <strong>of</strong> unwinding an inflation <strong>the</strong> automaticresponse <strong>of</strong> indexed wages to price deceleration, and <strong>the</strong> feedback <strong>of</strong> thatresponse on prices, would indeed be helpful, since <strong>the</strong>re would be no need toanticipate <strong>the</strong> future course <strong>of</strong> inflation to obtain <strong>the</strong> desired real wage bargain.On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> view has been expressed that in past phases<strong>of</strong> accelerating inflation such automatic responses would have fur<strong>the</strong>r steep-563-280 O - 75 - 10141


ened <strong>the</strong> inflation rate and that <strong>the</strong>y also might be damaging in future phases<strong>of</strong> inflationary processes.The expectation <strong>of</strong> rising prices can be reflected in allowances made incurrent-dollar contracts as well as through formal indexation <strong>of</strong> contracts.At present, however, a spreading <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> practice <strong>of</strong> formal indexation isevident. In spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> significant shortcomings <strong>of</strong> all available index numbersthat may be selected for indexing payments, many parties to wageand o<strong>the</strong>r contracts rely on indexing instead <strong>of</strong> merely on current-dollarallowances for presumptive price movements. Various payment obligations<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government, such as social security benefits and food stamps,are also indexed. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, automatic adjustments over <strong>the</strong> term <strong>of</strong> acontract are sometimes tied not to a price index but to some economicvariable tending to move in <strong>the</strong> same direction as price expectations. Forloan contracts <strong>the</strong> Treasury bill rate or <strong>the</strong> prime rates <strong>of</strong> banks have beenused as such variables. These rates are influenced by inflation not because<strong>of</strong> indexation but because inflation expectations are among <strong>the</strong> factorsdetermining <strong>the</strong>ir levels.However, given present regulations, not all interest rates are allowed tomove freely, nor can some interest rates be tied to o<strong>the</strong>r rates which wouldreflect market forces. This is illustrated by regulations applying to savingsaccounts. Thrift institutions characteristically lend long, mainly by acquiringmortgages at fixed interest rates, and <strong>the</strong>y borrow short, mainly from smallsavers. The average mortgage in <strong>the</strong> portfolio <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se institutions is severalyears old and was originated at a time when <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation, and hencemoney rates <strong>of</strong> interest, were lower. As interest rates rose in <strong>the</strong> free market,interest rate ceilings were maintained on <strong>the</strong> deposits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> thrift institutions,and also on <strong>the</strong> conventional time deposits <strong>of</strong> commercial banks, in an attemptto prevent a sharp squeeze on <strong>the</strong> thrift institutions, resulting from higherborrowing than lending rates.One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highly undesirable consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se regulations is that <strong>the</strong>small saver, to whom o<strong>the</strong>r outlets are rarely available, earns interest at anartificially reduced rate that is far below <strong>the</strong> current rate <strong>of</strong> inflation, and isgrossly unrealistic by <strong>the</strong> standards <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> markets for short-term instrumentsin general. When securities are issued in <strong>the</strong> money market on conditionsattractive to small savers and at interest that would adjust to future rates<strong>of</strong> inflation, <strong>the</strong> thrift institutions and homebuilders feel threatened. Policymakers are strongly influenced by this resistance. The Administration'sproposals for financial reform would gradually change (essentially diversify)<strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> operations in which <strong>the</strong> thrift institutions are engagedand would gradually eliminate <strong>the</strong> interest rate ceilings on deposits. Untilinterest rate ceilings are removed, <strong>the</strong> present regulations remain disadvantageousto small savers.Not even those savers and managers <strong>of</strong> funds who are able to make use <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> facilities <strong>of</strong> major financial markets have been receiving interest at a ratewhich compensates for inflation and yields <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> real rate <strong>of</strong> interest142


that obtained in <strong>the</strong> past. However, for short rates this reflects ei<strong>the</strong>r anunderestimate <strong>of</strong> inflation or <strong>the</strong> low and uncertain real return on investmentcorresponding to <strong>the</strong> present business outlook, or some combination<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se. For long rates it may also reflect <strong>the</strong> expectation that inflationwill decrease in <strong>the</strong> future. The rates at which business borrows from banksare now <strong>of</strong>ten made to vary with <strong>the</strong> prime rate over <strong>the</strong> term <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>loan. While, as was noted, this does not change <strong>the</strong> loan into one made in"constant dollars"—it is not indexation in <strong>the</strong> proper sense—<strong>the</strong> objectiveswhich such arrangements attempt to achieve are similar to those <strong>of</strong>indexation.Tax payments to <strong>the</strong> Government do not adjust for inflation undercurrent tax laws. If during an inflationary period <strong>the</strong> definition <strong>of</strong> taxableincome is unchanged in nominal terms, individuals move from tax exemptinto taxable brackets, and from lower into higher tax brackets, merelybecause <strong>the</strong>ir money incomes are rising, though <strong>the</strong>ir real incomes arerising much less or may even be declining. In addition, capital gains computedin terms <strong>of</strong> money enter into <strong>the</strong> tax base, even though such nominalgains can represent very much smaller real gains, or possibly real losses. Suchdistortions call for adjustments, only a few <strong>of</strong> which have so far been undertaken,and even <strong>the</strong>se are likely to become inadequate before inflation can bereduced to a negligible size.The effect <strong>of</strong> inflation on <strong>the</strong> real Federal tax and nontax receipts frompersons, predominantly Federal income taxes, can be shown as follows.From 1973 to 1974 personal income minus transfer payments rose by8 percent, 3 percent less than <strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> personal consumption expendituresdeflator. Total real adjusted gross income reported on tax returnsprobably declined as well. Never<strong>the</strong>less Federal personal tax and nontaxreceipts rose by 15 percent, suggesting that <strong>the</strong> elasticity <strong>of</strong> Federal receiptsfrom persons with respect to inflation is at least 1.6 in <strong>the</strong> aggregate. Forindividual returns it may in fact be even larger, considering that as morereturns are filed, income reported per return rises less than total adjustedgross income. In any event, inflation raises personal taxes by a muchlarger percentage than nominal incomes, causing <strong>the</strong> average tax rateto rise and tax payments to increase in real terms.While itemized deductions claimed on tax returns reflect price increases,individual exemptions and <strong>the</strong> low-income allowance and standard deductionlimits have not been raised in nominal terms since 1972. Thus <strong>the</strong> taxraisingeffect is strongest for low- and moderate-income taxpayers not itemizingdeductions, as shown by <strong>the</strong> following example. Assume that consumerprices and a family's adjusted gross income both rise by 30 percent from1972 to 1975, leaving <strong>the</strong>ir real income unchanged, and fur<strong>the</strong>r assumethat this is a family <strong>of</strong> four filing a joint return for an income that in 1972was $10,000. In 1972 this family would have paid Federal income taxes <strong>of</strong>$905, while at current tax rates it would pay $1,391 on $13,000 <strong>of</strong> income in1975. Its average tax rate would rise from 9.1 to 10.7 percent <strong>of</strong> adjusted143


gross income because 30 percent inflation would cause tax liabilities to jumpby 54 percent in this illustration. Stated differently, while <strong>the</strong> real before-taxincome <strong>of</strong> this hypo<strong>the</strong>tical family remains unchanged, its real after-taxincome declines by almost 2 percent in 3 years. Thus, <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> inflationon individual income taxes under existing tax schedules is to increaseaverage tax rates or to increase <strong>the</strong> Government's share <strong>of</strong> personal income.Similar problems have developed in <strong>the</strong> corporate sector. Here two types<strong>of</strong> inflationary tax-raising effects had reached considerable magnitudes by1973. Both arise from standard accounting methods for computing businesscosts and pr<strong>of</strong>its. These accounting procedures understate costs, and henceoverstate pr<strong>of</strong>its, except if we include in <strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its an inflationaryperiod's capital gains, computed in terms <strong>of</strong> money, which are locked in forgoing enterprises as <strong>the</strong>se need to replace <strong>the</strong>ir inventories and fixed capitalat higher prices. Such capital revaluations are included in <strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong>taxable pr<strong>of</strong>its, unless <strong>the</strong>y are reflected in higher taxable interest paymentsto creditors.Consider first <strong>the</strong> method <strong>of</strong> accounting for <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> inventories in<strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> goods sold. As was explained in Chapter 2, FIFO, <strong>the</strong> first in, firstout method, includes in <strong>the</strong> tax base <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> locked-in capital gainwhich was described in <strong>the</strong> preceding paragraph and is reflected in <strong>the</strong>rising valuation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inventories held by <strong>the</strong> enterprise. Ano<strong>the</strong>r accountingprocedure, LIFO, or last in, first out, values an item taken from inventory at<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last unit added to <strong>the</strong> inventory, thus more accuratelyreflecting <strong>the</strong> prices at which replacement takes place. -While firms have a choice between using FIFO and LIFO and many areswitching to LIFO, <strong>the</strong>y are required to value <strong>the</strong>ir plant and equipmentfor tax purposes on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> historical cost <strong>of</strong> acquisition ra<strong>the</strong>r thanat replacement cost. In inflationary periods this has consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> samekind as <strong>the</strong> FIFO method <strong>of</strong> valuing inventories, assuming <strong>the</strong> service-lifeguidelines and depreciation rules currently used are correct. If straight-linedepreciation is arbitrarily taken to reflect <strong>the</strong> actual depreciation processes,<strong>the</strong>n accelerated depreciation gives firms tax advantages. However, Table 40TABLE 40.—Pr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>of</strong> nonfinancial corporations, 1 selected periods, 1965-73[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Item19651965-69average1973After reported depreciation charges based on historical costs:1. Pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes, before inventory valuation adjustment (IVA).2. Pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes and after IVA65.363.668.165.595.177.5After straight line replacement-cost depreciation involving 85 percent<strong>of</strong> Bulletin F service lives and "current price (2)" valuation: 23. Pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes and after IVA4. Pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes*....65.838.466.836.373.432.9i Excludes pr<strong>of</strong>its originating in rest <strong>of</strong> world and pr<strong>of</strong>its on residential properties owned by nonfinancial corporationsJ Eliminates <strong>the</strong> difference between "current price (2)" replacement-cost and historical-cost depreciation.' Pr<strong>of</strong>its before taxes and after IVA minus tax liabilities.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.144


suggests that this advantage has by now been significantly outweighed by <strong>the</strong>disadvantages <strong>of</strong> having to compute depreciation allowances on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong>historical costs, and thus <strong>of</strong> prices at which plant and equipment cannot bereplaced.Aggregate taxable book pr<strong>of</strong>its as well as aggregate pr<strong>of</strong>its adjusted for<strong>the</strong> two inflationary effects mentioned above are presented in Table 40.After eliminating <strong>the</strong> understatements <strong>of</strong> replacement costs that result frominflation, <strong>the</strong> before-tax pr<strong>of</strong>it trend (row 3) is, <strong>of</strong> course, very different from<strong>the</strong> unadjusted book-pr<strong>of</strong>it trend (row 1), and this for a capital stock thatrose substantially from 1965 to 1973. This contributes a good deal to <strong>the</strong>understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rising indebtedness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> corporate sector, <strong>the</strong> accounts<strong>of</strong> which include in net corporate savings large amounts that areunavailable for investment in any sense o<strong>the</strong>r than that <strong>of</strong> replacing inventoriesand fixed capital at inflated prices. The point to be mainly stressedin <strong>the</strong> present context is, however, that once <strong>the</strong> adjustments are made forinflated replacement prices (as <strong>the</strong>y are both in row 3 and row 4) a comparison<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trend in bef ore-tax pr<strong>of</strong>its (row 3) with <strong>the</strong> trend in after-taxpr<strong>of</strong>its (row 4) shows <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> allowing <strong>the</strong> difference betweenpast prices and <strong>the</strong> prices at which replacement takes place to boost taxablepr<strong>of</strong>its. Taxes are levied on <strong>the</strong> unadjusted book pr<strong>of</strong>its, and <strong>the</strong>se haverisen much faster than <strong>the</strong> adjusted pr<strong>of</strong>its. As we move forward in time,<strong>the</strong> fieures in row 4 are becoming considerably smaller in relation to <strong>the</strong>figures in row 3. Preliminary data for 1974 suggest that this trend hascontinued to <strong>the</strong> present.Thus, individuals and corporations alike are now exposed to substantialand haphazard tax-raising effects produced by inflation, even during a period<strong>of</strong> falling real incomes. One manifestation <strong>of</strong> this is that while in earlierrecessions <strong>the</strong> temporary reduction <strong>of</strong> tax revenues in relation to Governmentexpenditures provided a cyclical cushioning effect even withoutchanges in tax schedules, this effect now is forcefully counteracted by <strong>the</strong>disproportionate tax-raising effect <strong>of</strong> inflation. In this regard and in o<strong>the</strong>rs,adjustments in tax laws will be called for during <strong>the</strong> gradual process <strong>of</strong> pricedeceleration toward which we are heading.Along <strong>the</strong>se lines a strong case can be made for adopting statutory taxreductions during <strong>the</strong> present recession. Yet in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recently increaseddependence <strong>of</strong> business and also <strong>of</strong> households on borrowed funds, <strong>the</strong>financing <strong>of</strong> large recession deficits might after a while create more tensionin <strong>the</strong> credit markets than it had created in <strong>the</strong> past. Given <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>output stimulus provided by some combination <strong>of</strong> expansionary monetaryand fiscal policies, interest rates decline less to private borrowers during arecession if more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stimulus results from fiscal policies involving a largeincrease in <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> government securities. This implies greater tightness<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> credit markets in <strong>the</strong> subsequent recovery. Pressures may <strong>the</strong>n beexerted on <strong>the</strong> monetary authority to try to reduce this tightness and to promoterapid expansion without sufficient regard to price-trend objectives.145


The success <strong>of</strong> our anti-inflationary efforts would in this event dependessentially on <strong>the</strong> determination to resist <strong>the</strong>se pressures, even if <strong>the</strong> recoveryshould proceed less rapidly than would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be desirable.146


CHAPTER 5Government RegulationUNTIL AFTER THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR, <strong>the</strong> Federal Government'spolicy toward <strong>the</strong> economy involved little or no directregulation. Although some States experimented with railroad regulation asearly as <strong>the</strong> 1840's, only toward <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> century did <strong>the</strong> Federal Governmentundertake any significant economic regulation. The first stepstoward regulation were designed to deal with problems <strong>of</strong> monopoly. In 1887<strong>the</strong> Act to Regulate Commerce set up an Interstate Commerce Commission(ICC) to regulate <strong>the</strong> railroads, which eventually led to reduced competitionthroughout <strong>the</strong> surface transportation sector. In 1890 <strong>the</strong> Sherman Actoutlawed contracts and activities designed to create monopolies in restraint<strong>of</strong> interstate trade, intending <strong>the</strong>reby to promote competition. In succeedingyears <strong>the</strong> transportation and antitrust statutes were amended andcomplemented, and direct economic regulation spread to o<strong>the</strong>r industries.There has been a marked trend toward more ra<strong>the</strong>r than less governmentalregulation, and this trend has been particularly evident in recent years. Morerequirements have been placed on <strong>the</strong> private sector, <strong>of</strong>ten to achieveobjectives such as safety, health, and pollution control which are not includedin conventional measures <strong>of</strong> economic output. The continuation <strong>of</strong>long-standing regulation as well as <strong>the</strong> recent proliferation <strong>of</strong> regulationhave raised questions about <strong>the</strong> efficacy <strong>of</strong> regulation: in particular, whatcosts and benefits <strong>the</strong> various forms <strong>of</strong> regulation impose in <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong>today's economic difficulties.THE RATIONALE FOR REGULATIONGovernment regulation <strong>of</strong> business has been established for a number <strong>of</strong>reasons, all <strong>of</strong> which merit continued reexamination. At one extreme is <strong>the</strong>case <strong>of</strong> "natural monopoly"—a situation in which economies <strong>of</strong> scale (that is,falling unit costs with increasing output) are so pervasive that free competitionmight lead to a single firm in <strong>the</strong> market, able to exercise monopolypower. An unregulated monopolist may be in a position to charge excessiveprices, restrict output, and discriminate among buyers. The cases <strong>of</strong> suchnatural monopolies are probably quite limited in <strong>the</strong> American economy,with certain utility services appearing to be <strong>the</strong> major exception.In contrast to monopoly and inadequate competition, regulation is <strong>of</strong>tenconsidered justifiable to prevent excessive or "destructive" competition. Oneform <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> argument is that in markets where <strong>the</strong>re may be a tendency147


toward natural monopoly a preferable course would be to avoid <strong>the</strong> costs<strong>of</strong> monopoly pricing or <strong>of</strong> monopoly regulation by maintaining several competitors,even though a perfectly regulated monopolist could provide servicesat lower cost. Ano<strong>the</strong>r consideration is that even though competition may beviable it might result in swings in output and prices which some wouldjudge too severe and too costly to consumers and producers. Regulation isthus said to be necessary to maintain stability and protect <strong>the</strong> equity <strong>of</strong> firmsin <strong>the</strong> industry.Ano<strong>the</strong>r rationale <strong>of</strong>ten raised on behalf <strong>of</strong> regulation is that ill-definedproperty rights make it necessary for <strong>the</strong> Government to allocate certain"public" resources in order to prevent <strong>the</strong>ir overuse. The airwaves are oneexample <strong>of</strong> a scarce resource that would be rendered much less useful withoutsome controls over its use. The environment is ano<strong>the</strong>r example <strong>of</strong> aresource where <strong>the</strong>re are conflicting claims on its use and where governmentshave intervened to allocate resources.It is also asserted that in some markets <strong>the</strong> government should intervenebetween <strong>the</strong> seller and <strong>the</strong> consumer in order to protect ei<strong>the</strong>r, or both, fromcertain conditions that might emerge in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> regulation. Sinceinformation is expensive to collect and once collected is "free" but costly todisseminate, <strong>the</strong> ideal government serves as a surrogate for <strong>the</strong> well-informedmarket participant by prohibiting certain transactions. For example, thoseselling <strong>the</strong>ir labor, according to this argument, must be protected from unsafeworking conditions by <strong>the</strong> government's requiring employers to maintaincertain safety standards. To protect consumers, it has been made unlawfulfor a firm in <strong>the</strong> United States to market certain drugs until <strong>the</strong>y have beenapproved by <strong>the</strong> Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Likewise, <strong>the</strong>Consumer Product Safety Commission is authorized to establish mandatorystandards and require <strong>the</strong> labeling <strong>of</strong> products which are found tobe unsafe.Government regulation may also serve as a convenient avenue for redistributingincome. In regulated "competitive" markets less efficient producersare protected, and in effect are subsidized, by lower-cost producers whowould expand <strong>the</strong>ir output in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> regulation and by consumerswho end up paying higher prices and buying less. Rate regulation <strong>of</strong>ten leadsto rate structures that "cross-subsidize" markets by requiring firms to chargeprices that are above <strong>the</strong>ir costs in some markets and to use <strong>the</strong> extra pr<strong>of</strong>itsto <strong>of</strong>fset losses in more "deserving" markets. For example, telephone rates inany given region <strong>of</strong>ten do not differentiate between residential users in urbanareas and those in sparsely populated localities where unit costs are usuallyhigher. In transportation, "common-carrier obligations" are <strong>of</strong>ten enforcedto assure below-cost service to some users, financed by higher prices to o<strong>the</strong>rusers.Whatever <strong>the</strong> rationale for regulation, once established it has a tendencynot only to be maintained but to become more rigid with time, even if itseconomic costs become great and its effects differ from those originally148


intended. The uncertainty associated with significant regulatory change candeter needed reform. Also, those who would be adversely affected by regulatoryreform <strong>of</strong>ten are relatively few and have strong incentives to resistchange. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, those who stand to gain from regulatory reformtend to be numerous (and thus <strong>the</strong> potential gain per person is relativelysmall) and seldom well organized; <strong>the</strong>y may be unaware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> potentialgains and thus less effective in obtaining reform. For <strong>the</strong>se reasons, it isparticularly important to view critically any proposals for increased regulation.It is equally important to look for ways <strong>of</strong> lessening regulation when <strong>the</strong>benefits <strong>of</strong> improved economic performance outweigh any sacrifice <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>robjectives.THE FEDERAL ANTITRUST LAWSUnder <strong>the</strong> antitrust laws <strong>the</strong> Government is concerned with industry conduct,such as price fixing, and with industry structure which might fostermonopoly power. With respect to price fixing, <strong>the</strong> most difficult problem isdetection, and for this purpose antitrust authorities have relied primarilyon informants. While industrial concentration is relatively easy to discover,it does not follow that monopoly power exists whenever concentration exceedssome arbitrary level. Each case must be judged on its own merits, andexclusive adherence to a "market share" approach may lead to unnecessaryinterference with ordinary business activities and to less efficient markets.In encouraging economic efficiency, <strong>the</strong> enforcement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> antitrust lawsraises obvious problems <strong>of</strong> balance. On <strong>the</strong> one hand, it would be possiblefor a misguided antitrust activity to inhibit innovation and cost-cuttingaction in <strong>the</strong> private sector; in this respect antitrust activity could constraineconomic efficiency. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, antitrust activity that promotescompetition will encourage resources to be used more efficiently. To fur<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong> second result, <strong>the</strong> Antitrust Division's <strong>Economic</strong> Policy Office wasrecently expanded, and <strong>the</strong> Division's funding for antitrust enforcement wasincreased.Until lately <strong>the</strong> penalties for antitrust violation appear to have been toolow. In weighing <strong>the</strong> costs and benefits <strong>of</strong> engaging in illegal activities,potential violators take into account <strong>the</strong> punishment if <strong>the</strong>y are caught aswell as <strong>the</strong> prdbability <strong>of</strong> successful prosecution. Increasing <strong>the</strong> penalty or <strong>the</strong>probability <strong>of</strong> apprehension, or both <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se, raises <strong>the</strong> expected cost <strong>of</strong>illegal activity and should reduce its extent. Recent legislation (Public Law93-528) substantially raised <strong>the</strong> penalties for violation and made certainactivities felonies ra<strong>the</strong>r than misdemeanors. The additional deterrent mayhave a marked effect. This makes it even more important to allocateenforcement resources efficiently, since ill-defined and badly administeredantitrust policies, backed by forceful penalties, might stifle business initiativeand o<strong>the</strong>rwise reduce economic efficiency.The ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> antitrust laws to improve market efficiency is limitedby numerous exemptions. For example, <strong>the</strong> Miller-Tydings Act (1937) and149


<strong>the</strong> McGuire Act (1952) allow States to establish "fair trade laws,"which prevent retail establishments from selling merchandise at lower thanmanufacturers' suggested retail prices. In those situations, retailers are notallowed to engage in price competition, and consumers must frequently payhigher prices. At present such laws are in effect in States that compriseapproximately half <strong>the</strong> U.S. population. Ano<strong>the</strong>r example is <strong>the</strong> Capper-Volstead Act (1922) which exempts agricultural cooperatives from certainprovisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal antitrust laws; among o<strong>the</strong>r things, this exemptionhas given producers greater control over marketing agricultural products.Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> larger cooperatives may have gone beyond <strong>the</strong> original intent<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation, however, and with <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> agricultural marketing ordersmay have been able to maintain certain commodity prices above competitivelevels.Some antitrust powers seem to limit competition ra<strong>the</strong>r than promotemarket efficiency. For example, <strong>the</strong> Robinson-Patman Act (1936), whichlimits certain forms <strong>of</strong> price discrimination, is almost universally criticizedby economists as unduly protecting small firms from competition by largerfirms. Two recent <strong>President</strong>ial commissions on <strong>the</strong> antitrust laws, <strong>the</strong> NealCommission appointed by <strong>President</strong> Johnson and <strong>the</strong> Stigler Commissionappointed by <strong>President</strong> Nixon, recommended that this law be reformed.REGULATION OF MONOPOLYAs mentioned earlier, some industries are characterized by economies <strong>of</strong>scale over relevant ranges <strong>of</strong> output. Among <strong>the</strong> examples frequently citedare local distribution systems for telephone service and electric power transmission,where <strong>the</strong> high fixed costs associated with fixed facilities tend to precludeviable competition. Under such circumstances, it is argued, <strong>the</strong> establishment<strong>of</strong> a regulated monopolist would be a more efficient way <strong>of</strong>organizing <strong>the</strong> market. Such regulation, however, is inherently limited inits ability to promote efficient production and resource allocation.Effective regulation depends on a great deal <strong>of</strong> information which is<strong>of</strong>ten difficult to obtain and interpret. In practice, nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> judgment nor<strong>the</strong> information <strong>of</strong> those responsible for regulation can be perfect. For example,even under <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> conditions it is difficult to ascertain <strong>the</strong> true costbase <strong>of</strong> a regulated monopolist, and <strong>of</strong>ten it is not very easy to determine<strong>the</strong> firm's cost <strong>of</strong> capital for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> regulating its return oninvestment.Idealized regulation also presumes that firms are passive with respect to <strong>the</strong>restraints imposed by <strong>the</strong> regulations. Recent studies suggest that a regulatedmonopolist will overcapitalize or undercapitalize, depending on <strong>the</strong> relationbetween <strong>the</strong> regulator's "guaranteed" return on investment and <strong>the</strong> firm'sperceived cost <strong>of</strong> capital. Moreover, by forbidding <strong>the</strong> regulated firm toraise prices during times <strong>of</strong> excess demand, regulation reduces <strong>the</strong> incentivefor <strong>the</strong> monopolist to maintain sufficient excess capacity. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,<strong>the</strong> assurance that regulation will shelter <strong>the</strong> firm from <strong>the</strong> costs associated150


with scheduling too much excess capacity will act in <strong>the</strong> opposite direction,so <strong>the</strong> net effect is open to question.During times <strong>of</strong> rapidly rising or falling prices, strict adherence to historicalcosts may have significant adverse effects. The delays necessary inregulatory proceedings frequently cause regulated prices to be held downunduly during times <strong>of</strong> rapidly rising costs. Unless <strong>the</strong> firm has a considerabledegree <strong>of</strong> flexibility in altering production costs by reducing <strong>the</strong> quality<strong>of</strong> service—and even here demand must not respond too negatively to thisdiminution in quality—relying on historical costs may erode <strong>the</strong> firm's cashflow position and possibly even lead to bankruptcy. Although <strong>the</strong> results areseldom so severe, regulatory delays <strong>of</strong>ten cause deterioration <strong>of</strong> service andcostly deferments in investment and maintenance expenditures.REGULATION OF COMPETITIONMost governmental regulation is now concerned with <strong>the</strong> regulation <strong>of</strong>competition ra<strong>the</strong>r than with <strong>the</strong> regulation <strong>of</strong> monopoly. This change hascome partly as a result <strong>of</strong> historical and technological evolution. For example,<strong>the</strong> ICG was understandably concerned with railroad monopoly powerduring <strong>the</strong> first years <strong>of</strong> its existence. In <strong>the</strong> first part <strong>of</strong> this century, however,technological advances brought about considerable competition for <strong>the</strong>railroads from trucking. Because <strong>of</strong> cross-subsidy, some railroad rates wereunduly high, and truckers tended to concentrate on this kind <strong>of</strong> traffic. If<strong>the</strong> system <strong>of</strong> regulation were to be preserved, <strong>the</strong>re had to be ways <strong>of</strong> administeringit without bankrupting <strong>the</strong> railroads. Therefore, in 1935 <strong>the</strong>ICG and <strong>the</strong> railroads were successful in bringing most trucking under<strong>the</strong> regulatory umbrella, despite objections at that time from some truckers.In 1940, coverage was extended to inland water carriers. Thus, an opportunityto deregulate railroads made possible by new competition was sacrificed,and <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> regulation was expanded.As opposed to monopoly, markets with significant competition present <strong>the</strong>regulator with a slightly different set <strong>of</strong> problems. Although as a matter <strong>of</strong>law <strong>the</strong> regulator must still determine <strong>the</strong> rate base and <strong>the</strong> "fair" pr<strong>of</strong>it element,<strong>the</strong> more important problem is to understand and assess <strong>the</strong> way ratechanges affect service under <strong>the</strong>se quasi-competitive conditions, and howpolicies regarding price, entry, and exit affect <strong>the</strong> financial viability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>regulated firms.In regard to financial viability, although exit from an industry via bankruptcyis a normal characteristic <strong>of</strong> efficient competitive markets, <strong>the</strong> bankruptcy<strong>of</strong> a regulated firm tends to be viewed as a sign <strong>of</strong> regulatory failure.To prevent bankruptcies, regulators are thus prone to protect firms fromcompetition—frequently to <strong>the</strong> detriment <strong>of</strong> efficient service. For example,since <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in 1938, nota single trunk air carrier has gone bankrupt, although several trunk airlinesat <strong>the</strong> brink <strong>of</strong> bankruptcy have merged with stronger carriers. For <strong>the</strong> purpose<strong>of</strong> limiting institutional failures, <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve Board (FRB), <strong>the</strong>151


Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and <strong>the</strong> Federal HomeLoan Bank Board (FHLBB) have set maximum rates <strong>of</strong> interest that may bepaid on deposits and on savings and loan shares. A policy <strong>of</strong> protection canlead to knotty problems when <strong>the</strong> competitors employ different productiontechniques—as, for example, with trucking and railroading. ICG regulationhas not been able to prevent (and probably has contributed significantlytoward) <strong>the</strong> bankruptcy <strong>of</strong> several rail carriers in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>astern part <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> country. Protection is also difficult when technology changes. Thus,some regulated competitive industries are slow in introducing innovations.The second major problem for <strong>the</strong> regulator <strong>of</strong> a quasi-competitive industryderives from <strong>the</strong> fact that, depending on technical feasibility and howfirms view <strong>the</strong> response patterns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir rivals, <strong>the</strong>re will be a tendency forchanges in <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> nonprice competition to raise or lower costs to match<strong>the</strong> regulated price. In such cases, cost tends to be determined by price,ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r way around, and <strong>the</strong> regulator's control over priceamounts to regulating <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> nonprice competition in <strong>the</strong> industry—and thus <strong>the</strong> quality and price choices available to buyers. Since higherquality will be associated with higher costs, a broad range <strong>of</strong> combinations <strong>of</strong>price and quality is <strong>of</strong>ten consistent with reasonably competitive returns to<strong>the</strong> individual firms, or at least to <strong>the</strong> firms as a group. In <strong>the</strong>se circumstances<strong>the</strong> regulatory commission, in effect, serves as a surrogate for <strong>the</strong>general public, choosing <strong>the</strong> price and quality option which will be <strong>of</strong>fered.One ramification <strong>of</strong> this behavior among regulated competitive industriesis that explicit regulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry's rate <strong>of</strong> return may not be possiblewithout additional controls, such as direct restraints on <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> nonpricecompetition. Ano<strong>the</strong>r aspect is that, whatever its justification, crosssubsidymay not be feasible. Purported "high-pr<strong>of</strong>it" markets will realizemore costly, higher-quality service ra<strong>the</strong>r than excess pr<strong>of</strong>its; in alleged"losing* - markets firms will restrict <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> service to where averagecost is in line with <strong>the</strong> low price.EXAMPLES OF ECONOMIC REGULATIONEach regulated industry has different economic characteristics and ways<strong>of</strong> behaving under regulation. In several areas <strong>the</strong> economic costs <strong>of</strong> regulationhave become apparent and are indeed significant.TRANSPORTATIONOf all sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American economy, few are more important thantransportation, and none is more affected by Federal economic regulation.TruckingIn interstate trucking an antitrust exemption allows carriers to agree uponrates in secret, through rate-bureau negotiations. Although <strong>the</strong>se rates aresubject to review by <strong>the</strong> ICC, <strong>the</strong>y are seldom challenged except in cases152


<strong>of</strong> general across-<strong>the</strong>-board increases. For example, during fiscal 1974, only5 percent <strong>of</strong> motor common carrier rates were even challenged, and fewerthan one-third <strong>of</strong> those challenged were ultimately disapproved. As a result<strong>of</strong> this process, rates tend to be set so as to cover <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> less efficientcarriers. The consequences are windfall pr<strong>of</strong>its to more efficient truckersand higher prices to consumers. In trucking markets with two or more carriers,service competition—for example, providing more frequent schedulesor larger trucks—tends to eliminate <strong>the</strong> potential excess pr<strong>of</strong>its. However,<strong>the</strong> reduction in pr<strong>of</strong>its results not from lower rates but from <strong>the</strong> creation<strong>of</strong> excess capacity which has a lower value to <strong>the</strong> shipper than <strong>the</strong> extraprice paid. In those markets where only one trucker has a certificate to serve,this process <strong>of</strong> rate setting helps <strong>the</strong> carrier to earn excess pr<strong>of</strong>its by <strong>of</strong>feringpoorer service, at <strong>the</strong> regulated price, than would be <strong>the</strong> case if o<strong>the</strong>r firmswere allowed to compete.The problems <strong>of</strong> excess capacity in "competitive' 1 markets and <strong>of</strong> poorservice in "monopoly" markets would both be eliminated if entry into <strong>the</strong>trucking industry were not restricted and if <strong>the</strong> ICG encouraged meaningfulprice competition. A monopolist earning excess pr<strong>of</strong>its would attract newfirms; <strong>the</strong> result, in turn, would be lower rates and improved service. Inthose previously regulated competitive markets which had excess capacity,incumbent carriers would <strong>of</strong>fer lower rates consistent with higher averageloads. If <strong>the</strong>y did not, new carriers would enter and force rates downward;<strong>the</strong> incumbent carriers would <strong>the</strong>n have to respond with rate reductions orelse lose out to <strong>the</strong> new competition. The ICG, however, has stringently controlledentry and price competition in trucking. Opportunities for pr<strong>of</strong>itsattract many potential entrants, and during fiscal 1974 more than 70 percent<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commission's case workload consisted <strong>of</strong> processing motor carrieroperating permits.RailroadsIn railroad freight transportation, <strong>the</strong> problem is exit ra<strong>the</strong>r than entry.As outlying areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country gained access to good highways, and especiallyinterstate highways, firms began to utilize trucks for much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>irtransport. This meant that low-density rail lines were used less and less,until many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were no longer economical to operate. Never<strong>the</strong>less,regulation has prevented <strong>the</strong> railroads from discontinuing such services asfast as would seem warranted. The losses on unpr<strong>of</strong>itable lines have impaired<strong>the</strong> overall financial position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> railroads and have reduced needed maintenanceand capital investments elsewhere.The structure <strong>of</strong> railroad rates <strong>of</strong>ten provides incentives that are inconsistentwith an efficiently organized transport sector. Regulation enforces aconsiderable amount <strong>of</strong> cross-subsidy among commodities—to <strong>the</strong> pointwhere certain high-valued items, such as machinery and equipment, arehauled at rates greatly exceeding <strong>the</strong>ir transport costs, while <strong>the</strong> rates foro<strong>the</strong>r items, such as crude ores, are much less than <strong>the</strong>ir transport costs. Simi-153


larly, regulation attempts to maintain an elaborate system <strong>of</strong> discriminatoryrate "equalizations" which tend to favor certain regions over o<strong>the</strong>rs.Rates that rail carriers pay for <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r carriers' cars (called perdiem) and <strong>the</strong> rates shippers pay carriers when <strong>the</strong>y hold freight cars forextended periods (demurrage) are maintained at levels far below <strong>the</strong> opportunitycost on rail cars. As a result, freight cars are retained by carriers andare used excessively by shippers for warehousing. On average, a rail boxcar'moves only 1 hour in 8, and its average speed while moving is less than 20miles per hour.Air TravelIn <strong>the</strong> domestic airline industry, regulation has served primarily to bringabout a nonoptimal choice <strong>of</strong> price and quality. Because <strong>the</strong> CAB had afairly liberal policy during <strong>the</strong> 1950's and 1960's toward <strong>the</strong> entry <strong>of</strong> existingcarriers into city-pair markets, <strong>the</strong> principal markets are now served by twoor more airlines. However, since <strong>the</strong>ir fares are regulated by <strong>the</strong> GAB, <strong>the</strong>airlines tend to compete on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> scheduling, over which <strong>the</strong> Boarddoes not exercise direct control. The result is "excess capacity," and effortsto raise <strong>the</strong> regulated fares in order to assure a return on investment greaterthan <strong>the</strong> industry's perceived cost <strong>of</strong> capital serve only to set <strong>the</strong> stage forfur<strong>the</strong>r capacity augmentation.Carriers as a group have consequently tended to earn nei<strong>the</strong>r excess pr<strong>of</strong>itsnor losses, but <strong>the</strong> traveling public has paid higher fares because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>regulation-induced excess capacity. While excess capacity does yield somebenefit in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> more frequent departures, less crowding, and a betterchance <strong>of</strong> obtaining a seat on <strong>the</strong> preferred departure, <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> thisexcess capacity is almost surely less than its cost. As evidence, in <strong>the</strong> relativelyunregulated California and Texas intrastate markets <strong>the</strong> competitivelydetermined (higher-load factor) service has historically been sold atprices some 40 percent below <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> comparable interstate (CABregulated)services. Moreover, a recent study reports that in 1969 domesticair passengers paid "excess fares" ranging between $366 million and $538million, for which <strong>the</strong>y received service quality improvements valued at between$118 and $182 million. The difference, between $248 million and$356 million, represents a deadweight loss to society.In its recent Domestic Passenger Fare Investigation <strong>the</strong> CAB establishedtarget load factors <strong>of</strong> 55 percent. Since <strong>the</strong> prevailing load factors werearound 50 percent, this policy had <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> reducing excess capacityand lowering fares. However, it w r ould appear that a much higher load factorstandard is justified, especially in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recent increases in fuelprices. The Board's new policy <strong>of</strong> encouraging agreements among carriersto limit capacity is not an appropriate way <strong>of</strong> dealing with this problem. Inmarkets covered by agreements, <strong>the</strong> passenger's total cost <strong>of</strong> service is increasedbecause <strong>of</strong> increased delays, but <strong>the</strong> fare is not reduced.Airline regulation imposes o<strong>the</strong>r costs, which are not generally wellperceived. For instance, through <strong>the</strong> regulatory process, fares have tended154


to be set at levels and with a structure that maximizes total seat capacity, asopposed to maximizing total passenger traffic, <strong>the</strong> result being added congestionand environmental costs, as well as increased costs <strong>of</strong> airports andairways. By restricting <strong>the</strong> entry <strong>of</strong> new firms into trunk carrier service inorder to protect less efficient incumbent firms, regulation has also penalizedpotentially more efficient firms and has resulted in higher fares for a givenquality <strong>of</strong> service.These costs <strong>of</strong> airline regulation could be reduced substantially or eveneliminated if entry into and exit from markets were made easier and ifcontrol over fares were liberalized so as to encourage price competition.Under such circumstances an individual airline could attract more passengersby lowering its price ra<strong>the</strong>r than increasing its total capacity.FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONSBanks and thrift institutions are among <strong>the</strong> most highly regulated businessesin <strong>the</strong> United States. The FRB, <strong>the</strong> FDIC, and <strong>the</strong> FHLBB, toge<strong>the</strong>rwith a host <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Federal and State agencies, regulate virtually everyaspect <strong>of</strong> financial intermediation: entry, expansion, and exit, as well aspricing practices and allowable assets and liabilities. Opening a new bank,for instance, requires a charter that can be obtained from <strong>the</strong> appropriateState or Federal agency only if <strong>the</strong> applicant can demonstrate that a newbank would be in <strong>the</strong> public interest. Opening a new branch <strong>of</strong> an existingbank requires similar evidence in those States which permit branch banking.Comparable entry tests exist for thrift institutions.Financial institutions are subject to a number <strong>of</strong> regulations when <strong>the</strong>yissue liabilities (deposits) or buy assets. Banks, for example, are required tohold cash reserves for <strong>the</strong>ir deposits, and <strong>the</strong>y are precluded from holdingcertain assets, including common stocks. Thrift institutions are subject tosimilar restrictions; in addition <strong>the</strong>y are not permitted to issue checkingaccounts. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, except on large certificates<strong>of</strong> deposit, financial institutions may not pay interest to <strong>the</strong>ir depositors atrates that exceed maximums imposed by law or by regulation.Although <strong>the</strong> rationale for regulating financial institutions is to safeguarddeposits and assure market stability, in recent years <strong>the</strong> desirability <strong>of</strong>some forms <strong>of</strong> financial regulation has been increasingly questioned. Thisis particularly true <strong>of</strong> those regulations that were established before <strong>the</strong>1930's, when Federal insurance <strong>of</strong> deposits greatly increased <strong>the</strong> security<strong>of</strong> banks and thrift institutions. One suggested reform is to reduce <strong>the</strong> restrictionon <strong>the</strong> types <strong>of</strong> assets that banks and thrift institutions may holdand to allow thrift institutions to issue checking accounts. These changeswould make financial institutions more flexible in <strong>the</strong>ir adjustments to changingmarket conditions and would also make <strong>the</strong> industry more competitive.An even more important proposed reform would eliminate interest rateceilings on all deposits. Depositors could <strong>the</strong>n enjoy competitive rates <strong>of</strong>return (especially during high interest rate periods like 1969 and 1973-74),and <strong>the</strong> flow <strong>of</strong> loanable funds for such purposes as housing would increase.155


NATURAL GASRegulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> field price <strong>of</strong> natural gas by <strong>the</strong> Federal Power Commissionillustrates <strong>the</strong> problems <strong>of</strong> controlling <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> a commodity whenentry into and exit from <strong>the</strong> industry are free. It also illustrates <strong>the</strong> sometimesillogical results when statutory requirements are divorced from<strong>the</strong> economic rationale behind <strong>the</strong>ir enactment. In this case, <strong>the</strong> price<strong>of</strong> gas, a commodity, is regulated because <strong>of</strong> its connection with transportinggas, a service; <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> a similar commodity, oil (perhaps produced from<strong>the</strong> same well), is not similarly regulated, though it is a close substitute forgas in final use markets. Results contrary to intentions could have been expectedand at least one such result has been perverse: instead <strong>of</strong> assuringconsumers access to supplies <strong>of</strong> gas, regulation has done exactly <strong>the</strong> reverse.By holding <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> gas below <strong>the</strong> market-clearing levels, regulationhas created chronic and growing shortages in <strong>the</strong> regulated interstate marketbeginning in <strong>the</strong> late 1960's. The shortages have resulted partly because <strong>of</strong>inadequate incentives for producers to explore for gas and bring it to market.Additionally, consumers are charged a price based upon <strong>the</strong> average cost <strong>of</strong>gas, and this price is lower because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large volumes <strong>of</strong> gas flowing at <strong>the</strong>lower prices established in <strong>the</strong> past. Consumers <strong>the</strong>refore base <strong>the</strong>ir purchasedecisions on a price below <strong>the</strong> regulated price for gas currently coming on<strong>the</strong> market, which itself is below <strong>the</strong> market-clearing level. Consumers respondto this energy "bargain" by seeking to use more gas than if <strong>the</strong>y hadto pay <strong>the</strong> full cost <strong>of</strong> replacing <strong>the</strong> gas reserves <strong>the</strong>y consume.The final factor in <strong>the</strong> interstate gas shortage is <strong>the</strong> diversion <strong>of</strong> gas suppliesto <strong>the</strong> intrastate market where <strong>the</strong> price is higher. Onshore producers<strong>of</strong> gas usually have <strong>the</strong> legal option to sell it into ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> regulated or <strong>the</strong>unregulated market. (Producers from Federal <strong>of</strong>fshore leases must sellinto <strong>the</strong> regulated market.) Even at comparable prices <strong>the</strong> intrastate marketwould be preferred by on shore producers because <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong>Federal jurisdiction gives <strong>the</strong>m more certainty. The interstate market hasthus always been <strong>the</strong> residual market for producers. Consequently, <strong>the</strong> pricefor intrastate gas rose little with <strong>the</strong> increase in total gas demand relativeto supply; instead a larger proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> available gas went to intrastatesales. When no more gas could be diverted, <strong>the</strong> intrastate price began to riserapidly. Producers who had a choice ceased selling into <strong>the</strong> regulated marketexcept under special emergency provisions which allow higher prices.The interstate shortage <strong>of</strong> natural gas induced by regulation has led tolosses in output and to unintended redistributions <strong>of</strong> income. For example,many gas distributors have been unable to add new customers. In this situationa loss occurs because <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gas to <strong>the</strong> customers willing tobid some <strong>of</strong> it away would outweigh that realized by consumers who use itat volumes based on its constrained lower price. Income is redistributedtoward those who consume gas at a subsidized price and away from thosewho are unable to obtain gas at all.156


Interstate shortages, accompanied as <strong>the</strong>y have been by adequate gasintrastate, have led industries to move to gas-producing States merely toobtain fuel. Greater quantities <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r resources are used when gas regulationinduces <strong>the</strong>se o<strong>the</strong>rwise uneconomic changes in industry location. Potentialoutput for <strong>the</strong> economy is again reduced, while some regions are benefitedand o<strong>the</strong>rs harmed.Ano<strong>the</strong>r result <strong>of</strong> regulation has been a deterioration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reserve baseunderlying gas consumption, and especially <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gas deliverable in <strong>the</strong>interstate market. The full requirements <strong>of</strong> already connected customerscannot now be met. Consequently, regulatory authorities must decide whichparties get gas and which do not, even though each potential purchaser hasequal contractual standing.The effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se shortfalls is exacerbated because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> way authoritiesallocate <strong>the</strong> available gas. Residential and some commercial customers, forwhom a shift to alternative fuels would be impractical, are given <strong>the</strong> highestpriority <strong>of</strong> service. O<strong>the</strong>r firms are granted different priorities on <strong>the</strong> basis<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> end use to which gas is put. Under this method, firms which have highpriorities in <strong>the</strong> curtailment scheme do not shift to alternative fuels, evenif a switch is practical. For <strong>the</strong>m, natural gas remains <strong>the</strong> cheapest fuel.They have no incentive to make even a minor adjustment. While somecustomers would find a loss <strong>of</strong> gas supply only moderately damaging, curtailedsupplies may force o<strong>the</strong>r users out <strong>of</strong> business altoge<strong>the</strong>r becausefuel substitution is ei<strong>the</strong>r impossible or prohibitively expensive. Yet, undercurrent regulatory practice, <strong>the</strong>re is no opportunity for mutually beneficialexchanges to redirect <strong>the</strong> available gas to its most valuable use. Output fallsas a result; even <strong>the</strong> shortage is not allocated efficiently.Importation <strong>of</strong> natural gas in liquefied form and its manufacture fromo<strong>the</strong>r fossil fuels have also been encouraged by regulation. These expedientswould have been ei<strong>the</strong>r uneconomic or less significant if <strong>the</strong> natural gasprice had not been held below equilibrium. A higher field price would haverestricted demand, slowed <strong>the</strong> depletion <strong>of</strong> existing reserves, and raised supply,with <strong>the</strong> result that shortages would not exist at prices below <strong>the</strong> cost<strong>of</strong> alternatives.Finally, imports <strong>of</strong> petroleum and petroleum products have been increasedbecause <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural gas shortage. Regulation <strong>of</strong> natural gas increases<strong>the</strong> demand for fuels as a whole. It also decreases <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong>domestic natural gas and, to some extent, <strong>of</strong> crude oil and natural gas liquids.The unsatisfied demand for natural gas in part is shifted to its closest substitute,oil. Because domestic oil supplies are limited, this demand is largelytranslated into increased oil imports.The examples <strong>of</strong> regulation discussed above are primarily Federal regulationby independent commissions. There are o<strong>the</strong>r types <strong>of</strong> regulation thatdeserve close scrutiny for <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>the</strong>y may impose on <strong>the</strong> economy.563-280 O - 75 - 11157


State and local governments also practice <strong>the</strong> commission form <strong>of</strong> regulation,particularly with respect to insurance and financial institutions. Ano<strong>the</strong>rpervasive form <strong>of</strong> State and local regulation is occupational licensure.Depending on <strong>the</strong> State, people in an extremely broad range <strong>of</strong> occupationsmust obtain licenses: accountants, architects, attorneys, automobile mechanics,barbers, beauticians, chiropractors, electricians, embalmers, opticians,pharmacists, physicians, plumbers, radio/TV repairmen, surveyors,and o<strong>the</strong>rs. In a similar vein, State and local governments <strong>of</strong>ten acquiescein price-fixing arrangements, such as real estate settlement fees and feeschedules by pr<strong>of</strong>essional associations. Often too, local codes <strong>of</strong> ethics andState statutes prohibit sellers <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional services from advertising orcompeting on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> price.Federal, State, and local governments are also involved in regulating <strong>the</strong>use <strong>of</strong> so-called public resources. With regard to social costs and benefits,perhaps <strong>the</strong> most important example is regulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment.There are two issues here: first, balancing <strong>the</strong> polluting uses against <strong>the</strong>nonpolluting uses, and second, choosing <strong>the</strong> appropriate instruments inorder to minimize <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> achieving this balance.Both points are illustrated in <strong>the</strong> Federal Government's control <strong>of</strong> automobileemissions under <strong>the</strong> 1970 Glean Air Act Amendments. A recent reportsponsored by <strong>the</strong> National Academy <strong>of</strong> Sciences and <strong>the</strong> National Academy <strong>of</strong>Engineering estimates <strong>the</strong> annual benefits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> existing program at $5 billion,but <strong>the</strong> annual cost at $11 billion (assuming that catalytic converters arereplaced after 50,000 miles). According to <strong>the</strong> study, however, if <strong>the</strong> longtermstandards on oxides <strong>of</strong> nitrogen (NOX) were relaxed, from 0.4 gramsto 2.0 grams per mile, that cost would fall to only $5 billion. Alternatively,a policy <strong>of</strong> applying <strong>the</strong> long-term standards only to automobiles operatedprincipally in seriously polluted or impacted areas, 37 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>total, also would lower <strong>the</strong> cost from $11 billion to approximately $5 billion.In ei<strong>the</strong>r case, <strong>the</strong> reduction in benefits would not be substantial, and if <strong>the</strong>NOX standard were relaxed, changing technology might ultimately render<strong>the</strong> program's cost negligible.Governments also regulate product and input standards. For example, in<strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> drugs <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> regulation include not only <strong>the</strong> direct costs <strong>of</strong>testing (borne by <strong>the</strong> FDA and private drug manufacturers) but also its sideeffects: fewer new drugs and delays in <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> those drugswhich ultimately get to <strong>the</strong> market. In 1962 Congress amended <strong>the</strong> Food,Drug, and Cosmetic Act <strong>of</strong> 1938 to require that new drugs be proved effectiveas well as safe. Since <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> new drugs hasfallen more than 50 percent and <strong>the</strong> average testing period has more thandoubled. Moreover, it is not clear that <strong>the</strong> average efficacy <strong>of</strong> drugs introducedafter 1962 is any higher than that <strong>of</strong> drugs previously introduced.One recent study estimates that <strong>the</strong> 1962 drug amendments cost consumers,on balance, beween $300 million and $400 million during 1970.158


REGULATORY REFORMThis discussion <strong>of</strong> governmental regulation suggests that existing laws andinstitutions are imposing significant costs on <strong>the</strong> economy. In surface transportationalone, one study puts <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> regulation at between $4 billionand $9 billion annually. Precise estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total costs <strong>of</strong> regulation arenot available, but existing evidence suggests that this may range up to 1percent <strong>of</strong> gross national product, or approximately $66 per person per year.Reforming regulation to eliminate <strong>the</strong>se costs would undoubtedly entailsome income transfers. Those favored by regulation (particularly existingregulated firms, <strong>the</strong>ir owners, and <strong>the</strong>ir employees) would lose somewhatand some o<strong>the</strong>rs (particularly ultimate consumers) would gain. For thatreason and to minimize o<strong>the</strong>r transitional difficulties it might be desirableto provide certain kinds <strong>of</strong> adjustment assistance and to introduce changesover a period <strong>of</strong> several years. But enacting such reforms could save billions<strong>of</strong> dollars by releasing resources for o<strong>the</strong>r uses, helping combat inflation,and making <strong>the</strong> economy more efficient and more productive in future years.The Administration is moving forward to accomplish such needed reforms.During 1975 it plans to submit legislation to reform <strong>the</strong> regulation<strong>of</strong> airlines, railroads, trucking, and related areas. These legislative initiativeswill call for a program which includes: more freedom for carriers to raiseand lower rates without regulatory interference, greater freedom to entermarkets and to exit from uneconomic services, and a narrowing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>regulator's power to grant antitrust immunity.To address o<strong>the</strong>r regulatory issues, <strong>the</strong> Administration has taken or hasin prospect several actions. First, <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> has endorsed legislation torepeal <strong>the</strong> antitrust exemption that allows fair trade laws. Second, <strong>the</strong>Administration will resubmit proposals to reform <strong>the</strong> regulation <strong>of</strong> financialinstitutions. Third, <strong>the</strong> Administration's proposal for a National Commissionon Regulatory Reform is being resubmitted. Fourth, <strong>the</strong> Administrationplans to explore with State and local <strong>of</strong>ficials various concrete ways<strong>of</strong> reducing <strong>the</strong> anticompetitive effects <strong>of</strong> State and local regulations. Fifth,<strong>the</strong> Administration has created a high-level task force to examine <strong>the</strong> entirerange <strong>of</strong> antitrust exemptions and to make recommendations to <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>within 90 days. Finally, <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> will shortly outline to <strong>the</strong> publichis more detailed program <strong>of</strong> regulatory reform and may include additionalproposals which are now under review.159


CHAPTER 6Food and AgricultureAT THE BEGINNING OF 1974 it was expected that tight food supplieswould boost retail food prices in <strong>the</strong> early months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, butdomestic and world food production was also expected to expand later in<strong>the</strong> year. Barring unfavorable wea<strong>the</strong>r, a significant increase in Americangrain production was anticipated, which would improve <strong>the</strong> food outlook,enable some rebuilding <strong>of</strong> grain inventories, and help remove <strong>the</strong> upwardpressure on prices in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974.Food prices, as expected, increased sharply in <strong>the</strong> early months, rising atan annual rate <strong>of</strong> 20 percent in <strong>the</strong> first quarter. The predicted leveling <strong>of</strong>fbegan in <strong>the</strong> spring and continued until midsummer, but it was short-lived.Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> anticipated increase in grain production did not materialize.Crop production was severely reduced in <strong>the</strong> major grain-producingareas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States by poor wea<strong>the</strong>r. Instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bumper harveststhat had been forecast, crop production as a whole suffered <strong>the</strong> largestsetback in nearly 40 years. Instead <strong>of</strong> substantially slower increases in <strong>the</strong>second half <strong>of</strong> 1974, retail food prices advanced at a 13.4 percent annualrate between June and December 1974. During all <strong>of</strong> 1974, food prices rose12.2 percent, <strong>the</strong> same as all consumer prices.Two o<strong>the</strong>r developments had a significant impact on retail food prices lastyear. First were <strong>the</strong> exceptionally large increases in charges for <strong>of</strong>f-farm foodprocessing and distribution in <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, partly because marginshad lagged behind increasing costs during <strong>the</strong> period <strong>of</strong> price controls.Estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spreads between farm and retail prices for farm foods consumedat home indicate that <strong>the</strong>y rose at a 27 percent annual rate from <strong>the</strong>final quarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974. The second developmentv/as <strong>the</strong> extremely steep rise in sugar prices. Nearly half <strong>of</strong> U.S. sugar suppliesare imported, and <strong>the</strong> price rise was mainly triggered by events outsidethis country. Wholesale prices <strong>of</strong> raw sugar jumped from 11 cents per poundat <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1974 to a peak exceeding 60 cents per pound in late November.This increase alone would have prolonged <strong>the</strong> upward pressures on retailfood prices in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974, even without <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r-inducedsetbacks in crop production.At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> food supply situation was as tight as a year earlier,and <strong>the</strong> prospects for 1975 were uncertain because <strong>the</strong> full impact <strong>of</strong> reduced160


grain and feedstuff output was not yet reflected in supplies <strong>of</strong> animal products.Although fur<strong>the</strong>r increases in retail food prices were in prospect, reducedeconomic activity appeared to be dampening <strong>the</strong> demand for food.Indeed, by year-end, wholesale prices <strong>of</strong> farm products had actuallyfallen below those <strong>of</strong> a year earlier. Crop prices were up substantially; butlivestock prices declined nearly 15 percent compared to <strong>the</strong> previous year.DEVELOPMENTS IN 1974Last year's events have demonstrated again <strong>the</strong> benefits to our economyand <strong>the</strong> world from good American harvests. Crop setbacks have affected <strong>the</strong>course <strong>of</strong> food prices, imposed stresses on <strong>the</strong> livestock industry, limited<strong>the</strong> capacity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States to provide food aid to developing countries,and prompted close monitoring and some limitations on commercialexport sales. From <strong>the</strong> standpoint <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> agricultural economy, 1974 was anuneven year. On <strong>the</strong> favorable side were <strong>the</strong>se developments:Foreign DemandForeign demand for agricultural products continued strong. The value<strong>of</strong> exports in fiscal 1974 reached a new high <strong>of</strong> $21.3 billion, more thandouble <strong>the</strong> value only 2 years earlier. In <strong>the</strong> current fiscal year <strong>the</strong> volume<strong>of</strong> exports is expected to decline, primarily because <strong>of</strong> reduced crop supplies,but <strong>the</strong> associated higher prices should maintain <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> shipments near<strong>the</strong> previous year's record. The increasing role <strong>of</strong> foreign markets has becomecentral to policy matters concerning food and agriculture.Farm IncomeTotal farm income remained high in 1974. Preliminary estimates indicatethat aggregate net farm income fell some 15 percent short <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> record$32.2 billion in 1973, but was none<strong>the</strong>less 50 percent higher than in 1972.In <strong>the</strong> past 3 years as a whole, returns to farm resources have been sufficientlyhigh to encourage <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> productive potential, but <strong>the</strong> year-to-yearchanges in incomes emphasize <strong>the</strong> increased uncertainty <strong>of</strong> earnings, whichis itself a deterrent to additional investment and production.Food ConsumptionFood demand was strong despite higher prices, and preliminary estimatesindicate that consumption per person rose slightly above 1973. Percapita consumption <strong>of</strong> all animal products advanced 2.5 percent, reflecting<strong>the</strong> large increase in domestic production <strong>of</strong> red meats and poultry.Although meat production was down early in <strong>the</strong> year, from April throughOctober it averaged a full 10 percent above <strong>the</strong> 1974 average. In contrastto meats, consumption <strong>of</strong> dairy products declined 2 percent for <strong>the</strong> year;retail prices rose sharply as <strong>the</strong> year began; later <strong>the</strong> increased supplies <strong>of</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r animal products and low r er consumer income reduced demand. Despite<strong>the</strong>ir significance, <strong>the</strong> grain crop setbacks had little direct impact on <strong>the</strong>quantity <strong>of</strong> food consumed in 1974.161


Three significant adverse developments last year will have consequencesin 1975 and beyond:Costs <strong>of</strong> ProductionThe costs <strong>of</strong> production inputs purchased from <strong>the</strong> nonfarm economy,particularly fertilizer, rose very sharply. The impact <strong>of</strong> general inflation on<strong>the</strong> agricultural economy has increased, along with <strong>the</strong> increased importance<strong>of</strong> nonfarm purchases for farm production. In 1974 <strong>the</strong> impact was particularlylarge: <strong>the</strong> cost index for purchased inputs increased 18 percent in1974. Fertilizer prices were up more than 75 percent, partly in response torising demand and partly because <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> supply bottlenecks. Thefuture availability <strong>of</strong> natural gas to produce fertilizer continues to be uncertain.The major significance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> steep rise in farm costs is that <strong>the</strong>yare unlikely to decline, or <strong>the</strong>y will do so only with a lag, if and when <strong>the</strong>re isa significant decline in farm prices. As a consequence, <strong>the</strong> total cropproducingsector, which has enjoyed an extended period <strong>of</strong> increasing pricesand returns, faces a possible deterioration in its current pr<strong>of</strong>itability at somepoint in <strong>the</strong> future.Livestock SectorThe livestock-producing sector is undergoing large adjustments because<strong>of</strong> two related factors. First, <strong>the</strong> U.S. feed grain supply for 1974-75 isestimated to be <strong>the</strong> lowest since 1957, while <strong>the</strong> demand for feed grainsis substantially greater. Supplies <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r feedstuff's, such as oilseed meals,are also down. The situation is especially serious for hog and poultry producerswho have little flexibility in feeding practices. Both are planningsignificant production cutbacks, and pork production is expected to be <strong>the</strong>lowest in many years. High feed costs have also reduced <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong>cattle in feedlots, where feeding margins have been depressed for over ayear. At latest count, cattle in feedlots were about one-fourth fewer than ayear earlier, and prices <strong>of</strong> feeder cattle have consequently been driven downsharply.The reduced pr<strong>of</strong>itability <strong>of</strong> cattle herds has, in turn, intensified a morefundamental adjustment problem in <strong>the</strong> cattle industry. A steady andlarge buildup in cattle numbers has been taking place since <strong>the</strong> early 1960's.Incentives to expand herds were especially great in recent years, and <strong>the</strong>buildup has averaged 3.2 percent annually from 1969 to 1974. In contrastto extremely tight beef supplies in 1973, cattle herds appear to be overexpandedunder today's conditions. If herds expand more slowly, or if <strong>the</strong>yshould be cut back significantly, extra supplies <strong>of</strong> beef will reach <strong>the</strong> marketin addition to <strong>the</strong> output <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> herd itself. Total beef production wouldconsequently increase markedly, even though <strong>the</strong> weight at which <strong>the</strong> animalsare marketed declines. For instance, if <strong>the</strong> 1975 expansion in cattleinventories is reduced, as expected, to 2.4 percent from <strong>the</strong> 3.2 percentaverage rate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past 5 years, beef production would increase 6.5 percent.A reduction to zero in <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> cattle inventories could mean162


an increase in beef output by 15 percent. A slower rate <strong>of</strong> expansion incattle inventories was already evident in 1974. Despite reduced marketing<strong>of</strong> cattle from feedlots, total marketings were up 9.0 percent in 1974; and<strong>the</strong> proportion <strong>of</strong> cows in total slaughter was substantially higher byyear-end.The American situation is replicated in many o<strong>the</strong>r beef-exporting nationsas well as in traditional importing countries. The European Community,Canada, and Japan instituted embargoes or restraints on meat importsduring 1974. Stocks <strong>of</strong> beef in <strong>the</strong> European Community, acquiredto support prices to producers, are considered excessive. Australia has a verylarge potential supply <strong>of</strong> meat. During 1974, cattle were withheld fromslaughter because <strong>of</strong> favorable pasture conditions in Australia, and alsobecause <strong>of</strong> low meat prices and restricted markets outside Australia. Americanmeat imports during 1974 fell ra<strong>the</strong>r sharply, even though <strong>the</strong>y werenot subject to quantitative restrictions. However, at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1975 <strong>the</strong>Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture announced plans to negotiate agreements withsupplying countries designed to limit imports to about <strong>the</strong> same quantitiesas in 1974.The appearance <strong>of</strong> a worldwide excess supply <strong>of</strong> beef, along with extremelylarge advances in food prices, was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paradoxes <strong>of</strong> 1974.Countries concerned with inflation were at <strong>the</strong> same time restricting meatimports to shield <strong>the</strong>ir beef producers. At year-end much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oversupplyhad not yet been marketed and will be available in 1975 to <strong>of</strong>fset reducedsupplies <strong>of</strong> pork and poultry, which are more dependent than beef on grainsand o<strong>the</strong>r feedstuff's.Poor CropsThe poor crops in <strong>the</strong> United States during 1974 will have repercussionsnot only on our own economy but throughout <strong>the</strong> world. The 1974—75world production <strong>of</strong> all grains is estimated to be down 5.0 percent from <strong>the</strong>previous year, a considerably larger drop than <strong>the</strong> 1.3 percent decline in1972. Unlike those <strong>of</strong> 1972, <strong>the</strong> setbacks were mainly confined to <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, and <strong>the</strong> losses were concentrated in feed grains ra<strong>the</strong>r than foodgrains.In <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong>re seemed to be good reason to expect excellentU.S. grain production even if wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions were to be somewhatbelow average. Much field preparation had been completed <strong>the</strong> previousfall. Surveys showed that farmers were planning increases in <strong>the</strong>ir plantingsbecause <strong>of</strong> favorable prices and <strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> Government acreage diversionprograms. Fertilizer supplies were tight, but <strong>the</strong>y exceeded <strong>the</strong> previousyear; and efforts were under way to minimize bottlenecks in productionand distribution. Then wet wea<strong>the</strong>r delayed spring plantings—which itselfslightly reduced yields and made crops more vulnerable to early frosts—andprevented some fields from being planted at all. But <strong>the</strong> summer's dry andhot wea<strong>the</strong>r was <strong>the</strong> major setback. Preliminary <strong>of</strong>ficial estimates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>163


feed grain crop fell from 234 million (short) tons in March to 215 milliontons in July, and <strong>the</strong>n to 175 million tons in August, when <strong>the</strong> first surveybased on actual yield estimates became available. Significant though smallerreductions occurred for wheat (from 2.1 billion bushels in March to 1.8billion bushels in August) and soybeans (from 1.5 billion bushels in Marchto 1.3 billion bushels in August). Severe frosts in September and earlyOctober fur<strong>the</strong>r damaged <strong>the</strong> feed grain and soybean crops.This development created several problems. First, it reversed <strong>the</strong> expectation<strong>of</strong> price relief from improving food supply in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974.Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adverse impact on food supplies will occur in 1975, however,as producers <strong>of</strong> livestock, poultry, and dairy products cut back <strong>the</strong>ir outputin response to higher feed costs.For this reason, it is important that <strong>the</strong> severe adjustments expected in<strong>the</strong> United States not be worsened by policies in o<strong>the</strong>r countries. Few countriespermit agricultural markets to operate in an unrestricted way. If internationalmarkets were less restricted, however, <strong>the</strong> U.S. crop shortfall wouldresult in higher feed costs to livestock producers abroad and in reduced feedconsumption. Moreover, grain stocks would not be built up under suchtight supply conditions. Consultations based on <strong>the</strong>se principles were heldwith Japan, <strong>the</strong> European Community, <strong>the</strong> Soviet Union, and several o<strong>the</strong>rcountries, <strong>the</strong> aim being to seek cooperation so that <strong>the</strong>se countries wouldattempt nei<strong>the</strong>r to build stocks this crop year nor to insulate <strong>the</strong>ir economiesfrom <strong>the</strong> adjustments to tight world grain supplies.Fur<strong>the</strong>r deterioration <strong>of</strong> U.S. crops in <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>of</strong> 1974, setbacks in o<strong>the</strong>rkey countries, and speculation that <strong>the</strong> United States might impose exportcontrols resulted in an upsurge <strong>of</strong> export orders reported under <strong>the</strong> Department<strong>of</strong> Agriculture's export monitoring system. Although pressures tocontrol exports were intense, formal controls were resisted because <strong>the</strong> previousyear's experience with soybean export controls demonstrated <strong>the</strong>serious impact <strong>of</strong> such a policy on our foreign customers. The prudentcourse consistent with international and domestic objectives seemed to beminimum Government interference with <strong>the</strong> flow <strong>of</strong> exports.The Soviet Union, which had not been expected to purchase substantialquantities <strong>of</strong> grain from <strong>the</strong> United States, entered <strong>the</strong> market for largerquantities than had been anticipated. When this became evident, <strong>the</strong> Sovietsales were at first canceled; subsequently <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> both countries agreedthat U.S.S.R. purchases would be limited to 1.0 million tons <strong>of</strong> corn and1.2 million tons <strong>of</strong> wheat from <strong>the</strong> 1974 crops. A voluntary daily reportingsystem for larger orders was soon established under which approval is requiredbefore orders can be finalized. A number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries, including<strong>the</strong> European Community, have been requested to restrain <strong>the</strong>ir importsvoluntarily during <strong>the</strong> current crop year.Ano<strong>the</strong>r related consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crop shortfall has been <strong>the</strong> emergence,particularly in connection with <strong>the</strong> World Food Conference, <strong>of</strong>extraordinary pressures to increase substantially <strong>the</strong> volume <strong>of</strong> food aid164


shipments under Public Law 480. The U.S. crop shortfall placed two newstrains on <strong>the</strong> capacity to supply food aid. It first raised <strong>the</strong> opportunity costs<strong>of</strong> any given quantity <strong>of</strong> food aid, since any incremental exports would onlyaggrevate <strong>the</strong> adjustments required in <strong>the</strong> United States. It also raised <strong>the</strong>budgetary costs <strong>of</strong> any given volume <strong>of</strong> food aid during a period <strong>of</strong> concertedeffort to hold down Federal expenditures. At <strong>the</strong> same time, however, <strong>the</strong>immediate benefits to recipient countries from more food aid would besignificant. The great difficulties in resolving <strong>the</strong> conflicting objectives haveshown <strong>the</strong> pitfalls in existing food aid programs, which have been a byproduct<strong>of</strong> U.S. surplus disposal programs and closely tied to supply conditionsfor particular commodities.LONG-TERM CHANGES IN AGRICULTUREAmerican agriculture finds itself in <strong>the</strong> mid-1970's at a watershed. Anumber <strong>of</strong> economic forces have converged to change substantially <strong>the</strong>economic environment in which <strong>the</strong> agricultural sector operates. Some <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se forces are new, while o<strong>the</strong>rs have been operating for some time tochange <strong>the</strong> economic conditions faced by agriculture.Agricultural policy underwent considerable evolution during <strong>the</strong> 1960's.In <strong>the</strong> early years <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decade agriculture was characterized by excess productivecapacity and burdensome stocks that were primarily <strong>the</strong> consequence<strong>of</strong> price support programs. Crop prices were sustained in nominal termsduring <strong>the</strong> decade, but rising prices in <strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector meant a downwarddrift in real prices. Agricultural production was brought into betterbalance with demand by <strong>the</strong> late 1960's, although this result was achievedin part through land retirement programs and direct cash payments to producersthat reached nearly $4.0 billion per year.Both <strong>the</strong> economic environment and <strong>the</strong> conditions in U.S. agriculturehave since undergone substantial change. Excess capacity has declined,crop reserves have been drawn down, <strong>the</strong> world agricultural situation seemsto have worsened, and agricultural products again appear to be subjectto <strong>the</strong> unstable price conditions <strong>of</strong> an earlier era.THE DECLINE IN EXCESS CAPACITYFour major developments suggest that <strong>the</strong> excess capacity which characterizedU.S. agriculture during much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> post-World War II period hasdeclined. First, <strong>the</strong>re appears to have been a decline in <strong>the</strong> growth rate <strong>of</strong>productivity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> combined factors used in farm production. Second, aftermany decades <strong>of</strong> excess labor in agriculture, <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> labor appears tobe moving into balance with demand. Third, what was believed to be a largeacreage reserve withheld from production turned out to be in part illusory.Finally, <strong>the</strong>re has been an increase in <strong>the</strong> demand for U.S. agriculturaloutput, partly because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> two devaluations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar and a shift t<strong>of</strong>loating exchange rates, which have improved <strong>the</strong> competitive position <strong>of</strong>U.S. farm products in foreign markets.165


Changing Sources <strong>of</strong> GrowthContrary to <strong>the</strong> common notion that agriculture is a natural resourcebasedindustry, <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> U.S. agricultural output since <strong>the</strong> 1920'shas borne little relation to <strong>the</strong> total stock <strong>of</strong> physical resources used in agriculture.Major changes have taken place, however, in <strong>the</strong> proportions inwhich resources are used. For example, <strong>the</strong> stock <strong>of</strong> land in agriculture hasremained relatively stable, while labor has moved out <strong>of</strong> agriculture at arapid rate; <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> capital in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> mechanization has increased, ashas <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> modern inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Agriculturaloutput has become progressively more dependent on resources produced in<strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector, and less dependent on land and labor.Although <strong>the</strong> total stock <strong>of</strong> measured inputs has remained relatively stable,increasing productivity permitted fairly steady and sometimes burdensomeincreases in output. The source <strong>of</strong> improving productivity has beena subject <strong>of</strong> much debate. Public and private investments in research anddevelopment have led to better plant varieties, production techniques, andanimal husbandry, and have improved <strong>the</strong> productivity <strong>of</strong> machinery, fertilizer,and o<strong>the</strong>r supplies purchased from <strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector. Better methods<strong>of</strong> production in <strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector have reduced <strong>the</strong> relative price <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se inputs, causing <strong>the</strong>m to be substituted for land and labor. Educationhas added greatly to <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> labor and management in agriculture.The changes in resource use and o<strong>the</strong>r indexes for <strong>the</strong> agricultural sectorare shown in Table 41. The index <strong>of</strong> farm real estate, which reflects a chargefor grazing fees and <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> land and service buildings, declined about 6percent from 1950 to 1969-71. (Total land in farms remained virtually constantfrom 1940 to 1969, and land used for crops declined 10 percent.) But<strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> fertilizer—an important land substitute—has increasedrapidly, partly because successive technological breakthroughs in <strong>the</strong> fertilizerindustry reduced fertilizer prices relative to <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> output andTABLE 41.—Farm output and productivity, selected years, 1940-71[1967 = 100]Category1940195019601969-71averageSelected inputs:LaborFarm real estateMechanical power and machinery...Agricultural chemicals *_Feed, seed, and livestock purchasesTaxes and interestMiscellaneous2881024113436884214104833064779314399955084871099298102113107105106Tota I i n p utTotal outputProductivity 29760621017473989193101105103Number <strong>of</strong> farms201179125931 Fertilizer, lime, and pesticides.2 Farm output per unit <strong>of</strong> total input.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.166


o<strong>the</strong>r factors <strong>of</strong> production. The use <strong>of</strong> fertilizer had increased 129 percentfrom 1940 to 1950. This rise was from a relatively low base, but fertilizer useincreased 69 percent from 1950 to 1960, and ano<strong>the</strong>r 113 percent during<strong>the</strong> 1960's.The use <strong>of</strong> labor has declined fairly steadily from 1940 through 1969-71.A reduction <strong>of</strong> 26 percent in <strong>the</strong> 1940's was followed by a 33 percent reductionin <strong>the</strong> 1950's and an additional 36 percent reduction in <strong>the</strong> 1960's.However, <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force has improved substantially. Thereduction in <strong>the</strong> measured labor force <strong>the</strong>refore overstates <strong>the</strong> true declinetaking place in labor use as skills and knowledge become an increasinglyimportant component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total.The decline in <strong>the</strong> labor input has been <strong>of</strong>fset at least in part bymechanization. Mechanical power and machinery in Table 41 represent depreciationand a use charge on <strong>the</strong> mechanical inputs, expenditures for maintenance,and fuel and energy. The most rapid increase in this category tookplace in <strong>the</strong> 1940's (102 percent) and was partly a war-induced phenomenonthat resulted from labor mobilization for <strong>the</strong> war effort. The increase wassubstantially lower in <strong>the</strong> 1950's (14 percent) and still lower in <strong>the</strong> 1960's (7percent). However, <strong>the</strong> measurement <strong>of</strong> this input probably does not fullycapture <strong>the</strong> improvements in <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> machinery in <strong>the</strong> last twodecades, and hence understates <strong>the</strong> true increase.Associated with <strong>the</strong>se large changes in resource proportions have been alarge and persistent decline in <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> farms and fairly steady advancesin productivity, as it is conventionally measured. Total factor productivityhas risen over each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past three decades. It grew most rapidlyduring <strong>the</strong> 1950 s s, showing an increase <strong>of</strong> 27 percent compared to an increase<strong>of</strong> 18 percent in <strong>the</strong> 1940's and <strong>of</strong> only 11 percent in <strong>the</strong> 1960's. The extent towhich <strong>the</strong> dramatic decline in productivity growth in <strong>the</strong> 1960's represents areal and enduring decline is not clear, but <strong>the</strong> answer is <strong>of</strong> critical importanceto <strong>the</strong> future trends <strong>of</strong> U.S. and world food supply. Growth in productivityhas been an important source <strong>of</strong> output growth in <strong>the</strong> past. It has enabled<strong>the</strong> United States to be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best-fed countries in <strong>the</strong> world, yetprovide substantial food aid to o<strong>the</strong>r countries and simultaneously increasecommercial exports. At <strong>the</strong> same time it has enabled <strong>the</strong> agricultural sectorto supply large quantities <strong>of</strong> labor to an expanding economy.The Agricultural Labor MarketA major share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> so-called farm problem in <strong>the</strong> last 20 to 25 years wasa consequence <strong>of</strong> excess labor in <strong>the</strong> agricultural sector. Historically, <strong>the</strong>rapid increase in farm productivity, compared to o<strong>the</strong>r sectors, and <strong>the</strong> slowerrelative increase in <strong>the</strong> demand for farm products have required a transfer<strong>of</strong> labor to <strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector. Farm incomes, <strong>of</strong> course, lag behind nonfarmincomes as long as transfers are continuing. For all practical purposes, however,this process appears to be nearing an end.The Nation's farm population reached a peak <strong>of</strong> 32 million in <strong>the</strong>depression years <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early 1930's. Since that time <strong>the</strong> trend has been167


downward, except for a brief period following World War II, with steepdeclines for each decade starting in 1940 (Table 42). This decline, whichtook place at a rate <strong>of</strong> 4.6 percent per year during <strong>the</strong> 1960's, has slowedsubstantially since 1970 to an average <strong>of</strong> only 1.2 percent a year, marking<strong>the</strong> first extended period since <strong>the</strong> late 1940's that <strong>the</strong> reduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmpopulation has slowed.TABLE 42.—Farm population and farm employment, selected years, 1930—74Farm population*Farm employmentYearNumber(thousands)Percentchange(annual rate) 2Number(thousands)Percentchange(annual rate) 2193019401950 . ..1960197030,52930, 54723,04815,6359,7120.0-2.8—3.8-4.612, 49710,9799,9267,0574,523—1.3—1.0—3.4—4.419749,264-1.24,294—1.31 Farm population includes people residing on units <strong>of</strong>ficially defined as farms. Since many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se "farms" are littlemore than rural residences for people attached to urban labor markets, <strong>the</strong> data overstate <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> people actuallyengaged in agricultural production.3 Annual rate <strong>of</strong> change from preceding year shown.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.Farm employment declined during <strong>the</strong> 1950's and 1960's at about <strong>the</strong>same rate as farm population, and has also declined at a much slower ratesince 1970. Ano<strong>the</strong>r indication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increased balance between <strong>the</strong> farmand nonfarm labor markets is that <strong>the</strong> rise between 1970 and 1973 in medianfamily income (measured in 1973 dollars) has been much more rapid amongfarm families, amounting to about 30 percent, compared to an increase <strong>of</strong>about 6 percent for nonfarm families in <strong>the</strong> same period. In 1970 <strong>the</strong> medianincome <strong>of</strong> farm families was about $3,700 less than that <strong>of</strong> nonfarm families;by 1973 <strong>the</strong> differential had been reduced to about $2,100.The transfer <strong>of</strong> labor from agriculture to <strong>the</strong> nonfarm sector has been animportant source <strong>of</strong> growth for <strong>the</strong> economy at large. Even if <strong>the</strong> aggregatefarm population and labor force continue to decline, <strong>the</strong> movement <strong>of</strong>labor from <strong>the</strong> farm sector will probably make much smaller net contributionsto a growing nonfarm labor force in <strong>the</strong> future. Average annual netoutmigration during <strong>the</strong> 1950 5 s and 1960's was 741,000 and 592,000 respectively,with a much larger gross outflow because <strong>of</strong> a considerable reversemovement. From 1970 to 1974, however, <strong>the</strong> average net outmigrationwas only slightly over 110,000 per year. The population base in agricultureis no longer large enough to provide outmigrants on <strong>the</strong> same scale as in <strong>the</strong>past, even with significant mechanical innovations and reorganizations withinagriculture.The problem <strong>of</strong> low relative incomes in agriculture has been <strong>the</strong> justificationfor many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farm policy measures over <strong>the</strong> last 40 years. If <strong>the</strong>agricultural labor market is indeed near equilibrium, low farm incomes168


should play a smaller role in shaping future farm policy. Certain groupsin agriculture will continue to be disadvantaged, however, because <strong>of</strong> continuingregional imbalances and because certain components <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmlabor force do not have <strong>the</strong> skills to compete in nonfarm labor markets.An Illusory Land ReserveIt was believed until recently that about one-sixth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nation's croplandwas being withheld from production by Government programs andconstituted reserve capacity. When <strong>the</strong>se acres were released in 1973 and1974, however, it became clear that many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were unpr<strong>of</strong>itable to bringback into production, even at higher prices. Crop acreage rose by only 37million acres between 1972 and 1974, even though about 60 million acreswere released from acreage controls. Thus, <strong>the</strong> actual excess capacity fromthis source was not nearly as large as <strong>the</strong> data suggested.Undoubtedly <strong>the</strong> United States has additional land that could be broughtinto production. Substantial new investments will <strong>of</strong>ten be required, however,and such investments are unlikely to be made unless prices remain at higherlevels than in <strong>the</strong> past. Moreover, for <strong>the</strong> most part such land will be marginalto that now in production, with <strong>the</strong> result that its contribution to outputexpansion will be less than that <strong>of</strong> land now being used.Devaluation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DollarAmerican agriculture has benefited from an unprecedented export boomin <strong>the</strong> 1970's. The volume <strong>of</strong> exports averaged 39 percent higher in <strong>the</strong> 1972—74 period than in <strong>the</strong> previous 3 years (fiscal year basis). Part <strong>of</strong> this increaseddemand may be temporary. Demand for U.S. feed grains and soybeanswas growing rapidly in 1972 and 1973 because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rapid andsimultaneous economic growth in Western Europe and Japan, and <strong>the</strong> consequentupgrading <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir diets with more meat products. In addition,world output <strong>of</strong> grains declined in 1972 for <strong>the</strong> first time in 9 years. The bulk<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decline was outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States; this situation, along with ashift in Soviet policy to maintain food consumption when output in <strong>the</strong>irown agricultural sector declined, generated additional demand for U.S.exports.Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in foreign demand for U.S. agricultural products wasalso due to <strong>the</strong> devaluations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar in late 1971 and early 1973 and<strong>the</strong> shift to a system <strong>of</strong> floating exchange rates. Between May 1971 and <strong>the</strong>end <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> dollar fell 13 percent relative to o<strong>the</strong>r currencies weightedby trade in our agricultural products.The devaluations produced a once-and-for-all increase in <strong>the</strong> foreign demandfor U.S. exports, although <strong>the</strong> effect is spread over several years. Inaddition, <strong>the</strong>y caused imports <strong>of</strong> agricultural products—which grew substantiallyduring <strong>the</strong> 1960's and early 1970's—to become less competitive in<strong>the</strong> U.S. market. The combination <strong>of</strong> greater foreign demand for U.S. agriculturaloutput and a decline in competitive imports contributed to an increasein demand for U.S. products.169


The depreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar ended a period during which <strong>the</strong> overvaluationhad reduced exports and kept domestic prices <strong>of</strong> agriculturalproducts lower than <strong>the</strong>y o<strong>the</strong>rwise would have been (an effect that was <strong>of</strong>fsetat least in part by price supports, export subsidies, and o<strong>the</strong>r programs).During this period <strong>the</strong> United States sacrificed from a trade standpoint part<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> comparative advantage that U.S. technological superiority in agriculturewould have given it in world markets. Reduced exports also meantlower prices for U.S. consumers. The overvaluation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar also intensified<strong>the</strong> normal need for resource adjustment that rapid increases in agriculturalproductivity had caused, and <strong>the</strong>reby contributed to <strong>the</strong> relativelylow returns to resources employed in agriculture.Owners <strong>of</strong> agricultural resources in <strong>the</strong> aggregate have benefited from <strong>the</strong>devaluation just as <strong>the</strong>y had been penalized by <strong>the</strong> overvaluation, but <strong>the</strong>benefits have not been uniform. Grain producers have received significantlyhigher prices in <strong>the</strong> short term, but livestock producers have suffered because<strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> feeds tuffs have increased. Once <strong>the</strong> increased demand hasworked through <strong>the</strong> system, a new equilibrium will be established with higherprices for both grains and livestock products. The effect on factor returnswill be determined largely by <strong>the</strong>ir relative elasticity <strong>of</strong> supply. The presumptionis that <strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefits will be reflected in higher land valuesand larger returns to managerial skills, both <strong>of</strong> which are quite inelasticin supply.Prices <strong>of</strong> grains are currently at relatively high levels, in part because <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> shortfall in production <strong>of</strong> grains in <strong>the</strong> United States. As output recovers,prices should decline, but not to <strong>the</strong>ir pre-1972 levels unless <strong>the</strong>re areo<strong>the</strong>r basic changes in demand and supply. Owners <strong>of</strong> agricultural resourceswill receive a larger share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> technical change in U.S. agriculturethan <strong>the</strong>y have in <strong>the</strong> past, as will foreign consumers. U.S. consumers,on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, will receive a smaller share. The proportion <strong>of</strong> U.S.output that is exported should be larger than before <strong>the</strong> devaluations, and<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> food to U.S. consumers will be more heavily influenced bysupply-demand conditions abroad.A CHANGING WORLD AGRICULTUREThe capacity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world to feed a growing population adequately hasbeen a continuing concern. Beginning in <strong>the</strong> late 1960's, <strong>the</strong> world foodsituation began to improve markedly, and by 1971 considerable optimismwas felt around <strong>the</strong> world. The so-called "Green Revolution" <strong>of</strong> miraclewheat and rice varieties and <strong>the</strong> greater use <strong>of</strong> fertilizer had increased<strong>the</strong> output <strong>of</strong> food grains, especially in Asia. Countries that had becometraditional importers suddenly became self-sufficient or net exporters. Indiawas even able to accumulate sizable reserves.In sharp contrast, much has been made during this past year about apossible Malthusian crisis in <strong>the</strong> less developed countries. Population isgrowing at quite high rates in <strong>the</strong>se countries and has done so since World170


War II. Unless <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> population slows, many question whe<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong> necessary large increases in agricultural output can be achieved in <strong>the</strong>future. The upsurge in commodity prices <strong>the</strong>se last 2 years and <strong>the</strong> famineconditions in <strong>the</strong> African Sahel and in South Asia bolster <strong>the</strong>se fears.This concern may be exaggerated, although <strong>the</strong>re are a number <strong>of</strong> troublesomedevelopments in world agriculture. One is a decline <strong>of</strong> approximatelyone-fourth in <strong>the</strong> growth rate <strong>of</strong> world agricultural production (excludingCommunist Asia), from 3.0 percent in 1964-68 to 2.3 percent in1968-73, or little more than <strong>the</strong> growth rate in <strong>the</strong> world's population. Thedecline is largely accounted for by a slowing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> production in<strong>the</strong> developed countries, however, and was <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> explicit policies designedto bring <strong>the</strong> agricultural sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se countries into balance priorto 1973. Output increased at a rate <strong>of</strong> only 2.0 percent per year in <strong>the</strong> developedcountries in <strong>the</strong> more recent period, a decline <strong>of</strong> one-third from<strong>the</strong>ir growth rate <strong>of</strong> 3.0 percent in 1964-68. In <strong>the</strong> less developed countries,on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, where population pressures are greatest, output increasedat 2.6 percent in <strong>the</strong> earlier period compared to 2.8 percent in <strong>the</strong> latter.Viewed from a longer perspective, world agriculture has performedreasonably well. Prior to 1972 <strong>the</strong>re had been 20 years <strong>of</strong> uninterruptedincreases in output; as a result a population that was growing at unprecedentedrates by historical standards was provided a small but significantincrease in consumption per capita. During 1954-73 per capita food productionin <strong>the</strong> developed countries increased about 1.8 percent annually.In <strong>the</strong> less developed countries, where <strong>the</strong> population was increasing mostrapidly, <strong>the</strong> increase per capita was smaller, about 0.4 percent per year, butstill significant.Despite this relative success in feeding a larger population with increasingquantities <strong>of</strong> food, total agricultural output declined in 1972 after twodecades <strong>of</strong> steady growth, and preliminary data for 1974 indicate no increaseover 1973. Some attribute this to a fundamental change in <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r. Althoughclimatic conditions may have been favorable in recent decades, 3years are not enough to permit final conclusions about a shift in <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r.Whe<strong>the</strong>r output growth returns to sustained rates <strong>of</strong> increase will be a criticalissue in <strong>the</strong> years ahead.A second change is a reduction in <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> new land that can bebrought into production, at least at supply prices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past. This fact isespecially important for <strong>the</strong> developing countries, where <strong>the</strong> increases in outputhave been largely <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> increases in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> land under cultivation.Grain yields in <strong>the</strong> developing regions, for example, were only 32percent above <strong>the</strong> 1948-52 level in 1966-70. Over <strong>the</strong> same period, grainyields had increased by 63 percent in <strong>the</strong> industrial regions, with very littleincrease in land under cultivation. In countries like India, moreover, <strong>the</strong>land resource has been damaged by water and wind. Much land around<strong>the</strong> world can clearly be brought into production, but to do so requiresinvestments in roads, transportation, land reclamation, and drainage.171


The emerging land constraint need not limit increases in output, as <strong>the</strong>experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States and o<strong>the</strong>r developed countries demonstrates.But <strong>the</strong> ability to achieve more rapid increases in yields will require <strong>the</strong>development and adoption <strong>of</strong> improved techniques <strong>of</strong> production and abundantquantities <strong>of</strong> modern agricultural inputs. This, in turn, will requiregreatly expanded public and private investments in research and development,as well as enlarged production capacity to provide adequate supplies<strong>of</strong> fertilizers. With rising costs <strong>of</strong> energy, at least nitrogen fertilizer is likelyto be more expensive than in <strong>the</strong> past.A third change in world agriculture is <strong>the</strong> increased dependence on <strong>the</strong>United States as a supplier <strong>of</strong> agricultural products (Table 43). As recentlyas <strong>the</strong> late 1930's, North Africa, <strong>the</strong> Middle East, and Asia were net exporters<strong>of</strong> grains. Now <strong>the</strong>se regions are consistently net importers. Similartrends elsewhere have made <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>the</strong> dominant exporter <strong>of</strong>grains, responsible for more than 50 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> total.A number <strong>of</strong> recent studies have projected a growing imbalance in foodsupplies between <strong>the</strong> developed and <strong>the</strong> developing economies. Unless productionaccelerates, <strong>the</strong> developing countries are expected to have growingfood deficits well into <strong>the</strong> 1980's. The developed countries, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,are expected to have growing surpluses.The post-World War II increase in overall trade has largely been among<strong>the</strong> developed countries, with a decline in <strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> trade between <strong>the</strong>developed and developing countries. This trend must be reversed if <strong>the</strong> projectedimbalance is to be accommodated. The developed countries mayhave to import more raw materials and industrial products from <strong>the</strong> developingcountries in exchange for agricultural products.TABLE 43.—World net imports and exports <strong>of</strong> grain, selected periods, 1934-73[Millions <strong>of</strong> metric tons; annual averages]CountryNet imports (—) or net exports1934-381948-52 1960-621 1969-7111972-731Developed countries:United StatesCanadaSouth AfricaOceaniaWestern EuropeJapan0.54.82.8-23.8-1.914.06.6.03.7-22.5-2.332.89.72.16.6-25.6-5.339.814.82.510.6-21.4-14.473.614.83.18.9-21.0-18.5Centrally planned countries:U.S.S.R. and Eastern EuropeChina4.7-1.02.7-.4.5-3.6-3.6-3.1-14.2-6.3Developing countries:Latin AmericaNorth Africa and Middle EastAsia9.01.02.42.1-.1-3.3.8-4.6-5.63.2-9.2-11.0.6-13.7-14.8i Fiscal years.Note.—Grain includes wheat, milled rice, corn, rye, barley, oats, sorghum, and millet.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture. <strong>Economic</strong> Research Service.172


GREATER PRICE INSTABILITYA number <strong>of</strong> factors suggest that <strong>the</strong> U.S. food and agriculture sector hasentered a period <strong>of</strong> greater price instability. The large stocks <strong>of</strong> agriculturalproducts in Government hands, which reflected <strong>the</strong> excess capacity at prevailingprices, were largely liquidated during 1972 and 1973. These stocks provideda stabilizing influence on <strong>the</strong> market, since <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>fered a means <strong>of</strong>dampening and <strong>of</strong>fsetting year-to-year fluctuations in production both in<strong>the</strong> United States and abroad. Similarly, a land reserve, withheld fromproduction during <strong>the</strong> late 1950's and 196O's 5 provided ano<strong>the</strong>r means<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fsetting changing conditions <strong>of</strong> demand and supply. Without <strong>the</strong>secushions, agricultural prices are more subject to changing market conditionsboth at home and abroad. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> expectation that a larger share <strong>of</strong>U.S. output will go to export markets will fur<strong>the</strong>r expose <strong>the</strong> agriculturalsector to <strong>the</strong> vagaries <strong>of</strong> world markets.A number <strong>of</strong> conditions have intensified <strong>the</strong> effects in <strong>the</strong> United States<strong>of</strong> fluctuations in world agriculture. The domestic agricultural policies <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> European Community and Japan inhibit <strong>the</strong> adjustments that can takeplace in <strong>the</strong>ir agricultural markets. Consequently, <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>of</strong> adjustmentto changing conditions <strong>of</strong> demand and supply is pushed onto <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates and o<strong>the</strong>r exporting countries. In addition, <strong>the</strong> growing involvement<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S.S.R. in world trade in recent years has transmitted to world markets<strong>the</strong> shocks stemming from fluctuations in <strong>the</strong> relatively unstable agriculturalsector <strong>of</strong> that country. Some 80 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year-to-year fluctuationsin <strong>the</strong> world wheat trade since 1960 have been accounted for by swingsin Soviet wheat trade.Charts 9 and 10 provide a historical perspective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> price instabilityproblem for four important agricultural products. Actual prices have beendeflated by <strong>the</strong> wholesale price index (1967=100) for all commodities inorder to express <strong>the</strong>m in real terms. Compared to prices before 1950, agriculturalprices were much less volatile from 1950 to 1971, w 7 hen <strong>the</strong>re werelarger reserves in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> excess productive capacity and actual stocks<strong>of</strong> grain. The extent to which <strong>the</strong> price variability declined from 1910-49 to1950-71 is shown in Table 44 for six important products. Measures <strong>of</strong> variability(variance and coefficient <strong>of</strong> variation) declined in every case except<strong>the</strong> coefficient <strong>of</strong> variation for wheat; and in some cases <strong>the</strong> decline wasquite large.Factors o<strong>the</strong>r than reserves undoubtedly influenced <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> instabilityin <strong>the</strong> two periods. Recessions in <strong>the</strong> post-1950 period were mildcompared to those earlier, and built-in stabilizers acted to cushion <strong>the</strong> declinesin income when a recession did occur. Income-induced fluctuations indemand were <strong>the</strong>refore milder in <strong>the</strong> more recent period. Barriers to tradewere relatively high from 1920 to 1950 but lower after World War II, despite<strong>the</strong> previously mentioned foreign agricultural policies which affect trade. Agreater integration <strong>of</strong> countries by means <strong>of</strong> trade has taken place in <strong>the</strong>173


Chart 9Farm Prices <strong>of</strong> Wheat and Cornin Constant Dollars1967 DOLLARS PER BUSHELJ/4.003.00 "2.00 -1.00 -1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 19703.00 -2.00 -j1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970j/CURRENT DOLLAR PRICES RECEIVED BY FARMERS DEFLATED BY THE WHOLESALE PRICE INDEXFOR ALL COMMODITIES (1967=100).SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, AND COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS.174


Chart 10Farm Prices <strong>of</strong> Beef Cattle and Hogsin Constant Dollars1967 DOLLARS PER HUNDREDWEIGHTJ/4010 "1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 197030Hogs20(\ 1 \ A 1 \l\ 1"100 i i i ii i i i i i i i1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970J/ CURRENT DOLLAR PRICES RECEIVED BY FARMERS DEFLATED BY THE WHOLESALE PRICE INDEXFOR ALL COMMODITIES (1967=100).SOURCES: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, AND COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS.175


TABLE 44.—Indicators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> variance <strong>of</strong> farm pricesin constant dollars, selected periods, 1910-71Commodity and periodMean»VarianceCoefficient <strong>of</strong>variationWheat:1910-49 . . .1950-712.311.840.279.1900.229.236Corn:1910-491950-711.731.31.227.072.276.206Cotton:1910-49 .1950-7133.832.392.950.2.285.219Soybeans:1910-491950-71 . ..3.082.56.914.091.311.118Beef cattle:1910-49 . .1950-7116.4322.3617.913.2.258.162Hogs:1910-491950-7119.8819.1323.78.7.245.1541 Annual averages: Dollars per bushel for wheat, corn, and soybeans; cents per pound for cotton; dollars per hundredpounds for beef cattle and hogs.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.recent period, and transportation and communication systems are greatlyimproved. These improvements not only diffuse shocks from <strong>the</strong> supply sidesomewhat more broadly, but also make for a quicker adjustment to changingeconomic conditions.Although <strong>the</strong> stocks in Government hands during 1950-71 were acquiredas a means <strong>of</strong> supporting prices above market-clearing levels, not as a stabilizationreserve, <strong>the</strong>ir acquisition and release appear to have provided animportant stabilizing influence on commodity markets. This stability wasnot without its costs, however. The stocks were quite large, and consequently<strong>the</strong>y were costly both to acquire and to maintain. Since <strong>the</strong>y were acquiredas a by-product <strong>of</strong> programs designed to support farm prices, <strong>the</strong> increasedstability was also a by-product. But <strong>the</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> comparable reservesfor stability purposes would have similar costs.A key question is whe<strong>the</strong>r we have returned to a period <strong>of</strong> increasedprice variability comparable to that prior to 1950. Grain prices have increasedvery greatly in 1973 and 1974. Yet normal wea<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates and around <strong>the</strong> world will enable grain output to recover sharplyin 1975. This increased supply would come into <strong>the</strong> market under conditions<strong>of</strong> weakened demand both from cyclical downturns in <strong>the</strong> economies<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> developed countries and from a reduction in livestock enterprises.The consequence could be an abrupt reversal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present situation, withmuch lower grain prices and higher prices for livestock products.Certainly <strong>the</strong>re are some elements in <strong>the</strong> present situation that are comparableto <strong>the</strong> period prior to 1950, especially <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> large stocks.On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, as noted above, important differences exist in <strong>the</strong>current situation which should serve to attenuate <strong>the</strong> price fluctuations.176


Without a significant rebuilding <strong>of</strong> stocks, more price instability should beexpected than during <strong>the</strong> 1950's and logo's, but it seems unlikely that yearto-yearchanges will be as large as in <strong>the</strong> earlier era.POLICY CHALLENGES AND OPTIONSU.S. agricultural policy has in <strong>the</strong> past been dominated by two somewhatcontradictory <strong>the</strong>mes. The first has been <strong>the</strong> attempt to increase agriculturaloutput, largely through public investments in agricultural research, <strong>the</strong>dissemination <strong>of</strong> new agricultural techniques, and in some cases <strong>the</strong> subsidization<strong>of</strong> inputs. The second <strong>the</strong>me has been a concern with <strong>the</strong> problem<strong>of</strong> low relative incomes in agriculture, which led to programs aimed at supportingfarm prices above market-clearing levels and holding productiondown through restricting acreage and at times marketings.An unintended by-product <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se programs was <strong>the</strong> accumulation <strong>of</strong>sizable stocks <strong>of</strong> agricultural products in Government hands. These stocksand <strong>the</strong> recently diverted acres provided a degree <strong>of</strong> increased stabilityto commodity markets. They were also <strong>the</strong> means by which considerableamounts <strong>of</strong> food aid were provided to foreign countries, aid that eventuallybecame an important component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nation's foreign assistance programs.But <strong>the</strong>se benefits were obtained at considerable cost: less efficientuse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nation's resources and heavy Government involvement in <strong>the</strong>agricultural sector.The changed conditions <strong>of</strong> agriculture and <strong>the</strong> shift to market-orienteddomestic farm policies that took place during <strong>the</strong> 1960's and early 1970'shave solved many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earlier difficulties, but new issues have emerged.The decline in excess capacity in agriculture and <strong>the</strong> sharp increase infood prices have added to <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> obtaining low-cost increases inagricultural output. Moreover, with <strong>the</strong> growing interdependence betweenU.S. and foreign markets, <strong>the</strong> U.S. consumer may for <strong>the</strong> first time havean obvious interest in expanding <strong>the</strong> agricultural output in developing countriesand improving <strong>the</strong> stability <strong>of</strong> international markets.The rise in incomes in agriculture has reduced <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmincomeproblem. There will undoubtedly be an increased concern aboutinstability, however, with <strong>the</strong> danger that in attempting to deal with thisproblem we will return to policies that created o<strong>the</strong>r problems in <strong>the</strong> past.If prices t should decline precipitously from <strong>the</strong>ir current high levels, <strong>the</strong>temptation will be great for <strong>the</strong> Government to intervene by raising pricesupports above market-clearing levels.The return <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar to near equilibrium exchange rates and <strong>the</strong> shiftto floating rates place <strong>the</strong> United States in a better position to capitalize on<strong>the</strong> considerable comparative advantage that it has in agricultural products.To do so, however, will require continued emphasis on trade liberalization.Parallel to this is <strong>the</strong> need to encourage more market-oriented agriculturalpolicies among our trading partners in order that <strong>the</strong> United States need notcarry a disproportionate share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjustment to changing conditions <strong>of</strong>177


demand and supply in world markets. Fur<strong>the</strong>r adjustments in our own agriculturaland trade policies will also contribute to a more flexible agriculturalsector.AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTThe World Food Conference held in Rome in November 1974 had <strong>the</strong>primary objective <strong>of</strong> devising means <strong>of</strong> coming to grips with <strong>the</strong> emergingworld food problem. The United States proposed to <strong>the</strong> Conference a comprehensiveprogram <strong>of</strong> urgent, cooperative worldwide action on five points:1. Increasing production in food-exporting countries.2. Accelerating production in developing countries.3. Improving <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> food distribution and financing.4. Enhancing food quality.5. Ensuring security against food emergencies.Increasing agricultural output both at home and abroad is probably <strong>the</strong>critical issue on this agenda. Our state <strong>of</strong> knowledge with respect to ways <strong>of</strong>fostering agricultural development has advanced considerably in <strong>the</strong> lastdecade. Studies have shown that investments in developing and disseminatingnew production technology tend to have a high rate <strong>of</strong> social return. Theadoption <strong>of</strong> new production technology involves increased use <strong>of</strong> moderninputs, such as fertilizer and machinery, which are produced in <strong>the</strong> nonfarmsector. The capacity to produce <strong>the</strong>se inputs usually needs to be increased ifgeneralized modernization is to take place, and adequate price incentivesare important for <strong>the</strong>ir adoption. Similarly, improvements in <strong>the</strong> humanagent through investments in schooling and training programs are requiredfor <strong>the</strong> rural population.Many developing countries have tended to underinvest in agricultural researchand in <strong>the</strong> schooling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir rural population. Moreover, <strong>the</strong>y have<strong>of</strong>ten concentrated <strong>the</strong>ir industrialization efforts on steel mills and <strong>the</strong> accoutrements<strong>of</strong> a modern mass-consumption society, to <strong>the</strong> neglect <strong>of</strong> industrieswhich would have provided expanded supplies <strong>of</strong> modern agriculturalinputs. In addition, <strong>the</strong>y have discriminated against <strong>the</strong>ir agricultural sectorsby means <strong>of</strong> trade and domestic price policies, <strong>the</strong>reby reducing <strong>the</strong> incentivesto adopt modern inputs.If <strong>the</strong>se policies are changed, <strong>the</strong>re is good reason to expect food output tokeep up with increasing population and growing demand into <strong>the</strong> foreseeablefuture. To change <strong>the</strong> policies, however, will require considerablepolitical courage and <strong>the</strong> ability to focus on longer-run requirements ra<strong>the</strong>rthan short-term exigencies.Even with changed policies by <strong>the</strong> developing countries, <strong>the</strong>re is still arole for assistance by <strong>the</strong> advanced countries to facilitate <strong>the</strong> modernization<strong>of</strong> world agriculture. The United States has a tradition <strong>of</strong> providing suchassistance, starting with <strong>President</strong> Truman's Point IV program. However,foreign assistance provided through that program concentrated on <strong>the</strong>transfer <strong>of</strong> our own knowledge ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> new knowl-178


edge, and <strong>the</strong>refore placed undue emphasis on streng<strong>the</strong>ning farm extensionprograms in developing countries. The limitations on <strong>the</strong> transfer <strong>of</strong> agriculturalproduction technology from one area to ano<strong>the</strong>r were not adequatelyrecognized, nor was <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> capability for agriculturalresearch under ecological and economic conditions similar to thosein which <strong>the</strong> new production technology was to be used.In recent years <strong>the</strong> United States has shifted a larger portion <strong>of</strong> its diminishingforeign aid budget toward agricultural development, with particularemphasis on assisting small producers and landless workers. The UnitedStates has also supported since its inception*<strong>the</strong> Consultative Group on InternationalAgricultural Research, which allocates resources to <strong>the</strong> InternationalCenters for Agricultural Research, and more recently it has agreed toestablish an International Fertilizer Development Center in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates.The immediate challenge in streng<strong>the</strong>ning world agriculture is to develop<strong>the</strong> national capabilities for agricultural research in <strong>the</strong> low-incomecountries. The generation and application <strong>of</strong> new production technologyare <strong>the</strong> keys to agricultural development, particularly where land constraintsexist. Although basic principles and basic plant material can usefully betransferred, new production technology for <strong>the</strong> most part has to be developedunder tne conditions in which it will be used.There is also continued need to support agricultural research in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, as well as a need to make more effective use <strong>of</strong> existing resources.The private sector can and does support a great deal <strong>of</strong> agricultural research,and its expenditures for this purpose have grown. However, <strong>the</strong>private sector can be expected to undertake only that research fromwhich it will be able to capture a return. Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> knowledge producedfrom agricultural research is a public good, and private entities cannotcapture <strong>the</strong> full benefits from it. This is especially true <strong>of</strong> basic research.There has been a shift toward more applied research in recent years,partly because <strong>of</strong> budget measures and partly to make <strong>the</strong> research effortboth more visible and more accountable. In fact, however, publicly supportedresearch might better concentrate on basic research, leaving <strong>the</strong> applied researchto <strong>the</strong> private sector. At <strong>the</strong> same time, attention might be directed to<strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current research establishment. The appropriate number<strong>of</strong> research stations, <strong>the</strong> division <strong>of</strong> labor between <strong>the</strong> universities ando<strong>the</strong>r research institutions, and <strong>the</strong> priorities in <strong>the</strong> research program itselfare questions that should be examined.Public support (State and Federal) for agricultural research in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates has increased only slightly (1.6 percent) in constant dollar terms from1968 through 1973, with a somewhat larger increase in scientific man-yearsdevoted to such research. As a fraction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gross national product frorragriculture, however, public expenditures on research have declined from1.4 percent in 1968 to 1.2 percent in 1973. At <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong>re has179


een a shift away from output-increasing research and toward a greateremphasis on social and environmental problems.THE INSTABILITY PROBLEMChanges in relative prices are desirable because <strong>the</strong>y provide importantsignals to both consumers and producers about changes in relative scarcity<strong>of</strong> products. They help ration limited supplies among competing uses intimes <strong>of</strong> short supply and encourage consumption when supplies are large.Agricultural prices are subject to larger fluctuations than many o<strong>the</strong>r products,mainly because production is subject to unpredictable shocks from <strong>the</strong>wea<strong>the</strong>r. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> biological nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> production process resultsin a considerable lag between <strong>the</strong> time resources are committed to productionand <strong>the</strong> time output is forthcoming, and <strong>the</strong> climatically induced productioncycle limits <strong>the</strong> extent to which crop shortfalls can be replenished.In contrast, many o<strong>the</strong>r sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy have a continuous productionprocess and output can more easily be adjusted to changes in demand.Large swings in agricultural prices result in a loss in resource efficiency,since producers will frequently have made <strong>the</strong> wrong decision ex post. Inaddition, wide fluctuations in agricultural prices lead to transfers <strong>of</strong> incomebetween producers and consumers. While <strong>the</strong>se shifts will be <strong>of</strong>fsetting overseveral years, <strong>the</strong>y can be severe from <strong>the</strong> standpoint <strong>of</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r group in aparticular year.For producers, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problem is obtaining adequate information. Ifat <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> committing resources to production <strong>the</strong>y knew what <strong>the</strong>demand would be when <strong>the</strong>ir output was expected to be sold, <strong>the</strong>y could adjust<strong>the</strong>ir production decisions accordingly. Hence, information has value tosociety, and both producers and society at large can afford to use resourcesto improve that information, although <strong>the</strong>re are obvious limits to predicting<strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r and to a lesser extent Government policy.Institutions have developed which provide protection to participants inunstable agricultural markets. An important example is futures markets,which <strong>of</strong>fer a way <strong>of</strong> reducing uncertainty through hedging operations.Futures markets furnish an efficient means <strong>of</strong> pooling informed judgmentsabout what prices will be. But because <strong>the</strong>y cannot remove <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong>price instability, <strong>the</strong>y do not remove <strong>the</strong> basic resource misallocation thatresults from widely fluctuating prices. The farmer who makes productiondecisions based on $3 corn can protect that price through an appropriatehedging operation. However, if his corn is valued at $1 when it is sold, <strong>the</strong>cost from producing inappropriate quantities will still be <strong>the</strong>re.Government policy can help alleviate <strong>the</strong> instability problem in manyways, through: (1) improved information and analysis, (2) greater coordination<strong>of</strong> domestic agricultural policies among countries, (3) freer tradein agricultural products, and (4) building and maintaining greater grainreserves or stocks for use in years <strong>of</strong> crop shortfall. Whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> latter isrequired will depend in part on success in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r endeavors.180


Improved Information and AnalysisThe traditional Government role <strong>of</strong> providing information and analysisis an essential component <strong>of</strong> a free market philosophy. The importance <strong>of</strong>both is now greater than ever, especially in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> interdependence<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. food and agriculture sector with <strong>the</strong> world economy. With increasedinstability, more accurate forecasts <strong>of</strong> future market conditions willlead to a more rational allocation <strong>of</strong> resources. But improved forecastingwill require an improved data base both here and abroad, <strong>the</strong> cooperation<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r governments, and a streng<strong>the</strong>ned and expanded capability to analyze<strong>the</strong>se data. During <strong>the</strong> past year several significant steps have been taken toupgrade <strong>the</strong> statistical programs and forecasting work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong>Agriculture.Coordination <strong>of</strong> Domestic Agricultural PoliciesThe Government has also sought to improve coordination among countriesin <strong>the</strong> conduct <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir domestic agricultural policies. For example,consultations were held in 1974 with many countries in order to obtainadjustments in domestic policies that would help alleviate <strong>the</strong> pressuresfrom reduced U.S. grain output and large worldwide supplies <strong>of</strong> beef.Greater coordination in <strong>the</strong> future can cushion <strong>the</strong> shocks imposed on UTS.agriculture from abroad.Trade LiberalizationTrade liberalization is an essential element in providing increased stabilityin world markets and in assuring food security for all countries. Wea<strong>the</strong>rinducedfluctuations in production could be <strong>of</strong>fset through changes in exportsand imports, <strong>the</strong>reby evening out <strong>the</strong> supply for any one country. The largermarket area that would result from freer trade would increase <strong>the</strong> chancethat <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> bad wea<strong>the</strong>r in one location would be <strong>of</strong>fset by goodwea<strong>the</strong>r in o<strong>the</strong>r areas.Efforts to liberalize trade are hampered by domestic agricultural policiesdesigned to fix prices ei<strong>the</strong>r above or below what would be market-clearinglevels in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> such policies. Both kinds <strong>of</strong> policies have tradeimplications and are potentially destabilizing to world markets. If pricesare set above market-clearing levels, restrictions on imports have to beimposed. If <strong>the</strong>y are set below market-clearing levels, <strong>the</strong>n exports haveto be limited in order to provide adequate supplies to <strong>the</strong> domestic marketif <strong>the</strong> country is on balance a net exporter, or imports must be subsidizedif <strong>the</strong> country is to attain its domestic price goals. Such policies in effectpush adjustment problems onto o<strong>the</strong>r countries, <strong>the</strong>reby making <strong>the</strong>ir agriculturalsectors more unstable.The intertwined nature <strong>of</strong> trade policy, domestic agricultural policies, andreserves policies is illustrated by <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last 2 years. Thesharp rise in grain prices, combined with weakening prices for livestock andpoultry products and unacceptable rates <strong>of</strong> inflation, gave rise to pressures tocontrol and limit exports. With freer trade, a larger area <strong>of</strong> supply might181


have been tapped to accommodate <strong>the</strong> demand. Similarly, with more flexibledomestic prices in some countries, price increases would have dampenedsome <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> demand. In ei<strong>the</strong>r case <strong>the</strong>re would have been a more generalsharing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> burden.Grain ReservesIn <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> more flexibility on <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> trade and domesticagricultural policies, <strong>the</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> contingency reserves can serve tocushion price rises. The experience since 1972, however, points up thatreserves would have had to be very large to provide a stabilizing influence,larger than any one country or even a few countries would be willingto carry.For this reason, and to achieve greater world food security, <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates has proposed an international system <strong>of</strong> nationally held grain reserves.In <strong>the</strong> past, <strong>the</strong> exporting countries—primarily <strong>the</strong> United States—have carried<strong>the</strong> bulk <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grain reserves. Since reserves may also benefit importingcountries, a greater sharing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> costs among countries seems justifiedin <strong>the</strong> future.Negotiations on grain reserves will be held in 1975. These discussions arelikely to be protracted, since <strong>the</strong>re is little agreement ei<strong>the</strong>r on who benefitsand who loses from stabilization or on <strong>the</strong> appropriate quantities <strong>of</strong> contingencyreserves. Similarly, agreement on rules and criteria for managing<strong>the</strong> stocks is lacking.There are several additional difficulties in developing an internationalsystem <strong>of</strong> nationally held grain reserves. One problem is that <strong>the</strong> benefitswill accrue partly to those who have not paid for <strong>the</strong>m. A possible solutionis to negotiate a system that includes penalties and sanctions for those who donot participate. For instance, such countries could be denied access to <strong>the</strong>reserves in a period <strong>of</strong> tight supplies. Alternatively, reserves that participantcountries accumulate and pay for might be made available to nonparticipantson less attractive terms, perhaps by an export tax at least equal to <strong>the</strong>accumulated carrying charges.The acquisition and maintenance <strong>of</strong> grain reserves will have a variety <strong>of</strong>costs. While stocks are being accumulated, consumers pay higher pricesthan <strong>the</strong>y o<strong>the</strong>rwise would; and when <strong>the</strong>y are released, producers in asimilar way receive lower prices. Unless stocks are managed properly, <strong>the</strong>ycan be destabilizing by untimely release or accumulation. Moreover, <strong>the</strong>reis <strong>the</strong> danger that a reserve program will again, as in almost all past attempts,become a price-propping program, used largely to insulate one sector orano<strong>the</strong>r from market forces.There are two reasons why <strong>the</strong> United States should build grain stocksabove <strong>the</strong>ir current low levels. First, conditions <strong>of</strong> free trade do not prevail in<strong>the</strong> world, and <strong>the</strong> United States provides freer access to its supplies than mosto<strong>the</strong>r countries do. Under <strong>the</strong>se conditions contingency reserves, if correctlymanaged, would provide a means <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fsetting <strong>the</strong> shocks that come fromabroad and furnish some protection to U.S. consumers and producers182


(especially livestock producers). Second, ample stocks are one way tomaintain confidence among foreign customers that this country will be ableto meet its export commitments. If access to supplies cannot be assured,countries have a tendency to diversify <strong>the</strong>ir supply sources, turn to selfsufficiency,or perhaps resort to both <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se.FOOD ASSISTANCEThe United States provides food assistance to low-income groups througha variety <strong>of</strong> programs, especially <strong>the</strong> Food Stamp Program. This programhas been greatly expanded and extended in recent years. Although not all<strong>the</strong> families eligible for such assistance have made use <strong>of</strong> it, budget costs to<strong>the</strong> Government have grown from only $250 million in fiscal 1969 to $4.0billion in fiscal 1975. Moreover, it is estimated that food stamp bonus dollarsraise food expenditures by 60 to 65 cents per dollar in contrast to an increase<strong>of</strong> from 20 to 30 cents per dollar in food expenditures that would be expectedfrom comparable cash income supplements to this low-income group. Anadditional demand <strong>the</strong>refore has been placed in <strong>the</strong> market for food at<strong>the</strong> very time that food prices were rising sharply.There is serious question as to whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> stamps is anefficient means <strong>of</strong> income transfer under current circumstances. A possiblereform <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Food Stamp Program would be to replace <strong>the</strong> food stampswith direct transfers <strong>of</strong> money income to provide <strong>the</strong> recipient more freedom<strong>of</strong> choice and lead to a more efficient welfare program.Large quantities <strong>of</strong> food aid have been supplied to foreign countries aspart <strong>of</strong> our foreign aid program. This program has provided a convenientmeans <strong>of</strong> disposing <strong>of</strong> stocks accumulated in Government hands as a byproduct<strong>of</strong> price support programs, and has <strong>the</strong>reby helped to reduce <strong>the</strong> coststo <strong>the</strong> taxpayer <strong>of</strong> carrying large stocks.In contrast to <strong>the</strong> Food Stamp Program, food aid shipments under <strong>the</strong>Public Law 480 program have declined in recent years. Shipments fell from10 million tons in fiscal 1972 to slightly over 7 million tons in 1973 and lessthan 4 million tons in 1974.The objectives <strong>of</strong> food aid can be to alleviate human suffering causedby shortfalls in production in developing countries to furnish more limitedrelief when such natural disasters as earthquakes or hurricanes occur, or tosupply continuous food aid as a means <strong>of</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> payments support orforeign aid to individual countries. The negotiations evolving out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>World Food Conference will attempt to solve <strong>the</strong> more persistent food securityproblems.A country with a comparative advantage in agriculture might want toprovide some fraction <strong>of</strong> its foreign aid in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> agricultural products.With <strong>the</strong> decline in excess capacity in <strong>the</strong> U.S. agricultural sector, however,and <strong>the</strong> changes in domestic farm policy, such aid is no longer <strong>the</strong> "free" goodthat it was once imagined to be. Except to <strong>the</strong> extent that it substitutes forcommercial sales, every incremental increase in tonnage shipped for this183


purpose represents a corresponding reduction in <strong>the</strong> supply available to<strong>the</strong> domestic economy—and an increase in prices to <strong>the</strong> domestic economy.The costs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program have now become more explicit, with <strong>the</strong> resultthat more rational policy choices may be made. The question is how desirableit is to provide food aid beyond <strong>the</strong> commitment to promote food securityunder conditions <strong>of</strong> stress, since continuing food aid can reduce incentivesto streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> agricultural sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recipient country.GUIDELINES FOR DOMESTIC FARM POLICYSince <strong>the</strong> mid-1960's commercial farm policy has evolved toward muchgreater market orientation. The previous commodity programs, dating backto <strong>the</strong> 1930's, were built around a system <strong>of</strong> mandatory acreage allotments,marketing quotas, and high price supports for individual field crops. Todayonly a few crops (rice, peanuts, tobacco, and long-staple cotton) continueunder such rigid programs. The difficulties with <strong>the</strong>se programs wereenormous: <strong>the</strong>y were mandatory and inflexible to changes in supply anddemand; <strong>the</strong>y overstimulated <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> particular crops and ledto <strong>the</strong> excess Government stocks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1950's and early 1960's; <strong>the</strong>y provided"artificial" benefits, or subsidies, which became locked into land values;by holding up domestic prices, <strong>the</strong>y conflicted with a liberal tradepolicy, requiring restrictions on imports and subsidies to make Americanproducts competitive in world markets.The first major step in <strong>the</strong> transition was to reduce (market) price supportson individual crops and replace <strong>the</strong>m with direct cash payments which werecontingent on diverting land from crop production. Gradually <strong>the</strong> emphasison individual crops was discontinued, allowing producers discretion to plantcrops <strong>the</strong>y considered most pr<strong>of</strong>itable. The principles that have guided <strong>the</strong>transition are economically sound.1. Market prices should not be supported above market-clearing levels.Price supports to prevent excessive downside price declines in surplusyears should be relatively low and cover only variable productioncosts. While providing an element <strong>of</strong> guarantee to producers, lowfloors avoid any need for export subsidies and encourage expandeddomestic consumption and exports when supplies are large.2. Production <strong>of</strong> individual crops should be free <strong>of</strong> controls. Controlsinterfere with producers' ability to make <strong>the</strong> best use <strong>of</strong> resources inresponse to changing conditions. If needed at all, production controlsshould be through general land diversion.3. Direct cash payments are more efficient than high price supports asa means <strong>of</strong> providing income support to producers. Such paymentsare only warranted because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> volatility <strong>of</strong> agricultural markets,which can create excessive financial losses. In most years <strong>the</strong>y shouldbe unnecessary and should be limited to providing guarantees against<strong>the</strong> exceptional years <strong>of</strong> oversupply, <strong>the</strong>reby shifting some risk from184


producers to taxpayers but permitting consumers to benefit fromlower prices.The agricultural developments beginning in 1972 enabled <strong>the</strong> principlesto be implemented: almost all diverted land was released for production;export subsidies were phased out; import restrictions were relaxed to somedegree; prices moved not only well above market supports but sufficiently highthat direct payments under <strong>the</strong> provisions in <strong>the</strong> 1973 act were limited towool and soil conservation. In effect, developments in <strong>the</strong> market contributedto a fairly dramatic move toward a policy <strong>of</strong> increased reliance on <strong>the</strong> market.These principles were, to a substantial degree, embraced in <strong>the</strong> Agricultureand Consumer Protection Act <strong>of</strong> 1973.FARM POLICY IN 1975 AND BEYONDIn considering policy in 1975 and beyond, <strong>the</strong> principles that have guidedfarm policy in <strong>the</strong> past decade still apply. Government policy can functionin complementary ways, as discussed above, through participation in aconstructive international system <strong>of</strong> grain reserves, improvements in domesticand international information and analytical systems, measures to makeinternational trade in agricultural products more flexible, and efforts toexpand food production in developing countries. It is important, however, notto change farm policy in ways that are inconsistent with <strong>the</strong>se principles.Efforts to raise price or income guarantees to producers, if successful, mighthave some small temporary effect in 1975 by reducing uncertainty and encouragingall-out production. However, even though market prices areexpected to remain well above current guarantees in <strong>the</strong> immediate future,any substantial increase now would be a move backward for farm policy.When food supplies become more abundant in relation to demand, higherprice supports would prompt a return to substantial land diversion, largeGovernment payments, export subsidies, and import restrictions—and possiblyeven to <strong>the</strong> mandatory production controls <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past.Current problems with dairy programs illustrate <strong>the</strong> pitfalls in heavyGovernment involvement. State and Federal marketing order programsinstitutionalize a higher price <strong>of</strong> milk for fluid consumption than for processing,and <strong>the</strong>y restrict <strong>the</strong> free movement <strong>of</strong> raw milk. Toge<strong>the</strong>r withimport quotas and a relatively high Federal minimum price support, <strong>the</strong>semeasures place <strong>the</strong> dairy industry under heavy regulation and discourageefficient production. Consumers eventually pay extra for milk; and, becauseimports are usually limited to less than 2 percent <strong>of</strong> total consumption, tradein dairy products has become a constant source <strong>of</strong> dispute in trade policy.The dairy producers 5 welfare, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, is dependent on andaffected by decisions setting Federal regulations. For many dairy farmersproduction is <strong>of</strong>ten unpr<strong>of</strong>itable, and <strong>the</strong>ir numbers have been diminishing.Although <strong>the</strong>re would be serious adjustment costs in reforming dairy programsaccording to <strong>the</strong> principles set forth above, <strong>the</strong> dairy industry could185


in time become more efficient and prosperous, and consumers would purchasemore milk and dairy products at lower prices.* * * * * * *Although economic circumstances have permitted a desirable move to amarket-oriented commercial farm policy, <strong>the</strong>y have also brought out a basiccharacteristic <strong>of</strong> agricultural markets: large price fluctuations and <strong>the</strong> uncertaintythat <strong>the</strong>se fluctuations generate. Producers, consumers, and Governmentpolicy makers will learn to adjust to <strong>the</strong> increased uncertainty. As thishappens <strong>the</strong> instability itself will be diminished, but learning is not an instantprocess. In <strong>the</strong> meantime, steps that would return <strong>the</strong> agricultural sector to amore regulated basis in response to short-term or temporary problems shouldbe avoided.186


CHAPTER 7The International Economy in 1974T N 1974, THE WORLD ECONOMY experienced severe setbacks. Infla-•*• tion in most major industrial countries reached <strong>the</strong> highest level in morethan 20 years. The rate <strong>of</strong> real economic growth declined. Sharp priceincreases in energy, food, and o<strong>the</strong>r basic materials distorted price relationshipsand created new and large payments imbalances, affecting nearly allcountries. Massive international capital movements <strong>of</strong> unusual complexitywere required to continue <strong>the</strong> financing <strong>of</strong> world trade, which in terms <strong>of</strong>dollars rose by about 50 percent from mid-1973 to mid-1974.Specifically, consumer prices in <strong>the</strong> industrial countries comprising <strong>the</strong>Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperation and Development (OECD) roseby almost 14 percent on <strong>the</strong> average from 1973 to 1974. This rate <strong>of</strong> advancewas nearly double <strong>the</strong> average rise <strong>of</strong> 1 l A percent from 1972 to 1973, andnearly four times as high as <strong>the</strong> annual rate <strong>of</strong> increase <strong>of</strong> 3 5/2 percent during<strong>the</strong> period 1959-72.<strong>Economic</strong> growth came to a virtual standstill as <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> real GNPin <strong>the</strong> OECD countries, which had averaged about 5.4 percent per annumfrom 1959 to 1972, fell nearly to zero in 1974. Efforts to check <strong>the</strong> acceleration<strong>of</strong> inflation coincided with ongoing cyclical downturns in many countries,and <strong>the</strong> high costs and reduced availability <strong>of</strong> energy reinforced <strong>the</strong>adverse development <strong>of</strong> both prices and output.In international trade, <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> crude oil implementedin October 1973 and January 1974 by <strong>the</strong> countries belonging to <strong>the</strong>Organization <strong>of</strong> Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) created massivedeficits in <strong>the</strong> current account balances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries. Thisplaced strains on <strong>the</strong> world's financial markets and raised <strong>the</strong> prospect for <strong>the</strong>long term <strong>of</strong> a large transfer <strong>of</strong> real resources or <strong>of</strong> ownership <strong>of</strong> nonfinancialassets from <strong>the</strong> oil-importing to <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting countries. Nonindustrialcountries, particularly in Asia and Africa, were in many cases seriouslyafflicted by food shortages and <strong>the</strong> slowdown in world economic activity.The international financial and economic system displayed a notable resiliencein adjusting to some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se disturbances. Broadly speaking, countrieshave refrained from beggar-my-neighbor policies through which <strong>the</strong>ymight have tried to shift some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir domestic and international problemsto o<strong>the</strong>r countries at <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> a shrinkage in world trade and a loss ineconomic welfare. In <strong>the</strong> financial sphere, <strong>the</strong> world capital markets ab-187


sorbed and recycled massive amounts <strong>of</strong> petro-dollars and provided most <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> financing <strong>of</strong> international payments deficits and surpluses, with someassistance from <strong>of</strong>ficial lending operations conducted ei<strong>the</strong>r by <strong>the</strong> InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) or between governments. The existing system<strong>of</strong> floating exchange rates helped countries avoid massive movements<strong>of</strong> speculative funds.The international monetary system was thus able to cope with differingrates <strong>of</strong> domestic inflation, <strong>the</strong> increased costs <strong>of</strong> energy and o<strong>the</strong>r basicgoods, and <strong>the</strong> heavy capital movements associated with <strong>the</strong> accumulation<strong>of</strong> large amounts <strong>of</strong> liquid assets by OPEC countries.STAGNATION AND INFLATION IN THE INDUSTRIALWORLD IN 1974The stage for "stagflation" during 1974 was largely set in 1970-71.Beginning in late 1969, a slowdown in economic activity occurred in industrialcountries that, while relatively mild, was more widespread than anydownturn in <strong>the</strong> postwar period. The stimulative measures which a majority<strong>of</strong> countries adopted almost in unison in 1971 and maintained well into 1972resulted in a strong upswing in economic activity in 1972-73 throughout<strong>the</strong> industrial world.The expansion in demand added to <strong>the</strong> inflationary tendencies; <strong>the</strong> risein consumer prices in <strong>the</strong> seven largest OECD countries, that had been4 percent from 1971 to 1972, was l l / 2 percent from 1972 to 1973. Moreover,<strong>the</strong> coincident upswing in business activity led to a sharp increase in demandfor industrial commodities and strained <strong>the</strong> capacity <strong>of</strong> producers tosupply that demand. The index <strong>of</strong> spot prices <strong>of</strong> world industrial materials(excluding fuel) rose by 80 percent between 1971 and 1973. Poor harvestsin <strong>the</strong> Soviet Union and o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world added to <strong>the</strong> emergingprice pressures on food. World food prices almost doubled as <strong>the</strong> worldcommodity index for food (1970—100) gradually rose from 95 in 1971to 173 in 1973.The policy makers in most major industrial countries were confrontedearly in 1974 with <strong>the</strong> difficult task <strong>of</strong> dealing simultaneously with highinflation and slackening economic growth. Superimposed on <strong>the</strong>se problemswere domestic and international dislocations created by <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in <strong>the</strong>prices <strong>of</strong> crude oil. Deep concern about inflation prompted fairly restrictivefiscal and monetary policies to be maintained in most countries throughout<strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.The resulting pattern <strong>of</strong> economic change has been remarkably uniformin <strong>the</strong> major industrial countries during 1974. Table 45 highlightssome measures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se countries. The growth<strong>of</strong> private consumption expenditures that had been <strong>the</strong> dynamic factor in <strong>the</strong>economic expansion in virtually all major countries during 1973 sloweddown sharply in 1974.188


TABLE 45.—Changes in real gross national product and major components for selected industrialcountries, 1962 to 1974[Seasonally adjusted annual rate]Percent changeCountry and component1962to1971averageFrom precedingyear19721973From precedinghalf year19741st half2d half iFrance:RealGDP2__Private consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation5.75.53.38.25.55.84.07.66.06.03.46.54.54.62.65.64.23.52.55.0Germany:RealGNPPrivate consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation4.74.94.45.33.54.24.12.75.32.93.81.12.01.03.0-5.3.02.21.5-8.5Italy:RealGNPPrivate consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation5.05.63.93.73.13.34.6.46.06.23.39.04.94.03.64.7.0-1.0.0-2.2United Kingdom:RealGDP2Private consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation2.62.32.14.03.16.04.02.45.34.63.74.8-3.4-2.0—.4-5.75.04.5—.5-7.5Japan:Real GNP____Private consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation10.38.96.713.08.99.19.69.510.28.66.915.2-9.3—6.6—1.2—28.23.05.57.03.2Canada:RealGNPPrivate consumptionGovernment current expenditures..Gross fixed capital formation5.54.95.85.85.86.94.05.36.88.04.110.45.66.68.68.42.53.05.0.01 Estimate.2 Gross domestic product.Source: Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperation and Development.With few exceptions, <strong>the</strong> tight monetary policies <strong>of</strong> early 1974 causedsevere declines in residential construction in virtually all countries. Industrialinvestment in machinery and equipment, which had risen vigorously during1973, dropped <strong>of</strong>f sharply in response to much higher long-term interestrates and <strong>the</strong> deterioration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> business outlook.The s<strong>of</strong>tening in economic activity was accompanied by rising unemployment;<strong>the</strong> 1974 unemployment rate exceeded <strong>the</strong> average <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pastdecade in most major industrial countries. Recent changes in unemploymentin several OEGD countries are summarized in Chapter 3.In late 1974 <strong>the</strong> demand management policies in a number <strong>of</strong> countriesbegan to move cautiously toward greater ease; but inflation continued tobe <strong>of</strong> major concern to <strong>the</strong> policy makers. Assessing <strong>the</strong>se policies, <strong>the</strong> OECD189563-280 O - 75 - 13


in its <strong>Economic</strong> Outlook <strong>of</strong> December 1974 has projected a moderate upturnin economic growth and some easing <strong>of</strong> inflationary pressures in allmajor countries by <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1975.INTERNATIONAL REPERCUSSIONS OF THE OILPRICE INCREASESThe oil embargo and <strong>the</strong> subsequent fivefold increase in <strong>the</strong> PersianGulf price <strong>of</strong> crude over September 1973 levels imparted <strong>the</strong> most severeshocks to <strong>the</strong> world economy since World War II. The broad economicimplications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se developments for production, consumption, and economicgrowth in <strong>the</strong> United States are discussed in Chapter 2. For o<strong>the</strong>rindustrial and developing countries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world <strong>the</strong> implications werequalitatively similar, but <strong>the</strong> force <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> impact varied in proportion to <strong>the</strong>dependence <strong>of</strong> individual countries on imported oil as a source <strong>of</strong> energy.In analyzing <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil on <strong>the</strong> worldeconomy, one can single out four broad areas: income and output, prices,<strong>the</strong> current account, and <strong>the</strong> capital account.Income and Output EffectsGiven <strong>the</strong> relatively low short-run price elasticity <strong>of</strong> demand for oil, <strong>the</strong>economic consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil price rise was a diversion <strong>of</strong> consumptionexpenditures in <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries from domestically producedgoods to imported petroleum products. To <strong>the</strong> extent that prices <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rconsumer goods did not decline, <strong>the</strong> immediate result <strong>of</strong> such a diversion wasa reduction in <strong>the</strong> real income <strong>of</strong> consumers in <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries.When <strong>the</strong> purchasing power created in <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> domestic goods andservices is transferred to <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting nations, and <strong>the</strong>se nations do notincrease <strong>the</strong>ir imports correspondingly, aggregate demand would tend todecline in <strong>the</strong> short run unless <strong>the</strong> reduction is <strong>of</strong>fset by domestic policyaction.The gross transfer <strong>of</strong> purchasing power realized through export receipts <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> OPEC countries in 1974 has been estimated at nearly $100 billion, allbut about $5 billion <strong>of</strong> which were received in payments for exports <strong>of</strong> oil.This represented a more than threefold increase in revenues over 1973.The increased exports to OPEC countries could <strong>of</strong>fset only a small part <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> reduction in aggregate demand stemming from <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> oilbill borne by <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries. All estimates <strong>of</strong> non-oil transactionsby <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries are subject to a great deal <strong>of</strong> uncertainty. Itappears, however, that OPEC imports <strong>of</strong> goods and services increased byabout $15 billion in 1974 to about $35 billion—approximately a third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>OPEC revenues. After subtracting grants to developing countries and addingincome on <strong>the</strong>ir investments, <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries were left with roughly $60billion as current account surplus in 1974.The nature and direction <strong>of</strong> investment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surplus funds by <strong>the</strong> OPECcountries in 1974 are discussed below. As far as <strong>the</strong> immediate impact <strong>of</strong>190


<strong>the</strong> oil price increase on income and output in <strong>the</strong> oil-consuming world isconcerned, <strong>the</strong> surplus may be viewed as increased "saving" that resultedfrom <strong>the</strong> shift <strong>of</strong> world income from economic units with a relatively highaverage propensity to consume (consumers in <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries)to economic units with an extremely high average propensity to save (oilexporters). The OPEC savings were made available to <strong>the</strong> oil-importingcountries through <strong>the</strong> reflow <strong>of</strong> funds. To <strong>the</strong> extent that such funds werechanneled toward financing current consumption or real investment inindividual oil-importing countries, <strong>the</strong> reflow <strong>of</strong> financial capital into <strong>the</strong>credit markets <strong>of</strong> those countries has cushioned <strong>the</strong> demand-dampening effect<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> higher bill for oil imports. How far <strong>the</strong> slack in demand createdby <strong>the</strong> oil price rise was <strong>of</strong>fset ei<strong>the</strong>r by <strong>the</strong> return flow <strong>of</strong> OPEC funds or by<strong>the</strong> internal demand management policies <strong>of</strong> individual countries cannot beprecisely determined. Domestic policies to dampen inflationary pressures, and<strong>the</strong> depressed state <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economies in many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countriesprovided little incentive for using <strong>the</strong> inflow <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC funds to increasereal investment or consumption.In addition to <strong>the</strong> demand-dampening effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase in "saving,"<strong>the</strong> high price <strong>of</strong> energy reduced demand for goods that use energy intensively.This shift created structural unemployment <strong>of</strong> resources, since manyfactors <strong>of</strong> production are highly specialized in <strong>the</strong> short run and yield lowproductivity in o<strong>the</strong>r uses. The demand for autos, for instance, fell sharplyin virtually all major countries, causing widespread unemployment in <strong>the</strong>world auto industry.In <strong>the</strong> longer run, as <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries develop <strong>the</strong> capacity to increase<strong>the</strong>ir imports <strong>of</strong> goods and services, fur<strong>the</strong>r structural changes will have totake place in <strong>the</strong> economies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-importing nations: resources must beshifted to increase <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> goods and services for export. Thus,<strong>the</strong> real income <strong>of</strong> consumers in <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries will be reducedas more domestically produced goods and services are exchanged for importsfrom <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries. Unlike <strong>the</strong> reduction in real income experiencedin <strong>the</strong> short run, this reduction cannot be <strong>of</strong>fset by domestic monetary orfiscal policies, since it represents <strong>the</strong> "real" payment for oil.Price EffectIn general, a direct link between <strong>the</strong> increase <strong>of</strong> a specific price and that <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> general price level exists only in <strong>the</strong> short run. For practical purposes <strong>the</strong>duration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> "short run" depends on <strong>the</strong> monetary and fiscal restraintaccompanying <strong>the</strong> price rise. It is <strong>the</strong>refore difficult to quantify precisely<strong>the</strong> contribution that <strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> oil price made to <strong>the</strong> inflation in <strong>the</strong> oilimportingcountries during 1974.The short-run effects <strong>of</strong> increased oil prices on <strong>the</strong> general price levelin different countries occurred through several channels. The most obviousone was <strong>the</strong> direct impact arising from <strong>the</strong> higher prices that consumersin individual countries must pay for petroleum products like gasoline andheating oil. This effect is directly evident in <strong>the</strong> consumer price index (CPI)191


<strong>of</strong> individual countries, depending on <strong>the</strong> weight <strong>the</strong>se commodities are givenin <strong>the</strong> market basket.An indirect impact also occurs as increases in <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r goodsand services follow from <strong>the</strong> rise in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> petroleum products used inproduction. The strength <strong>of</strong> this indirect effect depends on <strong>the</strong> extentto which oil price increases are passed through to <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> final products,absorbed by <strong>the</strong> producers, or amplified under a system <strong>of</strong> markuppricing. Finally, <strong>the</strong> higher prices <strong>of</strong> oil heighten <strong>the</strong> demand for substitutesources <strong>of</strong> energy, driving up <strong>the</strong>ir price and raising production costs.How long <strong>the</strong> effect on <strong>the</strong> general price level lasts and how output developsunder such strains depend on <strong>the</strong> way in which demand managementpolicies react to <strong>the</strong> dilemma, as discussed in Chapter 4.While it would be hard to establish <strong>the</strong> total effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se influenceson price behavior, <strong>the</strong> direct effect <strong>of</strong> price increases for gasoline alone leavesno doubt that <strong>the</strong> oil price increase contributed significantly to <strong>the</strong> pricepressures in <strong>the</strong> world economy during 1974. For example, <strong>the</strong> increase in<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> gasoline from October 1973 to August 1974 added between 1and 2 percentage points to <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> consumer price index in GreatBritain, Italy, and <strong>the</strong> United States.Current Account EffectThe increase in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil by <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries led to a large deficitin <strong>the</strong> current account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countries, and a matching surplusin <strong>the</strong> current account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting nations. Table 46 highlights<strong>the</strong> change that occurred between 1973 and 1974.The magnitude <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> imbalance has been and will continue to be <strong>the</strong>result <strong>of</strong> interaction among <strong>the</strong> following factors: <strong>the</strong> quantity <strong>of</strong> oil importedby <strong>the</strong> oil-consuming nations; <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil set by <strong>the</strong> OPEC cartel; <strong>the</strong>value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir imports <strong>of</strong> goods and services from <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world; <strong>the</strong>flow <strong>of</strong> earnings on <strong>the</strong> financial assets <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries; and <strong>the</strong>grants and aid donations <strong>the</strong>y choose to make to <strong>the</strong> developing countries<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.TABLE 46.—Balance on current account <strong>of</strong> major areas, 1973-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Area 197319741Chance,1973to 1974»OPEC countries 25.060.055.0Industrial countries *2.5-37.5-40.0Rest <strong>of</strong> world-7.5-22.5-15.01 Preliminary.2 Organization <strong>of</strong> Petroleum Exporting Countries.3 The 24 countries <strong>of</strong> OECD.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury and Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperation and Development (OECD).192


The ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-consuming nations to lower <strong>the</strong>ir oil imports inresponse to <strong>the</strong> higher price has been limited. Oil represents an importantsource <strong>of</strong> energy for industrial countries and for many developing nations.The growth in world oil consumption came to a halt during 1974; a substantialreduction, however, must await implementation <strong>of</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r measuresand development <strong>of</strong> alternative sources <strong>of</strong> energy.The power to raise prices has been derived from <strong>the</strong> strong monopolisticposition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries. An individual country cannot increase <strong>the</strong>price <strong>of</strong> a homogeneous commodity without facing sharply reduced exportsand lower revenues, if <strong>the</strong>re are alternative sources <strong>of</strong> supply. If a number<strong>of</strong> exporting countries act jointly to drive up <strong>the</strong> price, however, and <strong>the</strong>supply forthcoming from <strong>the</strong> remaining exporting countries cannot readilybe increased, output restrictions can indeed be effective. With respect to<strong>the</strong> OPEC, this has clearly been <strong>the</strong> case so far, although <strong>the</strong> growing responsiveness<strong>of</strong> non-OPEG output and total import demand to <strong>the</strong> higher pricesset by tihe OPEC should make maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se relative prices moredifficult over time.The highly unequal distribution <strong>of</strong> income characteristic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPECcountries and <strong>the</strong> confinement <strong>of</strong> income gains from trade to narrow segments<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population precluded significant increases in demand for manyimported products in <strong>the</strong> short run. For o<strong>the</strong>r countries in <strong>the</strong> OPEC group,<strong>the</strong> long lead time required in developing major projects was <strong>the</strong> mainconstraint limiting <strong>the</strong>ir ability to increase imports by <strong>the</strong> full amount <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>increase in revenues. Most OPEC countries, particularly those with relativelysmall populations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have been spendingonly a fraction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir additional oil revenues on imports <strong>of</strong> goods and services,because <strong>the</strong>ir ability to absorb additional imports has so far beenlimited. Thus it may be several years before <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries develop <strong>the</strong>capacity to increase imports <strong>of</strong> goods and services substantially.Finally, while actual grants and commitments for future donations by<strong>the</strong> OPEC countries have risen sharply, current and prospective grantsstill represent only a small portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir total revenue derived fromoil. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> flow <strong>of</strong> investment income from <strong>the</strong> financial and realassets acquired by <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries has been growing rapidly.Given <strong>the</strong>se factors, <strong>the</strong> elimination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> deficit poses special problems.Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se can be identified conceptually by contrasting <strong>the</strong> increase in<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil with a hypo<strong>the</strong>tical revaluation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC currencies.Analytically <strong>the</strong> oil price increases may be viewed as if <strong>the</strong>y had beenproduced by an export tax. For <strong>the</strong> importing countries, <strong>the</strong> administrativeincrease in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> foreign oil caused current account deficits that werelarger than those that would have materialized if, instead <strong>of</strong> imposing an"export tax," <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries had chosen to revalue <strong>the</strong>ir currenciesto achieve <strong>the</strong> same increase in <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> oil to importers. Given <strong>the</strong> lowprice responsiveness <strong>of</strong> demand by oil importers, even a revaluation mighthave <strong>the</strong> abnormal effect <strong>of</strong> raising <strong>the</strong> OPEC surplus if <strong>the</strong> import193


demand <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries is also quite unresponsive to any change in<strong>the</strong> domestic price <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir imports. Conceptually, a revaluation is equivalentto a tax on all exports plus a subsidy <strong>of</strong> all imports. Compared to this, <strong>the</strong>OPEC countries chose to tax only <strong>the</strong> oil exports and not to subsidize imports,thus assuring that increased revenue from oil exports would not be accompaniedby revenue losses from o<strong>the</strong>r exports and increased spending onimports due to lower prices.Under present circumstances a current account deficit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-consumingnations as a group vis-a-vis <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting nations must be accepted.Efforts by one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-consuming nations to reduce <strong>the</strong> deficit, ei<strong>the</strong>r bycurrency depreciation or by special measures designed to boost exports orreduce imports from o<strong>the</strong>r oil-importing countries, would inevitably meanan increase in <strong>the</strong> current deficits <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, leaving <strong>the</strong> total deficit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oilconsumingnations largely unchanged. For <strong>the</strong> time being, oil-induced currentaccount deficits must <strong>the</strong>refore be financed by drawing on reserves,by selling equities, or by accumulating international indebtedness.To supplement <strong>the</strong> capacity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world's money and capital markets t<strong>of</strong>inance <strong>the</strong> deficits experienced by individual countries, special financialarrangements have been put into effect and are being developed fur<strong>the</strong>r.Also, in May 1974 <strong>the</strong> OECD nations pledged not to take unilateral measureswhich would tend to shift deficits to o<strong>the</strong>r nations. Specifically, <strong>the</strong> governments<strong>of</strong> 24 member countries agreed, for one year, to avoid introducingrestrictive measures affecting trade or o<strong>the</strong>r current account flows. Thepledge will very likely be renewed in May 1975. In <strong>the</strong> United States, passage<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Trade Reform Act by Congress at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 signifiedthat pressures to restrict trade, which have been intensified by <strong>the</strong> oil crisis,will be resisted. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> act assures that <strong>the</strong> long-delayed multilateraltrade negotiations can get under way. The purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se negotiations isto improve access to international markets for both buyers and sellers byreducing restrictions on imports and by limiting any restrictions on exportsthat prevent foreign buyers from competing with domestic buyers for certainbasic materials, food, and feedstuff's on an equal footing.The Capital Account EffectThe current account surplus experienced by <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries in 1974was matched by <strong>the</strong> accumulation <strong>of</strong> financial claims on <strong>the</strong> oil-consuming\vorld. This, <strong>of</strong> course, follows as a balance <strong>of</strong> payments accounting identity:funds received in payment for goods and services or as aid, and not spent ongoods and services or given away as aid, must simply end up as financialclaims or real assets <strong>of</strong> various forms in <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> countries in <strong>the</strong> surplusarea. What was true as an accounting identity for <strong>the</strong> oil-importing worldas a whole, however, was not true for individual countries: <strong>the</strong>re is no apriori reason why <strong>the</strong> oil-related current account deficit <strong>of</strong> an individualcountry should be matched by an inflow <strong>of</strong> funds directly from <strong>the</strong> oil-exportingcountries. As expected, given a choice <strong>of</strong> where and how to invest <strong>the</strong>irsurplus funds, <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting countries have turned to those national mar-194


kets that best meet <strong>the</strong>ir objectives with respect to security, return, andmaturity.Preliminary estimates for 1974 indicate that about $11 billion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> $60-billion surplus accruing to <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries has been invested directly in<strong>the</strong> United States. This was less than <strong>the</strong> increase in <strong>the</strong> U.S. bill for oilimports from <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries. Roughly half <strong>of</strong> this investment in <strong>the</strong>United States was in short- or long-term marketable Government and agencysecurities. Less than a billion was placed in U.S. real estate and private securities,and <strong>the</strong> remainder in banking and money market liquid assets, suchas large negotiable certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit.About $7/ 2 billion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC surplus was invested in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdomin pound sterling assets such as bank deposits, o<strong>the</strong>r money market instruments,and government securities. About $5j/2 billion was lent by <strong>the</strong>OPEC countries to <strong>of</strong>ficial and quasi-<strong>of</strong>ficial institutions in o<strong>the</strong>r industrialcountries, around $2^2 billion to <strong>the</strong> developing countries, and about $3 l /ibillion to international financial institutions. At least $21 billion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>OPEC surplus was held as Eurocurrency deposits in banks in London and ino<strong>the</strong>r financial centers around <strong>the</strong> world. (The functioning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurocurrencyand Eurodollar markets is discussed in <strong>the</strong> supplement to this chapter.)The remainder, about $9 billion, includes investment in European investmentmanagement accounts, in real estate and corporate securities inEurope and Japan, and in direct loans to private industry.The financial intermediation by <strong>the</strong> world's commercial banks throughboth domestic and Eurocurrency markets has played an important role infinancing <strong>the</strong> large current account deficits in <strong>the</strong> oil-importing countriesduring 1974. Such activity, in effect, accommodated <strong>the</strong> preferences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>OPEC countries for investment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir surplus funds, <strong>the</strong>n redistributed<strong>the</strong>se funds to countries where funds were needed. Banks operating in <strong>the</strong>Eurocurrency market publicly announced more than $15 billion <strong>of</strong> Eurocurrencycredits to developed countries during <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974, $4billion more than was announced during all <strong>of</strong> 1973. Announced credits todeveloping countries were about $7/2 billion. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se credits were notactually drawn during <strong>the</strong> period; but it is assumed that sizable loans forwhich details are not available have been made by <strong>the</strong> Eurocurrency bankswithout prior, publicly announced commitments. International lending byU.S. banks also rose sharply in 1974, following <strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> restrictions onsuch activity and termination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interest Equalization Tax in January1974. U.S. banks increased <strong>the</strong>ir claims on foreigners by about $14.5 billionduring <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.The recycling <strong>of</strong> OPEC funds by <strong>the</strong> international banking system has not,however, been accomplished without some strains. The concentration <strong>of</strong>liquid OPEC investments in a relatively small number <strong>of</strong> banks has raisedquestions about <strong>the</strong> absorptive capacity <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se institutions under<strong>the</strong>ir present capital structures. Because <strong>the</strong> deposits by OPEC governments195


in some banks are so large, and because <strong>the</strong>y are concentrated among fewdepositors, <strong>the</strong> risk associated with <strong>the</strong> traditional banking practice <strong>of</strong> borrowingshort and lending long is significantly increased. At <strong>the</strong> same time,<strong>the</strong> growing indebtedness <strong>of</strong> some borrowers increases <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> default.Thus, questions have also been raised about <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> private bankingsystem to continue to accommodate adequately <strong>the</strong> financial needscreated by <strong>the</strong> oil crisis.To supplement private market channels a special lending facility wasestablished in June 1974 in <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund andexpanded in January 1975. Loans are approved by <strong>the</strong> Fund after assessment<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> payments needs <strong>of</strong> deficit countries. Borrowers are expectedto cooperate with <strong>the</strong> Fund in resolving difficulties in <strong>the</strong>ir balance <strong>of</strong> payments.The Fund had lent approximately $2 billion by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974.The pattern <strong>of</strong> international payments for 1975 is not easy to foresee. It iswidely recognized, however, that additional reinforcement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> privatefinancial markets may be required to provide for <strong>the</strong> financing needs <strong>of</strong>individual countries. The United States accordingly has advocated a threetrackapproach to <strong>of</strong>ficial multilateral arrangements:1. Financing under <strong>the</strong> regular procedures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International MonetaryFund should be expanded, and <strong>the</strong> Fund should make fuller andmore effective use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> currency resources which it now possesses.2. A temporary trust fund should be established to provide longerterm,concessional assistance to a few <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> very low-income countrieswhich have special problems in adjusting to <strong>the</strong> current situation.The United States has proposed that this trust fund be financed bycontributions from those individual countries which are in a positionto help, as well as through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF's gold holdings.3. Resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF and o<strong>the</strong>r institutions should be supplementedby a new financial support arrangement <strong>of</strong> $25 billion. The arrangementis designed to encourage cooperation in energy matters and toprovide a financial "safety net" for participating OECD members. Earlyestablishment <strong>of</strong> this support fund has been agreed to by <strong>the</strong> major industrialcountries.THE LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN 1974Although many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problems created by <strong>the</strong> oil price increases are commonto both developed and less developed economies, <strong>the</strong>re are several importantdifferences. The less developed oil-importing countries are obviouslyfar less able to afford <strong>the</strong> higher current prices, but <strong>the</strong>ir diversity makesgeneralizations difficult.Developing countries that export primary products, such as iron ore andbauxite, for which demand was strong, have been able to <strong>of</strong>fset a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>irincreased oil bill with additional export earnings. A commodity boom whichbegan in late 1972 drove up <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> many primary products, but <strong>the</strong>prices <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se commodities declined in <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 1974 with196


<strong>the</strong> worldwide slowing <strong>of</strong> business activity. Moreover many countries whichare heavily dependent on imports <strong>of</strong> oil, food, and fertilizer have not experiencedincreases in prices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir primary exports, and droughts and floodshave compounded <strong>the</strong>ir problems.The surplus revenue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries is derived in part from sales too<strong>the</strong>r less developed nations that import oil; but relatively little <strong>of</strong> this surplushas yet been recycled directly by OPEC countries to <strong>the</strong> less developedones. Partly because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> limited capital markets in <strong>the</strong>se countries, initialplacements <strong>of</strong> funds by oil producers have not been large. The consequences<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> failure to recycle funds to <strong>the</strong> less developed countries are qualitativelysimilar to those facing <strong>the</strong> industrialized nations: if <strong>the</strong>y cannot finance<strong>the</strong>ir deficits, <strong>the</strong>y must cut back on imports. However, many less developedcountries can reduce imports <strong>of</strong> oil or o<strong>the</strong>r inputs only at <strong>the</strong> immediate expense<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir industrialization programs.As has been true for many years, some form <strong>of</strong> foreign aid may be <strong>the</strong>only way to alleviate <strong>the</strong> deficiencies in financing and resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> poorestcountries. Special arrangements such as <strong>the</strong> IMF facility have helped insome measure and will probably continue to do so. At a time when evenmany industrial nations are in difficulty, more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surplus <strong>of</strong> OPECnations should be mobilized to help countries most in need <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> funds, and<strong>the</strong>se funds should be available at rates which do not fur<strong>the</strong>r increase <strong>the</strong>already heavy burdens <strong>of</strong> debt service in developing nations.RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCEThe international financial system has been fundamentally changed sinceAugust 1971, when <strong>the</strong> United States announced suspension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> convertibilityinto gold <strong>of</strong> dollars held by foreign monetary authorities. Followingthis action, major exchange rate realignments, coupled with devaluation<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar in terms <strong>of</strong> gold, were negotiated in December 1971 and February1973; and negotiations were launched on a comprehensive reform <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>international monetary system with establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Committee <strong>of</strong>Twenty (C-20) under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund inJuly 1972. In March 1973, in response to great uncertainty and speculationin <strong>the</strong> foreign exchange markets following <strong>the</strong> second realignment, virtuallyall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major industrial countries abandoned efforts to confine exchangerate movements within a narrow band around established par values. When<strong>the</strong> C-20 met during <strong>the</strong> IMF annual meetings in September 1973, it setJuly 31, 1974, as its target date for agreement on comprehensive monetaryreform.The oil price increases announced in October and December 1973, <strong>the</strong>acceleration <strong>of</strong> worldwide inflation, and de facto adoption <strong>of</strong> widespreadfloating radically altered <strong>the</strong> circumstances surrounding <strong>the</strong> C-20 negotiations.At its Rome meeting in January 1974, <strong>the</strong> C-20 shifted <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> itsnegotiations. Instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> early development <strong>of</strong> a comprehensive reformagreement, it began to work out a series <strong>of</strong> individual, less comprehensive197


steps that were <strong>of</strong> particular importance in <strong>the</strong> current economic situation.In mid-June <strong>the</strong> C-20 Ministers agreed on a program for immediate actionand released <strong>the</strong> Outline <strong>of</strong> Reform and accompanying annexes that describedboth <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> negotiations on longer-term reform and <strong>the</strong>direction in which <strong>the</strong> Ministers believed <strong>the</strong> system could evolve in <strong>the</strong> future.The program <strong>of</strong> immediate action was consistent with <strong>the</strong> longer-termOutline <strong>of</strong> Reform, constituting in essence a proposed first step in <strong>the</strong> evolutiontoward a fundamentally reformed system. It included:1. Creation <strong>of</strong> an Interim Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF with advisory powersto guide <strong>the</strong> adjustment process and oversee <strong>the</strong> operations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>system pending <strong>the</strong> establishment, through amendment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMFArticles <strong>of</strong> Agreement, <strong>of</strong> a Ministerial Council with decision-makingpowers.2. Establishment <strong>of</strong> a Development Committee, also at <strong>the</strong> ministeriallevel, under <strong>the</strong> joint auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF and <strong>the</strong> International Bankfor Reconstruction and Development, to deal with questions relatingto <strong>the</strong> transfer <strong>of</strong> resources to developing countries.3. Establishment <strong>of</strong> guidelines for floating exchange rates.4. An interim change in <strong>the</strong> method <strong>of</strong> valuation <strong>of</strong> special drawingrights (SDR's) to widen <strong>the</strong> base for calculating <strong>the</strong> transactionsvalue <strong>of</strong> SDR's so that currencies o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> dollar are included.5. Provision for IMF members to subscribe to a declaration againsttaking restrictive trade or o<strong>the</strong>r current account measures for balance<strong>of</strong> payments purposes without IMF approval.6. Improved measures for surveillance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjustment process and<strong>of</strong> developments in global liquidity.7. A request that <strong>the</strong> Executive Directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF prepare a series<strong>of</strong> amendments to <strong>the</strong> IMF Articles <strong>of</strong> Agreement for considerationwhen IMF quotas are reviewed early in 1975.Among o<strong>the</strong>r items on which draft amendments w r ere to be prepared were:establishment <strong>of</strong> a permanent IMF Council; "legalization" <strong>of</strong> floating exchangerates; a permanent declaration against trade restrictions for balance<strong>of</strong> payments purposes; <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> gold; and various modifications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> generaland SDR accounts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF.The longer-term Outline <strong>of</strong> Reform put forward by <strong>the</strong> C-20 called fora more effective and symmetrical system <strong>of</strong> adjustment, in which efficientoperation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjustment mechanism would not be obstructed by controlsor restrictions on current or capital account transactions for balance <strong>of</strong> paymentspurposes. The Outline envisaged that <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SDR would beenhanced and that <strong>the</strong> roles <strong>of</strong> gold and reserve currencies in internationalreserves would be reduced. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong> transactions value <strong>of</strong>SDR's was around $1.22 per unit <strong>of</strong> SDR.Recognition that exchange rate flexibility must play a greater part in anefficient economic adjustment process was a key element <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reform198


proposals. In sharp contrast to <strong>the</strong> central role <strong>of</strong> fixed par values and narrowmargins <strong>of</strong> exchange rate fluctuations around par values in <strong>the</strong> BrettonWoods system, <strong>the</strong> Outline called for a system in which countries could ei<strong>the</strong>restablish adjustable par values or allow <strong>the</strong>ir currencies to float in responseto market forces. Agreement was lacking, however, on <strong>the</strong> relative roles <strong>of</strong>floating and par values, <strong>the</strong> conditions under which <strong>the</strong> par values wouldbe adjusted, and <strong>the</strong> provisions for authorization <strong>of</strong> floating in <strong>the</strong> futuresystem. The United States favors provisions that would permit a countryto float its currency so long as it adhered to internationally agreed rules <strong>of</strong>conduct, without <strong>the</strong> need for fur<strong>the</strong>r authorization or approval by <strong>the</strong> IMF.Some o<strong>the</strong>rs favor a more constrained "floating option" under which floatingwould be limited to specified situations and subject to specific authorizationby <strong>the</strong> IMF.At its first session during <strong>the</strong> IMF annual meetings in early October 1974,<strong>the</strong> new Interim Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF approved a work program focusingon energy-related financial problems and balance <strong>of</strong> payments adjustmentin <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy crisis. Pursuant to this work program, <strong>the</strong>Interim Committee, meeting in mid-January 1975, reached agreement ona broad range <strong>of</strong> key issues. The Committee agreed on:1. A limited extension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IMF oil facility in 1975, with borrowings<strong>of</strong> up to SDR 5 billion and with an indication that it would be appropriateto make greater use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fund's own resources. In conjunctionwith <strong>the</strong> Development Committee, <strong>the</strong> Interim Committee also endorseda suggestion by <strong>the</strong> IMF's Managing Director that special provisionbe made to reduce <strong>the</strong> interest burden on oil facility borrowingby <strong>the</strong> poorest developing countries.2. An IMF quota increase <strong>of</strong> 32.5 percent overall, "rounded up" to anew quota total <strong>of</strong> SDR 39 billion, with a doubling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> quota shares<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major oil-exporting countries as a group and no reduction <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> collective share <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r developing countries. No agreement wasrecorded on quota shares for o<strong>the</strong>r groups or for individual countries.It was agreed, however, that since an important purpose <strong>of</strong> increasingquotas is to streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Fund's liquidity, arrangements should bemade to ensure usability <strong>of</strong> all IMF currency holdings in accordancewith Fund policies.3. A request that <strong>the</strong> Executive Directors continue work on a narrowedrange <strong>of</strong> amendments to <strong>the</strong> IMF Articles <strong>of</strong> Agreement and submitdrafts to <strong>the</strong> Committee on: establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministerial Council;legalization <strong>of</strong> floating; improvements in <strong>the</strong> general account, includingelimination <strong>of</strong> requirements to make gold payments to <strong>the</strong> IMFand establishment <strong>of</strong> arrangements to ensure <strong>the</strong> usability <strong>of</strong> IMFcurrency holdings; and improvements in <strong>the</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SDR.Progress was made toward agreement on a comprehensive set <strong>of</strong>amendments on gold, including abolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial price and freedom199


for national monetary authorities to enter into gold transactions undercertain specific arrangements with each o<strong>the</strong>r in order to ensure that <strong>the</strong>role <strong>of</strong> gold in <strong>the</strong> international monetary system would be graduallyreduced. Additional agreements related to <strong>the</strong> financial support arrangementamong <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> OECD, described earlier in this chapter,and to o<strong>the</strong>r matters.MANAGED FLOATINGThe interim guidelines that have been recommended by <strong>the</strong> C-20 for <strong>the</strong>present situation <strong>of</strong> widespread floating represent a first effort to addressin a formal way <strong>the</strong> complex issues that can arise under a floating system,as well as to develop codes <strong>of</strong> behavior that might apply under a regime <strong>of</strong>managed floating over <strong>the</strong> longer term. Under <strong>the</strong> guidelines, countries withfloating rates may intervene to moderate sharp and disruptive fluctuationsfrom day to day and from week to week in <strong>the</strong> exchange value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir currencies.Intervention should not be used, however, to moderate movements in<strong>the</strong> exchange value <strong>of</strong> any currency over longer periods like months orquarters, unless such <strong>of</strong>ficial intervention is consistent with actual and expectedworld market conditions, and unless it accords also with a pattern<strong>of</strong> exchange rates considered reasonable as a medium-term norm by thatcountry and <strong>the</strong> international community. For example, a rate <strong>of</strong> inflationsubstantially higher than that <strong>of</strong> a country's main trading partners or competitorswould normally lead to expectations <strong>of</strong> a fur<strong>the</strong>r depreciation <strong>of</strong> itscurrency. In that case, attempts to fix <strong>the</strong> exchange rate for an extendedperiod, whe<strong>the</strong>r undertaken by <strong>the</strong> country itself or by its trading partners,might be viewed as violating <strong>the</strong> intent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> guidelines, since interventionfor this purpose would be disequilibrating.Even without imposing direct controls on <strong>the</strong> flow <strong>of</strong> goods and capitalin international trade, <strong>of</strong>ficial monetary agencies can modify <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong>exchange rates, at least temporarily, under a system <strong>of</strong> managed floating.The techniques <strong>of</strong> management can take a variety <strong>of</strong> forms. The mostcommon is for central banks to intervene in <strong>the</strong> international money marketsby selling domestic currency for foreign currencies, <strong>the</strong>reby leaningagainst an appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir currency. Alternately <strong>the</strong>y may engagein <strong>the</strong> converse operation, possibly with exchange reserves that are supplementedthrough <strong>of</strong>ficial borrowing <strong>of</strong> foreign currencies, to slow adepreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir currency. If, however, in <strong>the</strong> attempt to slow movements<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exchange rate in ei<strong>the</strong>r direction by "leaning against <strong>the</strong> wind,"intervention continues on <strong>the</strong> same side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> market for an extendedperiod, <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exchange rate may be affected even after interventionhas ceased. This would occur if persistent one-sided interventionrepressed exchange rate movements substantially. Since any lasting distortion<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exchange rates achieved through one-sided interventioninfluences <strong>the</strong> pattern <strong>of</strong> international trade and investment after a lag, thischanged pattern may reflect back on subsequent exchange rate levels.200


Foreign Exchange Management Since March 1973Although attempts to fix <strong>the</strong> exchange rates <strong>of</strong> all major countries withinnarrow ranges vis-a-vis <strong>the</strong> dollar were <strong>of</strong>ficially abandoned in March 1973,a group <strong>of</strong> European countries agreed on new sets <strong>of</strong> exchange rates, which<strong>the</strong>y would maintain within 2% percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> agreed parities relative toeach o<strong>the</strong>r. The United Kingdom and Italy did not join this group, however,and <strong>the</strong> joint float was fur<strong>the</strong>r eroded When France withdrew from <strong>the</strong>group in January 1974. By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 only Germany, <strong>the</strong> Beneluxcountries, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden floated jointly against <strong>the</strong> dollar;and some o<strong>the</strong>r nations tied <strong>the</strong>ir exchange rates to those <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries.Managed floating had thus become <strong>the</strong> rule among <strong>the</strong> industrial countries.Since <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> generalized floating, <strong>the</strong> pattern and net amount <strong>of</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial intervention have not been <strong>the</strong> same as those prevailing before1973. The direction <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial intervention has changed more frequently.As exchange reserve decumulations were followed by accumulations, U.S.liabilities to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficial institutions were only slightly higher at <strong>the</strong>end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 than at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong>1973. From that time until February 1974, <strong>the</strong> drop in U.S. liabilities to<strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r industrial countries outweighed <strong>the</strong> increasein liabilities to <strong>the</strong> OPEC governments, so that total U.S. liabilities actuallydeclined. By comparison, <strong>of</strong>ficial claims on U.S. residents had more thanquadrupled from <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1969 to <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> March 1973, and industrialcountries accounted for almost all <strong>of</strong> this increase.The reserves <strong>of</strong> industrial countries remained relatively stable, but onlybecause <strong>of</strong> substantial international borrowing on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> deficit countries.Some <strong>of</strong> this borrowing was carried out by <strong>the</strong> domestic banking systemwithout direct governmental action; in o<strong>the</strong>r cases credits were raised by<strong>of</strong>ficial entities ei<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> private money market or with foreign monetaryauthorities. Most deficit countries have used <strong>the</strong> proceeds <strong>of</strong> loans from<strong>of</strong>ficial and private sources to counteract any large decline in <strong>the</strong>ir internationalreserves. Government-to-government loans by surplus countriesto deficit, countries may be treated as foreign exchange reserves by <strong>the</strong> former,whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong>y result in marketable claims on <strong>the</strong> latter. Still <strong>the</strong>rewas little growth in <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial reserves <strong>of</strong> industrial surplus countries asexchange rates were allowed to rise to dampen inflows <strong>of</strong> funds. Specifically,<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries whose currencies appreciated against <strong>the</strong> dollar, Canada,Germany, and Switzerland had approximately <strong>the</strong> same amount <strong>of</strong> reservesat <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 as at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong>1973, and only a few <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries with depreciating currencies, mostnotably Japan, lost reserves.The pattern <strong>of</strong> reserve movements suggests a change in central bankbehavior compared to <strong>the</strong> period prior to 1973, but a number <strong>of</strong> countrieshave continued to influence movements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir exchange rate throughindirect forms <strong>of</strong> intervention in 1974. To slow <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> its franc,201


Switzerland discouraged interest payments on nonresident deposits andmaintained higher reserve requirements on nonresident than on residentdeposits. In October, Switzerland lifted <strong>the</strong> interest ban but soon afterwardsimposed taxes at <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> 3 percent per quarter on nonresident deposits inexcess <strong>of</strong> normal working balances, in order to discourage <strong>the</strong> inflow <strong>of</strong> funds.O<strong>the</strong>r countries, however, discouraged capital outflows. For instance, Francetook steps to reduce franc loans to nonresidents, and Japan required <strong>the</strong> sale<strong>of</strong> private dollar holdings to <strong>the</strong> central bank for use in foreign exchangeintervention. Among <strong>the</strong> deficit countries, only Italy imposed direct restrictionsaffecting international trade and payments when it imposed a 50 percentdeposit requirement on most categories <strong>of</strong> imports in May 1974.For short periods during 1974 disturbances originating in <strong>the</strong> privatemarket prevented foreign exchange markets from functioning efficiently.When daily fluctuations in exchange rates become large, and severe lossesby various market participants add to <strong>the</strong> uncertainty, broad participationin <strong>the</strong> exchange markets may be discouraged and <strong>the</strong> fulfillment <strong>of</strong> contractsmay become less certain. Risk premiums were raised by <strong>the</strong> failure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>German Herstatt bank in June 1974 and <strong>the</strong> disclosure that large losses fromprivate exchange trading had occurred, involving a number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r institutionsnot only in Germany but also in Switzerland, Britain, Italy, and <strong>the</strong>United States. Banks were less willing to take foreign exchange positions;and <strong>of</strong>ficial efforts to discourage participation even fur<strong>the</strong>r—for instance inGermany—made <strong>the</strong> markets thinner. Under such conditions markets areless efficient in smoothing out temporary imbalances in spot <strong>of</strong>ferings or incontracts for future delivery, bid-ask spreads are likely to widen, and hence<strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> financing international trade may rise.On <strong>the</strong> whole, however, <strong>the</strong> fact that a number <strong>of</strong> important exchangerates were no longer fixed brought several distinct advantages. With n<strong>of</strong>ormal commitments about exchange rates or margins, <strong>the</strong> authorities havemuch more flexibility in dealing with speculative exchange pressures. Thatis, those interested in shifting funds from one currency to ano<strong>the</strong>r can nolonger make massive purchases or sales <strong>of</strong> foreign currencies at set pricesin a short period and count on <strong>the</strong> country's monetary authorities' beingcommitted to meeting exchange demands without allowing <strong>the</strong> rate tomove, as was <strong>the</strong> case in earlier years. Ra<strong>the</strong>r, authorities can let <strong>the</strong>ir ratesadjust to eliminate exchange rate imbalances.The new system has also enabled countries to manage <strong>the</strong>ir money supplywith a greater degree <strong>of</strong> independence. Prior to <strong>the</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> generalizedfloating <strong>the</strong>re were periodic complaints, particularly from some Europeancountries, that efforts to achieve domestic monetary policy objectives werebeing overwhelmed by movements in dollar reserves occasioned by <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficialintervention required to maintain <strong>the</strong> exchange rates. The system <strong>of</strong>quasi-fixed exchange rates still existed among <strong>the</strong> major trading countriesat that time; and when <strong>the</strong> dollar came under pressure, foreign central banksfound it difficult to <strong>of</strong>fset <strong>the</strong> growth in domestic bank reserves resulting202


from <strong>the</strong>ir dollar purchases. It was <strong>the</strong>refore argued that inflation was transmittedbetween countries by reserve asset acquisitions on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surpluscountries causing <strong>the</strong>ir rates <strong>of</strong> monetary growth to rise while moneysupply growth was not allowed to fall symmetrically in <strong>the</strong> deficit countries.Yet around $30 billion, or over 40 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollars held by foreign <strong>of</strong>ficialagencies at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> March 1973, were acquired after <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong>1971, when <strong>the</strong> convertibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar into gold had already been suspended.In <strong>the</strong> interim, many countries appeared disinclined to have <strong>the</strong>ircurrencies appreciate relative to <strong>the</strong> dollar, thus revealing more concernabout promoting exports than avoiding <strong>the</strong> inflationary consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>dollar inflows.Since March 1973, changes in <strong>of</strong>ficial reserve holdings have shown noconsistent relation to changes in <strong>the</strong> monetary base <strong>of</strong> most countries, and<strong>of</strong>ficial intervention has been entirely discretionary. Hence, even if internationalreserve flows might have raised <strong>the</strong> monetary rates <strong>of</strong> growth morethan some countries desired during <strong>the</strong> period <strong>of</strong> fixed exchange rates, <strong>the</strong>ycannot have had this effect since that time unless countries chose to makeexchange rate objectives paramount.RECENT EXCHANGE RATE DEVELOPMENTSForeign central banks as a group ceased to observe formal interventionlimits against <strong>the</strong> dollar after <strong>the</strong> international currency exchanges reopenedon March 19, 1973, and <strong>the</strong> dollar declined soon afterwards. After fallingthrough <strong>the</strong> first week <strong>of</strong> July, <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar increased in terms <strong>of</strong>most foreign currencies through August and <strong>the</strong>n changed little throughOctober.With <strong>the</strong> cutback in oil supplies by <strong>the</strong> OPEC, <strong>the</strong> dollar soon streng<strong>the</strong>nedrelative to all major European currencies and <strong>the</strong> yen, since it was knownthat <strong>the</strong> United States was far less dependent on imported oil than WesternEurope or Japan. Not only was <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil price increase on <strong>the</strong>U.S. trade balance and <strong>the</strong> domestic rate <strong>of</strong> inflation initially expected to beless, but it was widely anticipated abroad that a major share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> additionalOPEC revenues would eventually be reinvested in <strong>the</strong> United States. Thismarket assessment prompted a strong movement <strong>of</strong> short-term funds into<strong>the</strong> dollar and out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major European currencies and <strong>the</strong> yen. Eventhough foreign central banks sold dollars to moderate <strong>the</strong> decline in <strong>the</strong>ircurrencies, by mid-January <strong>the</strong> dollar prices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German mark and <strong>the</strong>Swiss franc had fallen roughly 20 percent from <strong>the</strong>ir peak levels <strong>of</strong> early July1973. O<strong>the</strong>r major currencies had also declined sharply, and both <strong>the</strong> Britishpound and <strong>the</strong> Japanese yen were about 15 percent lower. Only <strong>the</strong> Canadiandollar remained approximately unchanged against <strong>the</strong> U.S. dollar.The streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar did not continue past January 1974, becauseboth <strong>the</strong> arrangement <strong>of</strong> substantial Eurocurrency loans to finance paymentsimbalances and <strong>the</strong> ending <strong>of</strong> capital controls by <strong>the</strong> United Statesbegan to depress <strong>the</strong> exchange value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar. During <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong>203


1974 <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation remained considerably lower in both Germanyand <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands than in <strong>the</strong> United States; and <strong>the</strong> trade surplus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>secountries continued while <strong>the</strong> U.S. trade balance registered increasinglylarge deficits. The German mark, <strong>the</strong> Dutch guilder, and <strong>the</strong> Belgian andSwiss francs appreciated by about 14 percent against <strong>the</strong> dollar from mid-January to mid-May.During <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar rose on balance interms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> currencies <strong>of</strong> France, Italy, and Japan, because <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>dollar in late spring and early summer more than <strong>of</strong>fset any earlier decline.The trade balances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se countries had deteriorated abruptly after <strong>the</strong>turn <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, and inflation was much higher than in <strong>the</strong> United States. Inspite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> high rates <strong>of</strong> inflation prevailing in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom, <strong>the</strong>pound sterling rate deviated from this pattern because <strong>of</strong> unusually highshort- and long-term interest rates in London and because <strong>the</strong> oil companieshad expanding needs for sterling to meet tax and royalty payments to oilexportingcountries.Around <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong> United States and France were implementingsome measures to reduce domestic rates <strong>of</strong> monetary growth in <strong>the</strong>hope <strong>of</strong> eventually lowering <strong>the</strong>ir rates <strong>of</strong> inflation, while o<strong>the</strong>r countries,particularly Germany, began to shift to more expansionary fiscal policies tocombat rising unemployment. The French trade deficit fell and <strong>the</strong> Germansurplus declined, but <strong>the</strong> U.S. deficit grew little from <strong>the</strong> second to <strong>the</strong>third quarter. With interest rates reaching record levels in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates, <strong>the</strong> dollar steadied or rose against all major currencies except <strong>the</strong>French and Swiss francs.During <strong>the</strong> last quarter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, however, <strong>the</strong> dollar again declinedagainst most currencies. The German mark recovered to its previous peakreached in May 1974, <strong>the</strong> French franc continued to rise, <strong>the</strong> Italianlira and British pound appreciated slightly, and only <strong>the</strong> Japanese yencontinued to decline. Toward <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong> pound was jolted,but only temporarily, when Saudi Arabia announced that it would abandonits practice <strong>of</strong> taking about 25 percent <strong>of</strong> its oil payments in sterling. Theeffect <strong>of</strong> this statement was soon s<strong>of</strong>tened, however, by <strong>the</strong> Saudi announcementthat it planned to continue investing in <strong>the</strong> London market. In addition,<strong>the</strong> Swiss franc rose sharply, by about 17 percent, during <strong>the</strong> fourthquarter.Chart 11 shows that for <strong>the</strong> year as a whole <strong>the</strong> dollar depreciated against<strong>the</strong> German mark and <strong>the</strong> French franc, while it remained approximatelyunchanged against <strong>the</strong> British pound and appreciated against <strong>the</strong> Japaneseyen. These movements were far from steady, however, during <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> year. The Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury's index <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> change in <strong>the</strong> value<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. dollar in terms <strong>of</strong> a trade-weighted basket <strong>of</strong> 22 foreign currenciesindicates that <strong>the</strong> average value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar declined from <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong>January to May 1974; it <strong>the</strong>n recovered most <strong>of</strong> its earlier losses before slippingagain in <strong>the</strong> fourth quarter. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong> Treasury index204


Chart 11Change in <strong>the</strong> Value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. DollarRelative to Selected Foreign CurrenciesPERCENT CHANGE FROM MARCH 20, 197320JAPANESE YENTRADE-WEIGHTED AVERAGEVALUE OF THE DOLLAR*-20 I I i i i I i i i I I i i I i i i 1 i I i I 1 I I i 1 I i i i I i I I I I I i 1 i I I I I i i i I i I IJAN. FEB. MAR. APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC1974•RELATIVE TO THE 22 OECD CURRENCIES; COMPUTED BY DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.NOTE: FOR INDIVIDUAL CURRENCIES, WEDNESDAY PRICES WERE USED. FOR TRADE-WEIGHTED INDEX,THURSDAY PRICES WERE USED UNTIL JULY 17; THEREAFTER WEDNESDAY PRICES WERE USED.SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.shows <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar to have been about <strong>the</strong> same as on March 20,1973, just after <strong>the</strong> system <strong>of</strong> managed floating had come into full operation.CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL RESERVESFrom September 1973 through <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> March 1974, total internationalreserves grew very little; <strong>the</strong>y subsequently increased by $22.5 billion from<strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> March to <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> September (Table 47). All but $3.1 billion<strong>of</strong> this increase accrued to <strong>the</strong> OPEC countries, mostly in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> increasedforeign exchange reserves held outside <strong>the</strong> United States. Thus, while<strong>the</strong> OPEC countries held a stable 7 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world's reserves fromMarch through September 1973, <strong>the</strong>ir holdings had increased to 10 percentby <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> March 1974 and to 18 percent by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> September 1974.The shift was mainly at <strong>the</strong> expense <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industrial countries, whose share205563-280 O - 75 - 14


TABLE 47.—Composition and distribution <strong>of</strong> international reserve assets, selected months, 1973-74Type <strong>of</strong> reserve assetMarch1973Value <strong>of</strong> reserve assets(billions <strong>of</strong> U.S. dollars) iSeptember1973March1974September1974March1973Percent <strong>of</strong> total reserveassetsSeptember1973March1974September1974All countries: 2Total reserve assetsGold stockSDRReserve position in IMFForeign exchangeU.S. liabilities179.243.210.57.5118.071.3187.643.210.67.5126.369.8187 843.110.67.5126.565.5210.342.410.59.0148.372.510024646640100236467371002364673510020547134OPEC countries: 3Total reserve assetsGold stockSDRReserve position in IMFForeign exchange11.91.4.4.39.813.21.4.4.411.019.01.4.4.416.838.41.4i!o35.61001233821001133841008228810041393Industrial countries: 4Total reserve assetsGold stockSDR.Reserve position in IMFForeign exchange120.835.97.95.771.3121.235.98.05.671.8113 535.98.05.464.2117 935.38.06.667.910030755910030755910032755710030658O<strong>the</strong>r countries: 5Total reserve assetsGold stockSDRReserve position in IMFForeign exchange.. .46.65.82.21.536.953.15.82.31.643.455.35.72.31.745.653.95.72.11.444.81001353791001143821001043821001143831 End <strong>of</strong> period.2 Total <strong>of</strong> groups <strong>of</strong> countries listed in this table. Excludes Communist countries except Yugoslavia.3 Algeria, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Qatar and <strong>the</strong> UnitedArab Emirates are not included because <strong>the</strong> IMF does not publish data for <strong>the</strong>se countries.4 United States, Canada, Japan, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and all EEC countries except Ireland.8 Nonindustrial countries o<strong>the</strong>r than OPEC countries.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF).<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> enlarged global reserves declined from 65 to 56 percent although <strong>the</strong>dollar value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir reserves did not decline significantly. The share heldby <strong>the</strong> nonindustrial countries outside OPEC fell from 28 to 26 percent.Globally, <strong>the</strong> liabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States and Britain to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficialinstitutions have risen little since March 1973, but <strong>of</strong>ficial holdings by <strong>the</strong>OPEC countries both in <strong>the</strong> United States and in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom, aswell as holdings in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> Eurodollar and o<strong>the</strong>r Eurocurrency claims onprivate foreigners, have risen rapidly. This increase accounted for most <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> growth in international reserves in <strong>the</strong> second and third quarters <strong>of</strong>1974, and it changed <strong>the</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> reserves substantially as <strong>the</strong> share<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial claims on private institutions increased relative to claims on o<strong>the</strong>r<strong>of</strong>ficial institutions, including <strong>the</strong> IMF.Ano<strong>the</strong>r shift in <strong>the</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> international reserves could occur in1975 if <strong>the</strong> quantity or valuation <strong>of</strong> monetary gold holdings were tochange. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> September 1974 <strong>the</strong> industrial countries still owned83 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world's stock <strong>of</strong> monetary gold. The price <strong>of</strong> gold in <strong>the</strong>206


free market has been subject to large fluctuations. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong>London price per ounce was $186*/2 as compared with $112^4 at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong>1973. Compared to alternative forms in which international reserves can beheld, however, gold yields no interest, nor has it yielded liquidity services inrecent years. When <strong>the</strong> two-tier gold system was adopted in March 1968,central banks agreed to refrain from buying or selling gold in <strong>the</strong> privatemarket. Nei<strong>the</strong>r has it been used in <strong>of</strong>ficial settlements since <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficialaccounting price fell to a fraction <strong>of</strong> its free-market price. From February1973 through June 1974, monetary gold was valued at $42.22 per ounce,while <strong>the</strong> free-market price was three to four times as high. No significantchanges occurred in <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> gold reserves from <strong>the</strong> time thatconvertibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. dollar into gold was suspended <strong>of</strong>ficially onAugust 15, 1971, until <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974.Several steps have been taken to help countries mobilize <strong>the</strong>ir goldholdings to assist in financing balance <strong>of</strong> payments deficits. Termination<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1968 two-tier gold agreement in November 1973 permitted countriesto sell gold on <strong>the</strong> private market, although <strong>of</strong>ficial purchases <strong>of</strong>gold at prices above <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial price <strong>of</strong> 35 SDR per ounce continued tobe prohibited by <strong>the</strong> IMF. In June, 10 major industrial countries agreedin principle that gold could be used as collateral for international borrowingat a price to be determined by <strong>the</strong> borrower and <strong>the</strong> lender. Soonafterwards, Germany extended a $2-billion loan to Italy that was backedby gold valued at approximately $120 per ounce. Later in <strong>the</strong> year somecountries discussed <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> valuing monetary gold at market prices,and France indicated that it planned to do so early in 1975. Also in January1975, <strong>the</strong> United States sold a small amount <strong>of</strong> its monetary gold toprivate purchasers to satisfy demand that might have materialized afterremoval <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prohibition against private ownership <strong>of</strong> gold bullion, whichhad been in effect since 1934. Never<strong>the</strong>less, both <strong>the</strong> transactions value and<strong>the</strong> effective liquidity <strong>of</strong> gold in international reserves remained uncertainat <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1975.From <strong>the</strong>ir inception <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> special drawing rights has beenset at one ounce <strong>of</strong> gold equals 35 SDR's. From January 1970 through June1974, <strong>the</strong> conversion <strong>of</strong> SDR's into dollars was made at <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial U.S.price <strong>of</strong> gold. When this <strong>of</strong>ficial price was raised from $35 to $38 perounce as <strong>of</strong> December 1971, <strong>the</strong> transactions value <strong>of</strong> 1 SDR <strong>the</strong>reforerose from par with <strong>the</strong> dollar to $1.0857, and it rose to $1.20635 after <strong>the</strong><strong>of</strong>ficial price <strong>of</strong> gold had been raised to $42.22 per ounce in February 1973.In order to enhance <strong>the</strong> transferability <strong>of</strong> SDR's and to move away fromexclusive reliance on <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial dollar price <strong>of</strong> gold in determining <strong>the</strong>value <strong>of</strong> SDR's, <strong>the</strong> IMF decided to widen <strong>the</strong> base for calculating <strong>the</strong>transactions value <strong>of</strong> SDR's by including currencies o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> dollarafter July 1, 1974. Since that date, <strong>the</strong> currencies <strong>of</strong> 16 IMF member countrieswhose export trade amounted to more than 1 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world207


total in <strong>the</strong> 5-year period from 1968 through 1972 have entered into <strong>the</strong>"standard basket" valuation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SDR. Countries whose currencies appreciateagainst <strong>the</strong> dollar consequently no longer find that <strong>the</strong> domestic bookvalue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir SDR holdings with <strong>the</strong> IMF is reduced regardless <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong>ir currencies depreciate against third currencies that are now included in<strong>the</strong> standard basket. The relative weight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se currencies in <strong>the</strong> basket isproportional to each country's share in <strong>the</strong> world's total exports, but withsome modification. Weights do compensate for <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> exportsdoes not always accurately measure <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> some currenciesin <strong>the</strong> w r orld economy. This applies particularly to <strong>the</strong> dollar, whose shareis set at 33 percent. However, <strong>the</strong> standard basket valuation techniqueadopted in July 1974 represents only an interim agreement without prejudiceto a new system <strong>of</strong> SDR valuation that may be negotiated in 1975.U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN 1974The impact <strong>of</strong> world inflation, recession, and oil-related financing on flows<strong>of</strong> trade and capital was reflected in <strong>the</strong> international accounts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates in 1974. The physical volume <strong>of</strong> U.S. exports grew less than in<strong>the</strong> previous year because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> slowdown in economic growth in manyforeign countries. Higher import prices, particularly for oil, led to a sharplyhigher value <strong>of</strong> U.S. imports despite a slightly decreased physical volume.These trends combined to push <strong>the</strong> merchandise trade account into deficitin 1974, after a surplus in 1973. In <strong>the</strong> monetary arena, <strong>the</strong> U.S. financialsystem was called upon to play a major role as intermediary, since U.S.capital markets were an important depository <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil revenues which<strong>the</strong> foreign producers could not spend on imports from oil-consumingnations.Merchandise TradeThe increasing deficit in <strong>the</strong> trade account during 1974 came after astreng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. trade position in <strong>the</strong> previous year. Cumulativedepreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar, combined with special factors such as shortfalls inforeign crop production and domestic price controls, produced a trade surplusin 1973. This surplus declined in January and February <strong>of</strong> 1974, and inMarch <strong>the</strong> United States registered <strong>the</strong> first deficit since June 1973.During <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> United States imported $4.3billion more than it exported, and by <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>the</strong> quarterly tradedeficit had risen to $2.6 billion. Although both imports and exports rosein current dollars, price increases were greater for <strong>the</strong> imported goodsthan for exports. As indicated in Table 48, from <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong>1973 to <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974, <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> all merchandise exportsgrew 42 percent, and <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> imports 48 percent. The more rapidgrowth in <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> imports is attributable largely to <strong>the</strong> sharp rise in<strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> imported oil; <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> all o<strong>the</strong>r imports increased only 24percent during <strong>the</strong> year. The effect <strong>of</strong> higher oil prices is reflected in <strong>the</strong> 17208


percent decline in <strong>the</strong> U.S. terms <strong>of</strong> trade from <strong>the</strong> pre-embargo thirdquarter <strong>of</strong> 1973 to <strong>the</strong> third quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974.Table 48 also presents percentage changes in trade volume. The volume<strong>of</strong> exports was 11 percent greater in <strong>the</strong> first 9 months <strong>of</strong> 1974 than in <strong>the</strong>same period in 1973. While <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> increase was less than in <strong>the</strong> precedingyear, it was still remarkably high in view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weakening world economy.Imports in constant dollars actually declined 1 percent in response toboth <strong>the</strong> general decline in U.S. demand and <strong>the</strong> higher relative prices <strong>of</strong>imported goods.TABLE 48.—U.S. merchandise trade by principal end use categories, 1973-74CategoryValue 1st 9 months1974 (billions <strong>of</strong>dollars)»ExportsImportsPercent change, 1st 9 months 1973 to1st 9 months 19742:ExportsValueImportsExportsVolumeImportsTotal.71.075.348-1Agricultural goodsNonagricultural goods.Foods, feeds, and beverages..Industrial suppliesPetroleum and products...Capital goods, except autos..Automobiles and partsConsumer goodsAllo<strong>the</strong>r16.754.313.822.6.621.55.84.72.67.867.48.038.418.87.08.911.02.02851229525023171235-61710-19211429-30-2-4-3109-101 Seasonally adjusted; detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.2 Based on seasonally adjusted data.Note.—Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census trade data have been reconciled to balance <strong>of</strong> payments basis.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census and Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis).Considering <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> exports by major categories, agricultural itemsrose, but solely because <strong>of</strong> higher prices. World production <strong>of</strong> grains during1974 declined for <strong>the</strong> second time in 3 years, reducing <strong>the</strong> availablesupply and driving up <strong>the</strong> price. The major food-exporting countries suffereddeclines in output. The shortfall in <strong>the</strong> United States—where lateplanting, summer drought, and early frost led to a 20 percent decline infeed grain production—had a major impact on world prices.Exports <strong>of</strong> industrial materials, particularly coal, paper, and steel,remained strong throughout <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 despite <strong>the</strong> worldwideslowdown in economic growth. Exports <strong>of</strong> capital goods remainedespecially strong in <strong>the</strong> first 9 months <strong>of</strong> 1974; sales in this category weresustained by a continued demand from abroad for specialized equipmentsuch as computers and machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture,and communications.Imports were influenced by many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same factors as exports, particularlyby higher prices. Oil was <strong>the</strong> major cause <strong>of</strong> increases in import value,although volume in this commodity declined 3 percent. Despite <strong>the</strong> weakeningU.S. economy, strong demand for capital goods throughout <strong>the</strong> first 3209


quarters resulted in a 10 percent volume increase in this category comparedto <strong>the</strong> same period <strong>the</strong> year before.ServicesInvestment income, <strong>the</strong> major component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> services account, rosein <strong>the</strong> first 9 months <strong>of</strong> 1974 compared to <strong>the</strong> same period a year earlier.Higher earnings among foreign affiliates <strong>of</strong> U.S. oil companies accountedfor most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rise, but this effect was partially <strong>of</strong>fset by <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong>foreign takeovers on <strong>the</strong> U.S. capital account. Interest income from loans t<strong>of</strong>oreign borrowers increased because <strong>of</strong> higher U.S. rates and larger loanvolume, but this effect too was countered by higher rates abroad and by <strong>the</strong>increase in U.S. liabilities to foreigners.Long-Term Private Capital FlowsThe net outflow <strong>of</strong> total long-term capital was $0.5 billion in <strong>the</strong> first9 months <strong>of</strong> 1974, compared to an inflow <strong>of</strong> $0.8 billion in <strong>the</strong> same perioda year earlier.TABLE 49.—U.S. balance <strong>of</strong> payments transactions, 1973-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; seasonally adjusted]Goods*..Services *__Type <strong>of</strong> transactionMilitary transactionsInvestment income 2O<strong>the</strong>r 3GOODS AND SERVICES.Unilateral transfers, net 4CURRENT ACCOUNTLong-term capital_U.S. Government 5Direct investmentO<strong>the</strong>r privateCURRENT ACCOUNT and LONG-TERMCAPITALNonliquid short-term private capital, netErrors and omissionsNET LIQUIDITY BALANCELiquid private capital, net . . .OFFICIAL RESERVE TRANSACTIONS BALANCE.Financed by:Liabilities to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficial agenciesU.S. <strong>of</strong>ficial reserve assetsFirst 3 quarters1973-0.72.3-2.13.9.61.6-2.7-1 1.8-.7-1.73.2-.3-3.0-3.4-6.7-1.2-8.07.71974-4.36.6-1.67.11 i2.4-6.1-3.7—.51.9-1.2-1 2-4.3-11.13.6-11.77.9-3.85.4-1.6-2.6 -.8 4.9 1.3.0 -.24 -1.019741973I W1.21.51-0.13.0II-1.61.4III-2.62.2-.1 -.5-.51.4 3.1 2.2343.52.7-1.21.6—2.32.9-3.0-.11.8-.2-1.9-2.1—.4-.3-1.2-1.6-2.0-.9 1.3 .6.0-.7.7 .2 -2.0- 8 _ l -1.1.0—.7-1.31.1-.93.52.71.8-4.01.1-1.12.11.0-2.5-5.41.7-6.21.7-4.5-3.6-1.7.8-4.54.1-.31 Excludes military grants <strong>of</strong> goods and services.2 Excludes direct investment fees and royalties, included under o<strong>the</strong>r.3 Includes travel and transportation and o<strong>the</strong>r services, net.4 Excludes transfers under military grants.6 Excludes <strong>of</strong>ficial reserve transactions and includes transactions in some short-term U.S. Government assets.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.210


Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> turnaround represents reductions in purchases <strong>of</strong> U.S. stocksand bonds by foreign investors, traceable to <strong>the</strong> poor outlook for stock andbond prices during much <strong>of</strong> 1974. Although foreign purchases <strong>of</strong> U.S.equities declined, foreign direct investment in <strong>the</strong> United States increased;takeovers involving U.S. corporations engaged in petroleum operationsabroad accounted for much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> increase. There was also a substantial risein U.S. residents' purchases <strong>of</strong> foreign securities, primarily bonds issued byCanada. Despite <strong>the</strong> January 1974 removal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interest Equalization Tax,purchases <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r foreign securities showed little change from 1973. Bankloans to foreigners reflected <strong>the</strong> greater demand for credit to finance higheroil bills, and <strong>the</strong>y contributed to <strong>the</strong> outflow <strong>of</strong> long-term capital.Short-Term Private Capital FlowsDuring 1974 <strong>the</strong>re were substantial inflows <strong>of</strong> private capital into readilymarketable assets. At <strong>the</strong> same time, large outflows <strong>of</strong> short-term capital tookplace in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> bank loans and acceptance credits. Net nonliquid shorttermprivate capital outflow was $11.1 billion in <strong>the</strong> first 9 months <strong>of</strong> 1974,$8.1 billion more than in 1973. Nonliquid claims on foreigners increasedsharply in <strong>the</strong> first 2 quarters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, but <strong>the</strong> increase was reduced in<strong>the</strong> third quarter. The large outflow in <strong>the</strong> first part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year was a reflection<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> restrictions on foreign lending by U.S. banks inJanuary 1974. The diminished outflow later in <strong>the</strong> year may be attributableto higher U.S. interest rates.Official Capital FlowsOfficial agencies <strong>of</strong> foreign governments purchased $5.4 billion <strong>of</strong> U.S.assets during <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974. Since OPEC government purchasesduring <strong>the</strong> period are estimated at $7.2 billion, liabilities to <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r nations declined during this time by $1.8 billion. The preferencefor U.S. dollar reserves revealed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies <strong>of</strong> oil-exportingcountries has implications for <strong>the</strong> U.S. balance <strong>of</strong> payments measures discussedbelow.The Net Asset Position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United StatesFigures compiled during 1974 indicate that U.S. net assets increased during1973 by $11.8 billion, after declining $6.4 billion in 1972 and $11.5 billionin 1971. The value <strong>of</strong> U.S. assets abroad at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973 was $226billion, compared to $163 billion in U.S. liabilities to foreigners.The net asset position is affected not merely by balance <strong>of</strong> payments transactions,but also by factors not included in <strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> payments accounts.For instance, earnings reinvested by U.S. firms abroad (less earnings reinvestedby foreign firms in <strong>the</strong> United States) added more than $7 billion to<strong>the</strong> net asset position during 1973. Adjustments for price changes in <strong>the</strong>foreign securities held by U.S. residents and in <strong>the</strong> U.S. securities held byforeign residents also affect <strong>the</strong> net asset position. Data on reinvested earningsand valuation adjustments for 1974 are not yet available.211


THE BALANCESUnder <strong>the</strong> regime <strong>of</strong> fixed exchange rates, foreign monetary authoritieswere required to intervene in foreign exchange markets to maintain <strong>the</strong>value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir currency within a narrow band. A deficit in <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial reservetransactions balance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>the</strong>n indicated that foreign centralbanks had purchased dollars, because at <strong>the</strong> parity rates (plus or minus anarrow margin) <strong>the</strong> private demand for dollar holdings by foreigners hadbeen less than <strong>the</strong> available supply. The accumulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se assets byforeign monetary authorities was taken as a gauge <strong>of</strong> pressure on <strong>the</strong> dollarin foreign exchange markets.The net liquidity balance, which takes into account <strong>the</strong> net change inliquid liabilities to private parties as well as to <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies in o<strong>the</strong>rcountries, was designed as a broader indicator <strong>of</strong> potential as well as actualpressures on <strong>the</strong> U.S. currency.The trend toward flexible exchange rates has made <strong>the</strong>se two measures <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> balance <strong>of</strong> payments unsuitable for analyzing exchange rate pressures.Since intervention has become discretionary, pressures on exchange rates arein large part allowed to move <strong>the</strong> exchange rates instead <strong>of</strong> being reflectedin reserve movements. While <strong>of</strong>ficial intervention under managed floating canbe used to dampen exchange rate fluctuations, <strong>the</strong> balances do not serve asacceptable indicators even <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se limited actions to remove pressure.Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> huge surplus <strong>of</strong> investable funds accruing to <strong>the</strong> oilexportingcountries, a large negative shift in <strong>the</strong> U.S. <strong>of</strong>ficial reserve transactionsbalance can now result on account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> preference <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil-exportingcountries for placing <strong>the</strong>ir funds in <strong>the</strong> United States. Moreover, <strong>the</strong> netliquidity balance is far less significant than under <strong>the</strong> regime <strong>of</strong> fixedexchange rates, since <strong>the</strong> foreign central banks are not obligated to acquiredollars from private holders. Finally, <strong>the</strong> distinctions between liquid andnonliquid assets and liabilities and between private and <strong>of</strong>ficial foreign exchangeassets have become increasingly blurred.Thus, reliance on <strong>the</strong>se balances could lead to serious analytical misjudgments.The question <strong>of</strong> how <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>of</strong> our balance <strong>of</strong> paymentsdata can be made more useful is currently under review.SUPPLEMENTThe Eurocurrency and Eurodollar MarketsThe discussion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> international financial aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> "energy crisis"brought into public focus <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market as an important channel formoving funds from <strong>the</strong> oil-exporting countries to borrowers. The recycling<strong>of</strong> "petro-dollars" has been merely one <strong>of</strong> many functions performed by <strong>the</strong>Eurodollar market over <strong>the</strong> years <strong>of</strong> its existence.212


The Eurodollar market, as such, has no specific location. Its physicaldimension is a network <strong>of</strong> international telecommunications media whichlink financial centers around <strong>the</strong> world and through which Eurodollartransactions are conducted. Eurodollars are dollar-denominated claims oncommerical banks located outside <strong>the</strong> United States, largely but not exclusivelyin Europe. They are dollar funds placed with foreign banks by ei<strong>the</strong>rU.S. or foreign residents, and maintained on <strong>the</strong> books <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se banks asdollar-denominated liabilities to <strong>the</strong> depositors. Dollars deposited with <strong>the</strong>foreign banks may be in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> U.S. currency, but <strong>the</strong>y seldom are. Invirtually all instances, <strong>the</strong>y are dollars held on deposit in U.S. banks. In establishinga Eurodollar deposit, <strong>the</strong> depositor, in effect, transfers <strong>the</strong> ownership<strong>of</strong> his deposit in a U.S. bank to <strong>the</strong> receiving foreign bank. When <strong>the</strong> foreignbank lends <strong>the</strong>se dollars, it transfers <strong>the</strong>ir ownership to <strong>the</strong> borrower. Finally,when <strong>the</strong> original depositor "withdraws" <strong>the</strong> deposit, he in effect exchanges<strong>the</strong> dollar-denominated claim on <strong>the</strong> foreign bank for a dollar-denominatedclaim on a U.S. bank.Eurodollars, while by far <strong>the</strong> largest, are merely one <strong>of</strong> several types <strong>of</strong>foreign-currency denominated deposits maintained by commercial banksaround <strong>the</strong> world in currencies o<strong>the</strong>r than that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country where <strong>the</strong>bank is located. Deposits denominated in British pounds (Eurosterling),German marks (Euromarks), Swiss francs (Eur<strong>of</strong>rancs), and o<strong>the</strong>rs are alsoheld and traded by banks domiciled outside <strong>the</strong> countries issuing <strong>the</strong>securrencies.The emergence and growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market may be viewed as aclassic example <strong>of</strong> free market forces at work, overcoming obstacles createdby regulations, and responding to market incentives to accommodate variousneeds. After World War II, when <strong>the</strong> dollar emerged as <strong>the</strong> major tradingcurrency, <strong>the</strong> initial impetus to <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market wasgiven by certain Eastern European countries. Anxious to hold dollars t<strong>of</strong>inance <strong>the</strong>ir badly needed imports from <strong>the</strong> West, but concerned that <strong>the</strong>irdollar balances might be blocked or confiscated in retaliation for <strong>the</strong>ir expropriation<strong>of</strong> American-owned properties if such balances were held inbanks under U.S. Government jurisdiction, <strong>the</strong>se countries began placing<strong>the</strong>ir dollar balances with commercial banks in Western Europe. Since <strong>the</strong>late fifties, when most major countries removed restrictions on <strong>the</strong> holding<strong>of</strong> foreign exchange (including dollars) by <strong>the</strong>ir residents, higher interestrates <strong>of</strong>fered by foreign banks, relative to interest rates <strong>of</strong>fered by <strong>the</strong> U.S.banks, provided <strong>the</strong> main incentive for holders <strong>of</strong> dollar funds to place <strong>the</strong>sewith foreign banks ra<strong>the</strong>r than banks located in <strong>the</strong> United States.The ability and willingness <strong>of</strong> foreign banks to <strong>of</strong>fer a more attractivereturn than U.S. banks has been predicated on several factors. The U.S. bankingauthorities do not allow commercial banks in <strong>the</strong> United States to payinterest on deposits <strong>of</strong> less than 30 days, and <strong>the</strong>y regulate <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> interestthat may be paid on deposits <strong>of</strong> longer maturity. Commercial banks abroad213


are mostly exempt from such restrictions. Also, unlike U.S. banks, commercialbanks in countries where <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market has been <strong>the</strong>most spectacular are not subject to reserve requirements on <strong>the</strong>ir dollardenominatedliabilities. As a result, <strong>the</strong> net cost <strong>of</strong> such funds to <strong>the</strong>se banks isreduced, and <strong>the</strong>y can <strong>of</strong>fer a higher yield. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong>willingness <strong>of</strong> foreign banks to <strong>of</strong>fer a higher return has been predicated on<strong>the</strong> strong demand for dollar loans that has not been fully met by <strong>the</strong> U.S.-based banks, particularly when such lending was impeded by <strong>the</strong> existence <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Voluntary Foreign Credit Restraint Program and <strong>the</strong> Interest EqualizationTax.Given <strong>the</strong>se constraints, <strong>the</strong> U.S.-based banks were able to compete fordollar deposits with foreign-based banks through foreign subsidiaries andbranches that were not subject to <strong>the</strong> same restraints as <strong>the</strong>ir parent institutionsin <strong>the</strong> United States. Through <strong>the</strong>se media, <strong>the</strong> U.S. banks havemaintained significant participation in <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market. The eliminationor suspension <strong>of</strong> certain U.S. regulations in 1970 and 1974 has removedmost <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> impediments to <strong>the</strong> direct participation <strong>of</strong> U.S. banks in <strong>the</strong>global trade in dollars. By this time, however, <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market hadacquired a momentum <strong>of</strong> its own that assured its continued existence foryears to come.MEASURING THE SIZE OF THE EURODOLLAR MARKETFor a number <strong>of</strong> years, <strong>the</strong> Bank for International Settlements (BIS) inBasle, Switzerland, has been providing <strong>the</strong> most comprehensive set <strong>of</strong> statisticson <strong>the</strong> Eurodollar market, based on reports <strong>of</strong> foreign-currency denominatedassets and liabilities <strong>of</strong> commercial banks in Belgium-Luxembourg,France, Germany, Italy, <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, Sweden, Switzerland, <strong>the</strong> UnitedKingdom, Canada, and Japan. The original reports include all foreigncurrencydenominated liabilities to residents (banks, individuals, and corporations)<strong>of</strong> countries o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> country in which <strong>the</strong> reporting bankis located, that is, all external liabilities. These totals are published as grossEurocurrency positions.Table 50 shows <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> external Eurocurrency liabilities by <strong>the</strong>individual reporting countries. For <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973, <strong>the</strong> BIS reported thattotal external liabilities in foreign currencies <strong>of</strong> banks in <strong>the</strong> reporting Europeancountries identified in <strong>the</strong> table amounted to $191 billion; roughly twothirds<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se liabilities were denominated in dollars.214


TABLE 50.—External liabilities denominated in foreign currencies <strong>of</strong> banks in selected countries,1970-73[Billions <strong>of</strong> U.S. dollars; end <strong>of</strong> period)Country1970197119721973Selected countries.<strong>Report</strong>ing European countries-Belgium-Luxembourg.France_.GermanyItalyNe<strong>the</strong>rlandsSwedenSwitzerlandUnited KingdomCanada.Japan...85.875.36.89.22.99.44.0.56.136.45.55.0110.897.910.513.93.112.44.9.66.545.96.36.6147.5131.914.819.24.018.86.4.78.559.88.17.5215.7191.424.027.25.824.19.6.99.290.711.512.8Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Bank for International Settlements.In addition to gross figures, <strong>the</strong> BIS publishes data on net Eurocurrencyliabilities. The net liability measure is an estimate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> creditoutstanding in <strong>the</strong> Eurocurrency market, after an adjustment to excludeinterbank deposits. Deposits by one Eurobank at ano<strong>the</strong>r are made for severalreasons. First, banks usually observe limits on loans to particular borrowersor markets. When limits are reached, many banks will lend to ano<strong>the</strong>r bankwhich wants to increase <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> loans to its nonbank borrowers. Asecond reason is that many banks whose lending is specialized by ei<strong>the</strong>rfunction or region will supply funds to ano<strong>the</strong>r intermediary for more generaloperations. The redepositing gives rise to double counting when <strong>the</strong>same funds pass through several banks on <strong>the</strong>ir way to final borrowers. Thepractice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BIS has been to net out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gross figure all interbank depositswithin <strong>the</strong> reporting area, on <strong>the</strong> assumption that <strong>the</strong>y result in duplicationalong <strong>the</strong> credit chain. Interbank deposits between this area and <strong>the</strong>areas not covered by <strong>the</strong> BIS reports, however, are assumed to derive fromactual credit flows initiated by nonbank market participants and carried outby <strong>the</strong> banking intermediaries. Thus, interbank deposits between banks within<strong>the</strong> European countries comprising <strong>the</strong> reporting area are excluded, whiledeposits <strong>of</strong> banks outside <strong>the</strong> area are included in <strong>the</strong> net measure. Also includedin <strong>the</strong> net measure are Eurocurrency liabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> area banks to<strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country in which <strong>the</strong> bank is located. On this net basis,<strong>the</strong> BIS had estimated <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurocurrency market at $132 billionin <strong>the</strong> reporting European countries at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973. Of that total <strong>the</strong>Eurodollar component was estimated at $97 billion.In recent years banks in o<strong>the</strong>r financial centers such as Singapore and<strong>the</strong> Bahamas sharply increased <strong>the</strong>ir Eurocurrency deposits. Data on <strong>the</strong>seliabilities are not included in <strong>the</strong> BIS figures. However, <strong>the</strong> Morgan Guaranty215


Trust Company <strong>of</strong> New York, utilizing published national banking statistics<strong>of</strong> various countries, has been compiling data on <strong>the</strong> world Eurocurrencymarket. According to <strong>the</strong>ir estimates, <strong>the</strong> gross foreign currency liabilities <strong>of</strong>banks around <strong>the</strong> world (including interbank deposits and foreign-currencydenominated liabilities to residents) amounted to $295 billion at <strong>the</strong> end<strong>of</strong> 1973. Of <strong>the</strong> world total, $215 billion were Eurodollar deposits; about$80 billion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se were held at foreign branches <strong>of</strong> U.S. banks. After anadjustment for double counting resulting from interbank deposits, <strong>the</strong> netsize <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world Eurocurrency market at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973 was estimatedby Morgan Guaranty at $155 billion, <strong>of</strong> which $115 billion consisted <strong>of</strong>liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars.In <strong>the</strong> first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> world Eurocurrency market expandedconsiderably. On a net basis it has been estimated that <strong>the</strong> deposits roseglobally by some $35 billion, from $155 billion at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1973 to $190billion at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> September 1974. A large portion <strong>of</strong> that increase apparentlytook place at banks in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom where gross Eurocurrencydeposits rose by $16 billion to $106 billion.Receiving foreign currency deposits and establishing foreign-currencydenominated liabilities is, <strong>of</strong> course, only one side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eurobanks' activities.Lending <strong>the</strong> funds received and establishing foreign-currency denominatedclaims represents <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir operations. The BIS also collectsand publishes data on <strong>the</strong> asset side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> balance sheet <strong>of</strong> Eurobanksfor <strong>the</strong> European countries comprising <strong>the</strong> reporting area. Table 51 shows<strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> such assets around <strong>the</strong> world.TABLE 51.—Foreign-currency denominated claims <strong>of</strong> banks in reporting European countries, 1973[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars »; end <strong>of</strong> 1973]Area and countryForeign-currency denominated claimsTotalDollarsAll o<strong>the</strong>rcurrenciesClaims on residents <strong>of</strong><strong>Report</strong>ing European countries 3106.667.339.3O<strong>the</strong>r areas81.366.514.8O<strong>the</strong>r Western Europe.Eastern EuropeCanadaJapanLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesO<strong>the</strong>r11.47.85.18.111.32.514.52\66.64.94.47.510.32.013.817.04.82.9.7(1.0.5.73.71 Foreign currencies expressed in billions <strong>of</strong> U.S. dollars.* Belgium-Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.Note.—Detail may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Source: Bank for International Settlements.216


Eurodollars are not included in <strong>the</strong> U.S. monetary aggregates (Mi, M 2 ,M 3 ); only dollars held by foreigners as currency or as deposits in U.S. bankinginstitutions are included. Indeed, Eurodollar deposits must first be "converted"into deposits in U.S. banks before <strong>the</strong>y can become means <strong>of</strong> paymentin <strong>the</strong> United States. In general, such "conversion" has no impact on<strong>the</strong> U.S. money supply. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, owners <strong>of</strong> Eurodollar depositsundoubtedly consider <strong>the</strong>m highly liquid dollar-denominated assets, andsome degree <strong>of</strong> arbitrariness inevitably enters into distinctions between suchassets and money.217


Appendix AINFLATION CONTROL UNDER THE ECONOMICSTABILIZATION ACT219


CONTENTSPageINFLATION CONTROL UNDER THE ECONOMIC STABILIZATIONACT 223THE CONTROLS PROGRAM IN 1974 224EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CONTROLS PROGRAM IN 1974 226List <strong>of</strong> TablesTablesA-l. Selected Exemptions <strong>of</strong> Industrial Sectors from Wage andPrice Controls, 1974 225A-2. Coverage <strong>of</strong> Price and Wage Controls Under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>Stabilization Program, Selected Dates During Phase IV. . 226A-3. Measures <strong>of</strong> Price and Wage Change During and After<strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Program 227221563-280 O - 75 - 15


Inflation Control Under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>Stabilization ActPublic Law 93-28, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Act Amendments<strong>of</strong> 1971, as amended, requires that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>include a section "describing <strong>the</strong> actions taken under this titleduring <strong>the</strong> preceding year and giving his assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> progressattained in achieving <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> this title." This appendix is intendedto fulfill that requirement. There is, however, no intent to represent<strong>the</strong> description <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> control regulations contained herein aslegally binding interpretations.Price and wage controls were administered by <strong>the</strong> Cost <strong>of</strong> LivingCouncil (CLC) under authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Act untilApril 30, 1974, when <strong>the</strong> act expired.* The Administration did not proposethat authority for mandatory controls be extended (except in <strong>the</strong>construction and health sectors), nor was <strong>the</strong>re substantial support in <strong>the</strong>Congress for extension. The Administration did propose, however, that Congressadopt legislation continuing certain functions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CLC, includingmonitoring <strong>of</strong> compliance by firms which had made commitments whenexempted from controls; review <strong>of</strong> Government and private actions whichmight inhibit <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> materials; working with labor and managementin sectors having special problems; conducting public hearings to highlightinflationary problems; focusing public attention on <strong>the</strong> need to increaseproductivity; and requiring business to report data relating to inflationaryfactors. At <strong>the</strong> request <strong>of</strong> <strong>President</strong> Ford, legislation was passed in August1974, establishing <strong>the</strong> Council on Wage and Price Stability with authority toconduct several monitoring functions.*The existence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cost <strong>of</strong> Living Council was extended to June 30, 1974,by Executive Order 11781, to permit orderly termination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stabilization programs,including monitoring <strong>of</strong> voluntary commitments made by companies priorto decontrol. After June 30, <strong>the</strong> remaining legal activities and records <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stabilizationprogram were transferred to a small staff in <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization,Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury. This organization in turn was terminated at <strong>the</strong> end<strong>of</strong> 1974.223


THE CONTROLS PROGRAM IN 1974At <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> CLC was administering a controls programknown as Phase IV, which had been established in August 1973 following<strong>the</strong> temporary price freeze begun on June 13, 1973. In general, standards <strong>of</strong>Phase IV limited price increases in most manufacturing and service industriesto <strong>the</strong> dollar-for-dollar pass-through <strong>of</strong> allowable cost increases incurredsince <strong>the</strong> last fiscal quarter ending prior to January 11, 1973. Pr<strong>of</strong>it marginlimitations related to base-year averages remained in effect for <strong>the</strong> mostpart. Prenotification <strong>of</strong> price increases was required <strong>of</strong> firms with annualsales exceeding $100 million; implementation was permitted after 30 daysunless <strong>the</strong> CLG ruled o<strong>the</strong>rwise. Firms with annual sales <strong>of</strong> more than $50million were required to file quarterly reports with <strong>the</strong> CLC.The dollar-for-dollar pass-through and limitation <strong>of</strong> cost reach-back tolate 1972 made price regulations in Phase IV more restrictive than earlierphases which had permitted maintenance <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>it margins. In ano<strong>the</strong>rrespect, however, Phase IV was designed to be more flexible through a program<strong>of</strong> regulation more closely adapted to conditions in each sector andthrough progressive decontrol <strong>of</strong> industries.For employees, <strong>the</strong> general standard <strong>of</strong> an annual 5.5 percent increase forwages and an additional 0.7 percent for qualified fringe benefits, adopted inPhase II and put on a self-administered basis in Phase III, remained ineffect. But after <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> 1973 <strong>the</strong> operating philosophy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wagecontrol program had been to achieve a moderation <strong>of</strong> wage rate increasesentailing less disruption <strong>of</strong> industrial peace or interference with <strong>the</strong> collectivebargaining process than would result from uniform application <strong>of</strong> amechanical standard. Emphasis was <strong>the</strong>refore placed on restraining settlementswhich might have had major "ripple effects" on <strong>the</strong> wage structurethrough <strong>the</strong>ir influence on bargaining situations in related industries, areas,and occupations, ra<strong>the</strong>r than on rigid adherence to a simple standard. TheLabor-Management Advisory Committee had recommended this policy to<strong>the</strong> Cost <strong>of</strong> Living Council on February 26,1973.An important part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CLC in 1974 was its program <strong>of</strong>progressive decontrol (Table A-l). A major objective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decontrol programwas to provide for a smooth transition to free markets. By making decontrola selective process and spreading <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> large price increasesover time, it was thought that <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> any "bulge" in prices when controlsended could be lessened. Ano<strong>the</strong>r objective was to avoid or reduceadverse effects <strong>of</strong> controls on <strong>the</strong> supply <strong>of</strong> products. Decontrol began in1973 when Phase IV was put in place; but <strong>the</strong> process was acceleratedtoward <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year and into 1974.Two approaches to decontrol that were considered were sector-by-sectordecontrol and decontrol through a gradual easing <strong>of</strong> Phase IV rules. Thesector-by-sector approach was adopted on a flexible basis related both to <strong>the</strong>particular conditions in each sector, and to voluntary company commitments224


TABLEDateA-l .—Selected exemptions <strong>of</strong> industrial sectors from wage and price controls, 1974ExemptionJanuary: 41421....23....25....30February: 111....1215....19....2022....26....March: 15678....13....15....18on £u_...26.... 21.,..2728....29....April: 15....Nonferrous alloysFerronickel (prices only)Mobile homes and recreational vehiclesSemiconductorsMiscellaneous health service providersNonpr<strong>of</strong>it tax exempt organizationsSelected steel productsRubber tires and tubesMost basic petrochemical feedstocksRetail trade except: food; petroleum products; motor vehicles, parts, and equipment; large eating anddrinking facilitiesChecker Motors CorporationSteel drum reconditionersStevedoring and marine terminal services (prices only)Rendering industryFerrous and ferroalloy scrap metalNonrubber shoesPostcardsIron and steel foundriesFurnitureValvesMining and oilfield machineryToysOpthalmic goods: scientific, mechanical and optical instrumentsJewelry and silverwareFabricated lumber and wood productsEngineered fastener productsPaper and allied productsFabricated rubber productsPetrochemicals (medium- and small-sized firms)Printing, publishing, broadcasting, advertising, and o<strong>the</strong>r communications mediaCanned fruits and vegetablesociccieQ macninciyFerroalloy metals (prices only)Cordage and twineCoalAluminumMusical instrumentsAerospace and general aviationFood retailing and wholesalingSource: Cost <strong>of</strong> Living Council.to restrain prices for specified periods after decontrol, or in some cases to expandproduction capacity. Both wages and prices were usually decontrolledsimultaneously in each sector. Many sectors had, <strong>of</strong> course, been exemptedfrom controls prior to Phase IV. Less than half <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> items included in<strong>the</strong> consumer price index (CPI) and <strong>of</strong> wages and salaries were subject toPhase IV on September 10, 1973; on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, 69 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wholesaleprice index (WPI) was covered, with farm products <strong>the</strong> major exemption.The speed at which decontrol progressed is shown in Table A-2.As noted above, a major concern was that widespread maintenance <strong>of</strong>controls until <strong>the</strong>ir legal termination on April 30 would result in a post-controlbulge <strong>of</strong> price increases. The progressive decontrol program was designedto spread <strong>the</strong> bulge in two ways. First, price increases that were likely to bebunched just after that date were instead phased over <strong>the</strong> preceding severalmonths. Second, in exchange for earlier decontrol, commitments were obtainedfrom some companies to restrict price increases to specified amountsat <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> decontrol, with no fur<strong>the</strong>r price increases to be implementedfor various periods extending beyond April 30; <strong>the</strong> GLC thus sought to deferfur<strong>the</strong>r into <strong>the</strong> future some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> post-control price increases. (In some225


TABLE A-2.—Coverage <strong>of</strong> price and wage controls under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Program,selected dates during Phase IVPercent coveredDate during Phase IVConsumerpriceindex(CPI)Wholesalepriceindex(WPI)Civilianlaborforce»1973: September 10..42.61974: March 1.28.0Apri. 3l. ; 24.22 8.669.454.237.42 27.644.137.426.824.1* Percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian labor force whose wages and salaries were covered.2 An additional 3.5 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CPI and d 40 4.0 percent t <strong>of</strong> f <strong>the</strong> WPI were under d price controls <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Energy Office,which ih remained d in i effect after April A i l 30.Source: Cost <strong>of</strong> Living Council.cases o<strong>the</strong>r commitments were obtained, such as agreements to allocate suppliesto unaffiliated domestic firms, even though such supplies could commandhigher prices in export markets, and to make certain efforts to expandproduction capacity.) Most such commitments relating to actions subsequentto controls were kept, but later on some prices rose more than had beenanticipated in <strong>the</strong> commitments.EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CONTROLSPROGRAM IN 1974The last two <strong>Report</strong>s have made clear <strong>the</strong> difficulty <strong>of</strong> assessing <strong>the</strong> effectiveness<strong>of</strong> controls in 1972 and 1973. In trying to provide an assessment fora period so short as <strong>the</strong> 4 months <strong>of</strong> 1974 when controls were in effect, <strong>the</strong>sedifficulties are magnified, particularly since this was <strong>the</strong> period in which <strong>the</strong>economy sustained <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil embargo and <strong>the</strong> approximatetripling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> landed price <strong>of</strong> imported crude oil. This increase and <strong>the</strong>steep rise in farm prices at <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> 1974 led to an acceleration in<strong>the</strong> pace <strong>of</strong> inflation. The Phase IV regulations may have played a role indelaying <strong>the</strong> pass-through <strong>of</strong> increases in prices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se two major rawcommodity-producing sectors to <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> final goods.However, <strong>the</strong> special inflationary impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oil price increase and itseffect on aggregate output during <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1974 make it unrealisticto attempt an assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stabilization program in <strong>the</strong> final months.More significantly, economic conditions <strong>of</strong> both 1973 and 1974 differedmarkedly from those prevailing when <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Programwas introduced, and no feasible controls program could have significantlyrestrained <strong>the</strong> resulting inflation. The conclusion <strong>of</strong> last year's <strong>Report</strong> onthis point must apply to 1974 with even more relevance: although inflationmight have been more rapid in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> controls, in <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>actual experience both before and after <strong>the</strong>ir termination, it is difficult to226


accept that <strong>the</strong>sis. The lack <strong>of</strong> widespread support for extension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> controlsprogram, not only in Congress but among business and labor representativesand <strong>the</strong> general public, suggests broad acceptance <strong>of</strong> this judgment.Probably a more meaningful assessment relates to <strong>the</strong> results <strong>of</strong> a majorthrust <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1974 program, <strong>the</strong> phased sector-by-sector decontrol <strong>of</strong> pricesand wages aimed at facilitating <strong>the</strong> return to free markets, and in particularat leveling <strong>the</strong> bulge in prices and wages that was feared when controls wereterminated on April 30, 1974. Price increases as measured by <strong>the</strong> CPI componentfor commodities o<strong>the</strong>r than foods and <strong>the</strong> WPI industrial commoditiescomponent (generally <strong>the</strong> controlled prices) showed little acceleration in<strong>the</strong> May-August period as compared with <strong>the</strong> first 4 months <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year(Table A-3). However, increases in various measures <strong>of</strong> wage rates and <strong>the</strong>TABLE A—3.—Measures <strong>of</strong> price and wage change during and after <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> StabilizationProgram[Percent change; seasonally adjusted annual rate]Price or wage measureFreeze andPhase IIAug. 1971 toJan.1973Phase IIIJan. 1973 toJune 1973Second freezeand Phase IVJune 1973 toApr. 1974Phase IVDec 1973 toApr. 1974Apr. toAug.1974Aug. toDec.PRICESConsumer price index:All itemsFoodAll items lessfoodCommoditiesfood...Services^less3.45.92.72.23.58.320.25.04.84.310.716.28.79.28.612.212.811.814.98.812.77.015.316.413.311.817.09.78.611.7Personal consumption expendituresdeflator 22.86.710.813.911.811.4Wholesale price index: 3All commoditiesFarm products and processedfoods and feeds.Industrial commodities 4 .Finished goods, consumerand producer5Crude and intermediatematerials 55.913.42.91.93.622.248.912.37.215.115.26.319.613.423.321.9.433.923.439.131.824.535.525.840.910.29.59.414.67.1WAGES«Average hourly earnings, piivatenonfarm economy:'Monthly seriesQuarterly series 26.26.46.35.96.97.06.56.311.910.39.39.7Average hourly compensation:Total private economy 2Nonfarm 25.85.98.98.87.07.57.07.911.210.79.09.3* Not seasonally adjusted.2 Percent changes based on quarterly data: 1971-111 to 1972-IV (col. 1), 1972-IV to 1973-11 (col. 2), 1973-11 to 1974-1(col. 3), 1973-1V to 1974-1 (col. 4), 1974-1 to 1974-111 (col. 5), 1974-111 to 1974-1V (col. 6).3 Seasonally adjusted percentage changes in components <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WPI do not necessarily average to <strong>the</strong> seasonally adjustedpercentage change in <strong>the</strong> total index because adjustment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> components and <strong>the</strong> total are calculated separately.*Includes a small number <strong>of</strong> items not shown separately.4 Excludes foods but includes a small number <strong>of</strong> items not in <strong>the</strong> industrial commodity index.6 Average hourly earnings are for production workers or nonsupervisory employees and average hourly compensationfor all employees.7 Adjusted for overtime (in manufacturing only) and interindustry shifts.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics).227


WPI farm and food component (generally uncontrolled) did speed upmarkedly in <strong>the</strong> 4 months after decontrol. The GNP deflator, <strong>the</strong> most comprehensivemeasure <strong>of</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> final goods and services, rose more slowly in<strong>the</strong> second quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 than in <strong>the</strong> first, but <strong>the</strong>n more rapidly in <strong>the</strong>third. It would appear, <strong>the</strong>refore, that no pronounced increase in <strong>the</strong> aggregateinflation rate for all goods and services was directly traceable to <strong>the</strong>April 30 termination.But <strong>the</strong> comparatively constant rate <strong>of</strong> inflation in 1974 both before andafter decontrol does not justify <strong>the</strong> conclusion that <strong>the</strong>re was no price bulge.With output weakening throughout <strong>the</strong> year, <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>of</strong> inflation might havebeen expected to slow. Indeed most forecasters thought it would slow after<strong>the</strong> initial effects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> winter increases in crude oil and farm prices werereflected in final markets. However, <strong>the</strong> prices <strong>of</strong> goods and services o<strong>the</strong>rthan agricultural products and fuel accounted for a substantial part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>inflation after controls ended.Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se increases reflected <strong>the</strong> pass-through <strong>of</strong> earlier increases inprices <strong>of</strong> fuels and petrochemical feedstocks and o<strong>the</strong>r crude materials.The acceleration in wage increases, coupled with <strong>the</strong> decline in output perman-hour, also contributed to <strong>the</strong> widespread price increases following <strong>the</strong>end <strong>of</strong> controls. In addition, capacity shortages continued in certain primaryproducing industries like paper and chemicals. In such industries, outputcontinued strong into <strong>the</strong> third quarter, even though overall economicactivity was declining throughout 1974. Earlier shortages in <strong>the</strong>se industrieshad apparently reduced inventories to levels below those desired; and purchases<strong>of</strong> materials were intended to rebuild stocks, in many cases to hedgeagainst shortages or price increases. Finally, it is possible that frequent discussionabout reimposing controls led to price and wage increases in anticipation<strong>of</strong> such an eventuality.* * * * * * *The final judgment on <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> price and wage controls imposedunder authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Stabilization Act beginning in August 1971and continuing for more than 32 months will be long debated and may neverbe resolved. The primary reason for an inconclusive judgment is that <strong>the</strong>re isno way <strong>of</strong> accurately simulating <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> events which would haveevolved in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> controls.However, <strong>the</strong> evidence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> controls period—including not only <strong>the</strong>behavior <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recorded rate <strong>of</strong> inflation but also materials shortages ando<strong>the</strong>r significant market events—does support a partial but important judgmentabout <strong>the</strong> experience with <strong>the</strong> controls system: regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overalleffect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program, whatever contribution it may have made was probablyconcentrated in its first 16 months, when <strong>the</strong> economy was operating wellbelow its potential. As various industrial sectors reached capacity operationsin 1973 under <strong>the</strong> stimulus <strong>of</strong> a booming domestic and world economy, <strong>the</strong>controls system began to obstruct normal supplier-purchaser relationships,228


and in some cases <strong>the</strong> controls became quite unworkable. The sharply risingcosts <strong>of</strong> basic materials, <strong>of</strong>ten reflecting world market influences and dollardevaluation, were largely uncontrolled; and when passed through to consumers,<strong>the</strong>y resulted in accelerating inflation. Thus, <strong>the</strong> net benefit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>controls system, however evaluated, had become extremely small by <strong>the</strong>beginning <strong>of</strong> 1974, and legal termination <strong>of</strong> controls only ratified <strong>the</strong> inevitableprocess <strong>of</strong> dismantling <strong>the</strong>m in response to public and market pressures.229


Appendix BREPORT TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE ACTIVITIESOF THECOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS DURING 1974231


LETTER OF TRANSMITTALCOUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS,Washington, B.C., December 31,1974.THE PRESIDENT:Sir: The Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers submits this report on its activitiesduring <strong>the</strong> calendar year 1974 in accordance with <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Congress, as set forth in Section 4(d) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Employment Act <strong>of</strong> 1946.Respectfully,ALAN GREENSPAN, Chairman.WILLIAM J. FELLNER.GARY L. SEEVERS.233


<strong>Report</strong> to <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers During 1974The Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers was created by <strong>the</strong> Employment Act<strong>of</strong> 1946 to provide economic analysis and advice to <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> and thusassist him in establishing and maintaining conditions under which <strong>the</strong> objectives<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> act can be secured.Alan Greenspan became Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council on September 4, 1974,succeeding Herbert Stein, who had served as Council Chairman since January1, 1972. Mr. Stein has taken up his duties as A. Willis Robertson Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>s at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Virginia. William J. Fellner and Gary L.Seevers served as Council Members throughout 1974.Past Council Members and <strong>the</strong>ir dates <strong>of</strong> service are listed belowNamePositionOath <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice dateSeparation dateEdwin G. Nourse...Leon H. Keyserling.John D. Clark..Roy BloughRobert C. TurnerArthur F. BumsNeilH.JacobyWalter W. Stewart....Raymond J. Saulnier..Joseph S. DavisPaul W. McCracken.Karl BrandtHenry C. WallichWalter W. Heller....James TobinKermit GordonGardner AckleyJohn P. Lewis...Otto Eckstein....Arthur M. Okun.James S. Duesenberry..MertonJ. PeckWarren L SmithHendrikS. Houthakker.Paul W. McCrackenHerbert SteinEzra SolomonMarina v.N. Whitman..ChairmanVice Chairman...Acting Chairman.ChairmanMemberVice Chairman._.MemberMember...ChairmanMemberMemberMemberChairmanMemberMemberMemberMemberChairmanMemberMember..MemberChairmanMemberMemberMemberChairmanMemberMemberMemberMemberChairmanMember...ChairmanMemberMemberAugust 9,1946August 9,1946November 2,1949May 10,1950Augusts 1946May 10,1950June 29,1950September8, 1952March 19,1953September 15, 1953December 2, 1953April 4, 1955...December 3,1956May 2, 1955..December 3, 1956November 1, 1958May 7, 1959January 29,1961January 29,1961January 29, 1961August 3, 1962.November 16,1964May 17,1963.September 2,1964November 16,1964February 15,1968February 2,1966 ...February 15,1968July 1,1968February 4,1969February 4, 1969February 4,1969January 1,1972September 9, 1971March 13, 1972November 1,1949.January 20,1953.February 11,1953.August 20, 1952.January 20,1953.December 1,1956.February 9, 1955.April 29, 1955.January 20,1961.October 31, 1958.January 31, 1959.January 20,1961.January 20,1961.November 15,1964.July 31, 1962.December 27, 1962.February 15,1968.August 31, 1964.February 1,1966.January 20,1969.June 30,1968.January 20,1969.January 20,1969.July 15,1971.December 31, 1971.August 31, 1974.March 26, 1973.August 15,1973.235


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCILThe principal directive <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Employment Act is that <strong>the</strong> Federal Government"use all practicable means consistent with its needs and obligations. . . for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> creating and maintaining . . . conditions . . .to promote maximum employment, production, and purchasing power."The basic responsibility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers is <strong>the</strong>analysis and interpretation <strong>of</strong> trends and changes in <strong>the</strong> economy and <strong>the</strong>development and evaluation <strong>of</strong> national economic policies to assist <strong>the</strong><strong>President</strong> in reaching <strong>the</strong> goals specified in <strong>the</strong> act. The Council preparesregular reports on current economic conditions and forecasts <strong>of</strong> futureeconomic developments, and its recommendations are an integral part <strong>of</strong>economic policy making.The Council also has a responsibility "to appraise <strong>the</strong> various programsand functions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Government." The Council thus performs adirect advisory role involving a wide range <strong>of</strong> economic problems bothwithin <strong>the</strong> Executive Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> and through participation ininteragency study groups in which representatives <strong>of</strong> various departments,agencies, and <strong>of</strong>fices in <strong>the</strong> executive branch evaluate current programs andconsider and develop new ones.During 1974 <strong>the</strong> Council and its staff shared in <strong>the</strong> analysis and examination<strong>of</strong> many different economic issues incident to <strong>the</strong> formulating <strong>of</strong> programsand policies. These included policy issues and proposals regardingagricultural and food policy; measures and programs to support housingconstruction; a wide range <strong>of</strong> programs and measures affecting environmentalquality; alternative means <strong>of</strong> dealing with <strong>the</strong> energy problem; <strong>the</strong>evaluation <strong>of</strong> future supplies <strong>of</strong> strategic materials; exploitation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seas; management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nation's timber resources; transportationproblems and policies; measures to improve <strong>the</strong> functioning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>labor market and to alleviate <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recession upon <strong>the</strong> unemployed; proposals for more effective health insurance and income maintenance;and needed improvements in <strong>the</strong> Government's economic statistics.International trade and investment problems and policies continued to bea major concern <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council, and during 1974 it examined <strong>the</strong> strainsplaced upon <strong>the</strong> world's international trade and financial mechanism by <strong>the</strong>large capital flows related to oil payments.Early each year <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> submits <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>to <strong>the</strong> Congress as required by <strong>the</strong> Employment Act. The Council assumesmajor responsibility for <strong>the</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> this <strong>Report</strong>, which toge<strong>the</strong>rwith <strong>the</strong> Annual <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers reviews <strong>the</strong>progress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy over <strong>the</strong> past year and outlines <strong>the</strong> Administration'spolicies and programs.The Chairman is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Policy Board, which directs<strong>the</strong> formulation, coordination, and implementation <strong>of</strong> economic policy. TheChairman is also a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Executive Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>236


Policy Board, which serves as <strong>the</strong> focal point for economic policy decisionmaking and meets daily to address current issues <strong>of</strong> economic policy.The <strong>Economic</strong> Policy Board operates with a high degree <strong>of</strong> flexibility,requesting analyses <strong>of</strong> economic problems and recommendations from <strong>the</strong>various agencies and departments <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> executive branch. The ExecutiveCommittee, <strong>of</strong>ten augmented by <strong>the</strong> Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Governors<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, meets regularly with <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> to revieweconomic conditions, make recommendations, and discuss possible changesin economic policy.The review and analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overall performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy isconducted and coordinated through a series <strong>of</strong> "Troika" working groups,comprising representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council, <strong>the</strong> Treasury, and <strong>the</strong> Office <strong>of</strong>Management and Budget (OMB). At regular intervals economists from<strong>the</strong>se agencies evaluate recent economic performance and formulate economicforecasts which are <strong>the</strong>n reviewed by a second group, chaired by aCouncil Member and including <strong>the</strong> Assistant Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury for<strong>Economic</strong> Policy and <strong>the</strong> Economist for OMB. The analysis and projectionsare <strong>the</strong>n reviewed and cleared through <strong>the</strong> Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council forpresentation and consideration by <strong>the</strong> Executive Committee, which is chairedby <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury and consists <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council<strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers, <strong>the</strong> Director <strong>of</strong> OMB, <strong>the</strong> Executive Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Council on International <strong>Economic</strong> Policy, and <strong>the</strong> Assistant to <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>for <strong>Economic</strong> Affairs, who is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director <strong>of</strong> both <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>Policy Board and its Executive Committee.The Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>'s EnergyResources Council, which was formed in October 1974 to formulate andcoordinate energy policy. The Chairman is <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. delegationto <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Policy Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperationand Development, and he also serves as vice chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Committee. Council Members and staff economists attended meetings <strong>of</strong>various working parties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Committee during <strong>the</strong> year. The Chairman<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council served as Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Advisory Committee on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong>Role <strong>of</strong> Women, which on April 30, 1974, issued its recommendationsfor advancing women in industry; <strong>the</strong> Advisory Committee ended itsterm in August 1974.In April Mr. Fellner and several staff economists from <strong>the</strong> Councilvisited <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Planning Agency for Japan to continue <strong>the</strong> exchange<strong>of</strong> information on economic problems and policies that was initiated during1972. In November <strong>the</strong> Council was host to a delegation <strong>of</strong> economistsfrom <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Planning Agency.The Chairman and Council Members appeared before <strong>the</strong> full Joint<strong>Economic</strong> Committee (JEC) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Congress three times during 1974. TheJEC, like <strong>the</strong> Council, was created by <strong>the</strong> Employment Act <strong>of</strong> 1946, "tomake a continuing study <strong>of</strong> matters relating to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> and tosubmit its own report and recommendations to <strong>the</strong> Congress." On Febru-237563-280 O - 75 - 16


ary 7 <strong>the</strong> Council presented testimony before <strong>the</strong> JEC on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong><strong>Report</strong> and appeared again on July 30 to review economic developmentsduring <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> 1974. The Chairman presented testimony on September26 regarding developments during <strong>the</strong> third quarter. The Councilalso appeared before <strong>the</strong> JEC Subcommittee on Consumer <strong>Economic</strong>s onMay 10. The Chairman presented testimony on <strong>the</strong> budget before <strong>the</strong> SenateAppropriations Committee on February 27 and appeared before <strong>the</strong>Senate Committee on Commerce and Government Operations on May 9.He also presented testimony before <strong>the</strong> JEC Subcommittee on <strong>Economic</strong>Growth on June 12, before <strong>the</strong> House Budget Committee on September 25,and before <strong>the</strong> Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on October16. Mr. Seevers presented testimony on <strong>the</strong> Federal budget before <strong>the</strong>House Committee on Appropriations on February 20 and appeared before<strong>the</strong> Senate Government Operations Committee on November 26 to discussregulatory reform.PUBLIC INFORMATIONThe Annual <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers, contained in <strong>the</strong><strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>, is <strong>the</strong> main vehicle through which <strong>the</strong>Council informs <strong>the</strong> public <strong>of</strong> its work and its views. It presents a comprehensivereview and analysis <strong>of</strong> economic conditions, forecasts, and projectionsfor <strong>the</strong> coming year, as well as an explanation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Administration's economicpolicy. In recent years about 50,000 copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong>have been distributed. The Council also assumes primary responsibility for<strong>the</strong> monthly publication, <strong>Economic</strong> Indicators, which is prepared by <strong>the</strong>Council's Statistical Office under <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>of</strong> Frances M. James andissued by <strong>the</strong> Joint <strong>Economic</strong> Committee with a distribution <strong>of</strong> about 10,000copies.The Council also presents information on and analyses <strong>of</strong> current economicproblems and developments through occasional press briefings, testimonybefore various congressional committees, and speeches and papers presentedby <strong>the</strong> Chairman and <strong>the</strong> Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council. The Council answersnumerous requests for information from <strong>the</strong> Congress, <strong>the</strong> press, and individualcitizens, and receives individual visitors as well as business, academic,and o<strong>the</strong>r groups as <strong>of</strong>ten as is possible without interfering with o<strong>the</strong>r duties.ORGANIZATION AND STAFF OF THE COUNCILOFFICE OF THE CHAIRMANThe Chairman is responsible for communicating <strong>the</strong> Council's views to<strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong>. This duty is performed both through direct consultation with<strong>the</strong> <strong>President</strong> and through regular reports on economic developments. TheChairman also represents <strong>the</strong> Council at Cabinet meetings, at <strong>the</strong> ExecutiveCommittee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Policy Board, and at many o<strong>the</strong>r formal and238


informal meetings <strong>of</strong> Government <strong>of</strong>ficials. He also exercises ultimate responsibilityfor directing <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff.COUNCIL MEMBERSThe two Council Members directly supervise <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> staff, areresponsible for all subject matter covered by <strong>the</strong> Council, and represent <strong>the</strong>Council at numerous meetings, where <strong>the</strong>y assume major responsibility for<strong>the</strong> Council's involvement. Whenever <strong>the</strong> Chairman is absent from Washington,one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council Members becomes Acting Chairman.In practice <strong>the</strong> Chairman and <strong>the</strong> Council Members work as a team. Foroperational reasons, however, subject matter is divided informally between<strong>the</strong> Council Members. Mr. Fellner is responsible for analysis <strong>of</strong> businessconditions, short-term forecasting, and matters related to monetary andfiscal policy; international finance; manpower employment and developmentsin <strong>the</strong> labor market; financial markets; housing; health, education,and welfare; taxation; and social security. Mr. Seevers is responsible for <strong>the</strong>areas encompassing international trade; energy and natural resources; foodand agriculture; urban and national growth policy; environmental problems;transportation; regulated industries; and antitrust questions.PROFESSIONAL STAFFAt <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1974 <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff consisted <strong>of</strong> 13 senior staff economists,two statisticians, and seven members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> junior research staff.The pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff and <strong>the</strong>ir special fields <strong>of</strong> economic analysis at <strong>the</strong> end<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year were:Senior Staff EconomistsBarry R. ChiswickLabor, Human Resources, and Income DistributionJohn D. DarrochPrices and Industry StudiesJohn M. Davis, JrSpecial Assistant to <strong>the</strong> ChairmanMurray F. FossBusiness Conditions, Analysis, and ForecastingJoseph G. KvasnickaInternational Finance and TradeJames C. Miller IIIRegulated Industries, Transportation, and <strong>Economic</strong>AnalysisJune A. O'NeillLabor, Human Resources, and Income DistributionAllan G. Pulsipher<strong>Economic</strong> Analysis, Environment, Science, andTechnologyMilton RussellEnergy Analysis and PolicyG. Edward Schuh Agriculture and FoodGeorge M. von Furstenberg . . Fiscal Policy, Public Finance, and HousingJ. Richard Zecher Monetary Policy, Financial Institutions, CapitalMarkets, and Interest RatesFrances M. JamesCa<strong>the</strong>rine H. FurlongDavid MunroStatisticiansSenior Staff StatisticianStatisticianStaff EconomistBusiness Conditions, Analysis, and Forecasting239


David B. CraryJoseph P. Kalt .Leroy O. LaneyRosemary QuintanoRobert J. SchanzmeyerRobert S. StillmanMary P. KaneJunior Staff EconomistsMonetary Policy and Financial MarketsFiscal Policy, Housing, and Capital MarketsInternational Trade and Finance<strong>Economic</strong> Analysis, Prices, and ForecastingLabor Markets, Manpower, Health, and EducationEnergy and AgricultureResearch AssistantFrances M. James, Senior Staff Statistician, is in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> StatisticalOffice and manages <strong>the</strong> Council's economic and statistical information system.She supervises <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Indicators and <strong>the</strong> preparation<strong>of</strong> tables and charts for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> and for <strong>the</strong> Council'swork. She also directs <strong>the</strong> fact checking <strong>of</strong> memoranda, testimony, andspeeches. Ca<strong>the</strong>rine H. Furlong, Dorothy Bagovich, Natalie V. Rentfro,and Mary P. Kane assist Miss James.The Council conducts a student intern program, employing a limitednumber <strong>of</strong> graduate and undergraduate students <strong>of</strong> economics for temporaryperiods, particularly during <strong>the</strong> summer months. Interns who servedduring 1974 were Robert S. Dohner (Harvard University) and M. CaryLeahey (Clark University).Consultants who provided services to <strong>the</strong> Council during 1974 includedRichard N. Cooper (Yale University), Sidney Cottle (FRS Associates),Otto Eckstein (Harvard University), Gottfried Haberler (American EnterpriseInstitute), Gabriel Hauge (Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company),Walter W. Heller (University <strong>of</strong> Minnesota), Hendrik S. Houthakker (HarvardUniversity), Paul W. McCracken (University <strong>of</strong> Michigan), AllanMeltzer (Carnegie Mellon University), Robert A. Mundell (Columbia University),Arthur M. Okun (The Brookings Institution), George L. Perry(The Brookings Institution), Paul Samuelson (Massachusetts Institute <strong>of</strong>Technology), W. Allen Wallis (University <strong>of</strong> Rochester), Murray L.Weidenbaum (Washington University), and Marina v.N. Whitman (University<strong>of</strong> Pittsburgh). Joel Popkin and Carl I. Van Duyne provided assistancewith <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong>.Kenneth J. Fedor served as a senior staff economist during <strong>the</strong> summer,working on matters relating to food and agriculture.In preparing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council relied upon <strong>the</strong> editorialassistance <strong>of</strong> Rosannah C. Steinh<strong>of</strong>f.SUPPORTING STAFFThe Administrative Office provides administrative support for <strong>the</strong> entireCouncil staff, which includes preparation and analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Council'sbudget; procurement <strong>of</strong> equipment and supplies; responding to correspondenceand inquiries from <strong>the</strong> general public; and distribution <strong>of</strong> Councilspeeches, reports, and congressional testimony. During 1974 James H. Ayres240


served as Administrative Officer, assisted by Nancy F. Skidmore, Elizabeth A.Kaminski, and Margaret L. Snyder. The duplicating, mail, and messengerdepartment was operated by James W. Gatling, Frank C. Norman, andJerry W. Gatling.The secretarial staff for <strong>the</strong> Chairman and Council Members consisted<strong>of</strong> Anne V. Jackson, Joyce A. Pilkerton, Patricia A. Lee, and Alice H. Williams.Secretaries for <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff included Ruth Ann Butler, MaryC. Fibich, Dorothy L. Green, Bessie M. Lafakis, Earnestine Reid, Linda A.Reilly, and Lillie M. Sturniolo. Special assistance in connection with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Report</strong>was furnished by Dorothy L. Reid, a former member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Councilstaff.DEPARTURESThe Council's pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff members are drawn primarily from universitiesand research institutions, and <strong>the</strong>se economists normally serve for1 or 2 years. Senior staff economists who resigned during <strong>the</strong> year wereGeorge A. Akerl<strong>of</strong> (University <strong>of</strong> California, Berkeley), Geza M. Feketekuty(Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Special Representative for Trade Negotiations), MaryW. Hook (Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce), Benton F. Massell (Office <strong>of</strong> Managementand Budget), Leo V. Mayer (Library <strong>of</strong> Congress), Joel Popkin(National Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Research, Washington), and Sung W. Son(Northwestern National Bank, Minneapolis).Junior economists who resigned in 1974 were Lydia Segal, Eric B. Herr(Data Resources, Inc.), James S. Fackler (Indiana University), Laura B.Peterson (Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury), and Carl I. Van Duyne (StanfordUniversity). O<strong>the</strong>r resignations included D. Carolyn Fletcher, secretary,and Kharl A. Williams, student aide. Jean P. Noll, secretary, retiredfrom <strong>the</strong> Federal service during 1974.241


Appendix CSTATISTICAL TABLES RELATING TO INCOME,EMPLOYMENT, AND PRODUCTION243


CONTENTSNATIONAL INCOME OR EXPENDITURE:PageG-l. Gross national product or expenditure, 1929-74 , 249G-2. Gross national product or expenditure in 1958 dollars, 1929-74 250G-3. Implicit price deflators for gross national product, 1929-74 252G-4. Implicit price deflators and alternative price measures <strong>of</strong> grossnational product and gross private product, 1939-74 254C-5. Gross national product by industry in 1958 dollars, 1947-73 255C-6. Gross national product by major type <strong>of</strong> product, 1929-74 256C-7. Gross national product by major type <strong>of</strong> product in 1958 dollars,C-8.1929-74 257Gross national product: Receipts and expenditures by major economicgroups, 1929-74 258C-9. Gross national product by sector, 1929-74 260C-10. Gross national product by sector in 1958 dollars, 1929-74 261C-ll. Gross product originating in nonfinancial corporations and dollarcosts per unit <strong>of</strong> output, 1948-74 262C-12. Personal consumption expenditures, 1929-74 263G-l 3. Gross private domestic investment, 1929-74 264C-14. Relation <strong>of</strong> gross national product and national income, 1929-74 265C-15. National income by type <strong>of</strong> income, 1929-74 266C-16. Relation <strong>of</strong> national income and personal income, 1929-74 267G-l 7. Disposition <strong>of</strong> personal income, 1929-74 268G—18. Total and per capita disposable personal income and personal consumptionexpenditures in current and 1958 dollars, 1929-74 269C-19. Sources <strong>of</strong> personal income, 1929-74 270C-20. Sources and uses <strong>of</strong> gross saving, 1929-74 272C-21. Saving by individuals, 1946-74 273G-22. Number and money income (in 1973 dollars) <strong>of</strong> families and unrelatedindividuals, by race <strong>of</strong> head, 1947-73 274POPULATION, EMPLOYMENT, WAGES, AND PRODUCTIVITY:C-23. Population by age groups, 1929-74 275C-24. Noninstitutional population and <strong>the</strong> labor force, 1929-74 276C-25. Civilian employment and unemployment by sex and age, 1947-74. . 278C-26. Selected unemployment rates, 1948-74 279C-27. Unemployment by duration, 1947-74 ' 280C-28. Unemployment insurance programs, selected data, 1946-74 281C-29. Wage and salary workers in nonagricultural establishments, 1929-74. 282C-30. Average weekly hours and hourly earnings in selected private nonagriculturalindustries, 1947-74 284C—31. Average weekly earnings in selected private nonagricultural industries,1947-74 285C-32. Output per man-hour and related data, private economy, 1947-74. . 286C-33. Changes in output per man-hour and related data, private economy,1948-74 287245


PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY:PageC—34. Industrial production indexes, major industry divisions, 1929—74.. . . 288C—35. Industrial production indexes, market groupings, 1947—74 289C—36. Industrial production indexes, selected manufactures, 1947—74 290C-37. Capacity utilization rate in manufacturing and major materialsindustries, 1948-74 291C-38. New construction activity, 1929-74 292C-39. New housing starts and applications for financing, 1929-74 294C-40. Business expenditures for new plant and equipment, 1947-75 296C-41. Sales and inventories in manufacturing and trade, 1947-74 297C-42. Manufacturers' shipments and inventories, 1947-74 298C-43. Manufacturers' new and unfilled orders, 1947-74 299PRICES:C-44. Consumer price indexes by expenditure classes, 1929-74 300C—45. Consumer price indexes by commodity and service groups, 1939—74. 301C—46. Consumer price indexes, selected commodities and services, 1939—74. 302C—47. Consumer price indexes, seasonally adjusted, 1971-74 303C—48. Percent changes in consumer price indexes, major groups, 1948-74.. 304C—49. Wholesale price indexes by major commodity groups, 1929—74 305C-50. Wholesale price indexes by stage <strong>of</strong> processing, 1947-74 307C—51. Percent changes in wholesale price indexes, major groups, 1948—74.. 309MONEY STOCK, CREDIT, AND FINANCE:C-52. Money stock measures, 1947-74 310C—53. Commercial bank loans and investments, 1930—74 311C—54. Total funds raised in credit markets by nonfinancial sectors, 1966—74. 312C-55. Private liquid asset holdings, nonfinancial investors, 1959—74 314C—56. Federal Reserve Bank credit and member bank reserves, 1929—74. . 315C-57. Aggregate reserves and member bank deposits, 1959—74 316C-58. Bond yields and interest rates, 1929-74 317C—59. Short-and intermediate-term consumer credit outstanding, 1929—74. 319C-60. Instalment credit extended and repaid, 1946-74 320C-61. Mortgage debt outstanding by type <strong>of</strong> property and <strong>of</strong> financing,1939-74 321C-62. Mortgage debt outstanding by lender, 1939-74 322C-63. Net public and private debt, 1929-73 323GOVERNMENT FINANCE:C-64. Federal budget receipts and outlays, fiscal years 1929-76 324C-65. Federal budget receipts, outlays, and debt, fiscal years 1965-76.. 325C-66. Relation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal budget to <strong>the</strong> Federal sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nationalincome and product accounts, fiscal years 1973-76 327C-67. Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nationalincome and product accounts, 1929-74 328C-68. Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Government sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>national income and product accounts, 1949-76 329C—69. Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State and local government sector <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> national income and product accounts, 1946-74 330C—70. State and local government revenues and expenditures, selected fiscalyears, 1927-73 331C-71. Public debt securities by kind <strong>of</strong> obligation, 1946-74 332C-72. Estimated ownership <strong>of</strong> public debt securities, 1946-74 333C—73. Average length and maturity distribution <strong>of</strong> marketable interestbearingpublic debt, 1946-74 334246


CORPORATE PROFITS AND FINANCE:PageC-74. Pr<strong>of</strong>its before and after taxes, all private corporations, 1929-74 335C-75. Sales, pr<strong>of</strong>its, and stockholders' equity, all manufacturing corporations,1947-74 336C-76. Relation <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes to stockholders' equity and to sales, allmanufacturing corporations, 1947-74 337C-77. Relation <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes to stockholders' equity and to sales, allmanufacturing corporations, by industry group, 1973-74 338C-78. Sources and uses <strong>of</strong> funds, nonfarm nonfinancial corporate business,1946-74 339C-79. Current assets and liabilities <strong>of</strong> U.S. corporations, 1939-74 340C-80. State and municipal and corporate securities <strong>of</strong>fered, 1934—74 341C-81. Common stock prices, earnings, and yields, and stock market credit,1949-74 342C-82. Business formation and business failures, 1929-74 343AGRICULTURE:C-83. Income <strong>of</strong> farm people and farmers, 1929-74 344C-84. Farm production indexes, 1929-74 345C-85. Farm population, employment, and productivity, 1929-74. 346C-86. Indexes <strong>of</strong> prices received and prices paid by farmers, and parity ratio,1929-74 347C-87. Selected measures <strong>of</strong> farm resources and inputs, 1929-74 348C-88. Comparative balance sheet <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farming sector, 1929-75 349INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS:C-89. U.S. balance <strong>of</strong> payments, 1946-74 350C—90. U.S. merchandise exports and imports by commodity groups,1958-74 352C-91. U.S. merchandise exports and imports by area, 1968-74 353C-92. U.S. overseas loans and grants, by type and area, fiscal years,1962-74 354C-93. International reserves, 1949, 1953, and 1969-74 355C-94. U.S. reserve assets, 1946-74 356C—95. International investment position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States at year-end,1960 and 1969-73 357C-96. Price changes in international trade, 1966-74 358C-97. Consumer price indexes in <strong>the</strong> United States and o<strong>the</strong>r major industrialcountries, 1955-74 359General NotesDetail in <strong>the</strong>se tables may not add to totals because <strong>of</strong> rounding.Unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise noted, all dollar figures are in current dollars.See <strong>Economic</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 1972 for data for intervening years not shown here.Symbols used:» Preliminary._ _ Not available (also, not applicable).247


NATIONAL INCOME OR EXPENDITURETABLE C-l.—Gross national product or expenditure, 1929-74Year or quarterTotalgrossnationalproductPersonalconsumptionexpenditures1Grossprivatedomesticinvestment*Netexports<strong>of</strong> goodsandservices3Government purchases <strong>of</strong> goods and services


TABLE C-2.—Gross national product or expenditure in 1958 dollars, 1929-74Year orquarterTotalgrossnationalproductPersonal consumptionexpendituresTotalDurablegoodsNondurablegoodsServicesGross private domestic investmentTotalFixed investmentTotalNonresidentialTotalStructuresProducers'durableequipmentResidentialstructuresChangein businessinventories1929-1933-1939-1940-1941..1942..1943-1944..1945-1946-1947-1948-1949-1950..1951-1952-1953-1954..1955-1956-1957-1958..1959..1960..1961..1962..1963..1964-1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970.1971197219731974 v1972:1 II —III...IV...1973:1 IIIIIIV...1974:1....II —III...IV p..Billions <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollars203.6141.5209.4227.2263.7297.8337.1361.3355.2312.6309.9323.7324.1355.3383.4395.1412.8407.0438.0446.1452.5447.3475.9487.7497.2529.8551.0581.1617.8658.1675.2706.6725.6722.5746.3792.5839.2821.1139.6112.8148.2155.7165.4161.4165.8171.4183.0203.5206.3210.8216.5230.5232.8239.4250.8255.7274.2281.4288.2290.1307.3316.1322.5338.4353.3373.7397.7418.1430.1452.7469.1477.5496.4527.3552.1539.916.38.314.516.719.111.710.29.410.620.524.726.328.434.731.530.835.335.443.241.041.537.943.744.943.949.253.759.066.671.772.981.385.683.892.5104.9113.6103.469.358.681.284.689.991.393.797.3104.7110.8108.3108.7110.5114.0116.5120.8124.4125.5131.7136.2138.7140.2146.8149.6153.0158.2162.2170.3178.6187.0190.2197.1201.3206.5211.3220.2228.6223.854.046.052.554.456.358.561.864.767.772.173.475.877.681.884.887.891.194.899.3104.1108.0112.0116.8121.6125.6131.1137.4144.4152.5159.4167.0174.4182.2187.2192.6202.2209.9212.840.45.324.733.041.621.412.714.019.652.351.560.448.069.370.060.561.259.475.474.368.860.973.672.469.079.482.587.899.2109.3101.2105.2110.5103.4111.1125.0138.1126.336.99.723.528.132.017.312.915.922.642.351.755.951.961.059.057.260.261.469.069.567.662.468.868.967.073.476.781.990.195.495.598.8103.899.5105.8118.0127.3118.126.57.615.318.922.212.510.013.419.830.236.238.034.537.539.638.340.739.643.947.347.441.644.147.145.549.751.957.866.374.173.275.680.177.276.783.794.494.113.93.35.96.88.14.62.93.85.712.511.612.311.912.714.113.714.915.216.218.518.216.616.217.417.417.917.919.122.324.022.623.424.323.723.223.825.426.212.64.39.412.114.27.97.29.614.117.724.625.722.624.825.524.625.824.527.728.829.125.027.929.628.131.734.038.744.050.150.652.255.853.553.559.869.067.810.42.18.29.29.84.92.92.52.812.115.417.917.423.519.518.919.621.725.122.220.220.824.721.921.623.824.824.223.821.320.423.223.722.229.134.332.924.0Seasonally adjusted annual rates770.9786.6798.1814.2832.8837.4840.8845.7830.5827.1823.1803.7512.8523.2531.2542.2552.9553.7555.4546.3539.7542.7547.2530.199.8103.0106.8110.1117.2115.7114.3107.2105.2106.8107.893.7214.4219.8221.3225.4228.7228.3230.0227.4223.9223.6225.8221.7198.6200.4203.0206.6207.1209.7211.2211.7210.6212.2213.7214.7119.4123.2126.6130.9134.4136.3135.8145.8133.3130.3122.7118.9115.2116.6118.1122.0127.1128.4127.7125.8122.7122.2117.7109.781.382.483.887.292.294.395.196.096.396.594.189.323.924.023.523.924.725.125.626.026.726.625.426.257.458.460.363.367.469.269.570.069.769.968.763.133.834.234.334.835.034.132.629.826.425.723.620.43.5-4.31.24.99.64.0-.2-1.9-2.910.0-.24.6-3.98.310.93.3.9-2.06.44.81.2-1.54.83.52.06.05.85.89.013.97.76.46.73.95.37.010.88.24.26.68.58.87.37.88.020.010.68.25.09.1See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.250


TABLE C-2.—Gross national product or expenditure in 1958 dollars, 1929-74—ContinuedYear or quarterNet exports <strong>of</strong> goods andservicesNetexportsExportsImportsGovernment purchases <strong>of</strong>goods and services iTotalFederalStateandlocalAddendum:GrossprivateproductPercent change frompreceding period 3TotalgrossnationalproductGrossprivateproductBillions <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollars19291.511.810.322.03.518.5190.91933.07.17.123.36.017.3127.5-1.9-2.719391.310.08.735.212.522.7188.78.59 41940L94119421943194419451946L947194819492.1.4-2.1-5.9-5.8-3.88.412.36.16.411.011.27.86.87.610.219.622 618.118.18.910.89.912.613 413.911.210 312.011.736.456.3117 1164.4181 7156.448.439 946.353.315.036.298 9147.8165 4139 730.119 123 727.621.420.118 316.616 316 718.420 822 725.7205.6236.6257 3272.8286 9282 5275.1281 4295 0294.18.516.112 913.27 2-1.7-12.0_ 94.4.29.015.08 86.15 2-1.5-2.62 34.8-.319501951L952L9531954L95519561957195819592.75.33.01.13.03.25.06.22.2.316.319.318.217.818.820.924.226.223.123.813.614.115.216.715.817.719.119.920.923.552.875.492.199.888.985.285.389.394.294.725 347.463.870.056.850 749.751.753 652.527 527.928.429 732.134 435.637.640 6M.I324 2344 6353.2371 1366.2397 2404 8410.5405 2433 49.67.93.04.5-1.47.61.81.5-1.16.410.26.32.55.0-1.38.51.91.4-1.37.019601961196219631964196519661967196819694,35.14.55.68.36.24.23.61.0.227.328.030.032.136.537.440.242.145.748.423.022.925.526.628.231.236.138.544.748.394.9100.5107.5109.6111.2114.7126.5140.2147.7145.951 454.660.059.558.157.965.474.778.173.543.545.947.550.153.256.861.165.569.672.4444 0452.3482.9503.2532.0567.0603.5617.5647.0664.92.51.96.64.05.46.36.52.64.72.72.41.96.74.25.76.66.42.34.82.819701971197219731974 v2.3- 5-3 04.69.052.252 255.766.671.650.052 658.762.062.6139.3139 3143.1144.4145.964.360 961 057.356.375.078 482 187.089.5661.7685 6731 7776.9757.0-.43.36.25.9-2.2-.53.66.76.2-2.6Seasonally adjusted annual rate: >1972: JIIIIIIV-4.9-3 6-1.4-1.954 353 356.259.059.256 957.660.9143 8143 8141 8143.062 962 559.559.280.981 382.483.8710.2726 2737.5753.06.48.46.08.37.09.36.48.71973: 1II ..IlliV1 43.55.87.964 865.966.968.963 462.461.161.0144 1143.9143.7145.758 957.756.256.485 286.287.589.3771 2775.3778.4782.89.52.21.62.310.02.11.62.31974: 1IIIllIV* .11.58.27 38.973.373.470 968.961.865.163.660.0146.0145.8145 9145.856.356.356.556.389.789.589.489.5767.0763.2758.8738.9-7.0-1.6-1.9-9.1-7.8-2.0-2.3-10.1» Net <strong>of</strong> Government sales.s Changes are based on unrounded data and <strong>the</strong>refore may differ slightly from those obtained from published data,shown here.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.251


TABLE C-3.—Implicit price deflators for gross national product, 1929-74[Index numbers, 1958=100]Year or quarterTotalgrossnationalproductiPersona consumptionexpendituresTotalDurablegoodsNondurablegoodsServicesGross private domestic investment *Fixed investmentTotalNonresidentialTotalStructuresProducers'durableequipmentResidentialstructures1929..1933..1939..1940..1941..1942..1943..1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962.1963..1964..1965..1966.1967..1968.1969.1970...1971...1972...1973...1974 *_1972:1...IL.III.IV..1973:1—II..III.IV..1974:1.....II...III...IV*..50.6439.2943.2343.8747.2253.0356.8358.1659.6666.7074.6479.5779.1280.1685.6487.4588.3389.6390.8693.9997.49100.00101.66103.29104.62105.78107.17108.85110.86113.94117.59122.30128.20135.24141.35146.12154.31170.1155.340.645.145.548.754.859.963.265.470.577.982.381.782.988.690.591.792.592.894.897.7100.0101.3102.9103.9104.9106.1107.4108.8111.5114.4118.4123.5129.3134.4138.2145.9162.456.441.946.046.550.459.364.271.575.976.882.786.386.887.894.295.494.392.991.994.998.4100.0101.4100.9100.6100.8100.4100.499.698.7100.3103.4106.1108.9112.3112.9114.7123.654.538.043.243.847.755.662.566.268.774.383.688.585.686.093.394.393.994.293.694.997.7100.099.9101.2101.9102.8104.0104.9106.9110.7113.0117.1122.2127.8131.8136.1147.9169.956.143.647.747.949.852.755.357.558.762.767.972.174.376.380.083.687.790.092.094.697.3100.0103.0105.8107.6109.0110.9113.1115.1118.3122.2126.9133.2140.2147.9153.8160.5173.439.430.637.739.042.046.549.351.151.558.566.773.974.777.583.185.386.686.889.094.098.5100.0102.6103.4103.9104.9106.0107.6109.3111.8115.9120.4126.4132.5139.3144.8152.4165.639.931.638.740.042.747.849.951.051.056.364.570.772.874.480.482.684.084.886.792.497.9100.0102.2102.9103.4104.1104.5105.7107.5110.2113.8117.5123.0130.2136.3139.6144.9159.035.727.933.133.936.441.346.848.649.254.464.471.571.272.979.383.284.986.088.193.498.6100.0102.7104.0105.6107.1108.9111.1114.7118.9124.0129.8141.0152.6163.5172.6185.4199.144.634.542.243.446.351.551.151.951.757.564.670.373.675.280.982.283.584.085.991.897.5100.0102.0102.2102.1102.3102.3103.0103.9106.0109.3112.0115.2120.3124.5126.5130.0143.5Seasonally adjusted144.62145.31146.50147.96149.95152.61155.67158.93163.61167.31172.07177.68136.8137.7138.7139.7141.4144.3147.0150.8155.8160.2164.7169.2112.4112.8113.4112.9113.0114.2115.9116.0117.8121.3126.3129.7134.5135.3136.5137.9141.4145.7149.5154.8162.7168.0172.3176.6151.6153.2154.4155.9157.4159.4161.0164.1167.3171.4176.1178.7142.8143.8145.6146.9148.7151.4154.3155.4157.8162.3167.5176.0138.5139.3140.2140.5141.7143.9146.1147.9150.7154.9160.4170.9170.1171.3172.8176.2180.4184.1187.1189.7192.2196.2200.6207.5125.4126.1127.5127.0127.5129.2131.1132.3134.8139.2145.5155.838.127.135.736.940.343.347.051.654.959.771.780.878.582.588.690.891.990.492.997.499.8100.0103.1104.5105.0106.7108.9112.3114.2117.4123.1129.7137.7140.2147.4157.4174.0191.5153.2154.6158.9162.8167.1172.1178.1179.7183.8190.0195.9198.3See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.252


TABLE C-3.—Implicit price deflators for gross national product, 1929-74—Continued[Index numbers, 1958=1001Exports and imports <strong>of</strong>goods and services*Government purchases <strong>of</strong> goodsand servicesGross national productby sectorYear or quarterExportsImportsTotalFederalState andlocalTotalPrivate 2NonfarmGeneralgovernment192959.557.338.636.039.151.7351.234.1193319391940194119421943194419451946194719481949 . .33.744.148.653.061.565.269.971.375.487.392.787.028.838.640.843.048.351.253.256.464.979.486.482.234.537.938.544.050.953.953.152.655.862.968.171.033.140.840.246.652.554.953.853.157.365.669.873.035.036.337.339.242.344.646.148.653.260.466.468.939.9243.9344.6948.6655.5160.8562.0262.5968 2576.2781.4080.6042.144.945 448.854.859 560.860.965 873.578.579.233.536.836 034.737.339 743.348.355 458.560.864.7195019511952195319541955195619571958195984.997.098.895.294.394.997.5101.3100.098.888.7107.2103.699.1100.8100.6102.5104.0100.099.371.878.581.081.884.187.192.196.4100.0102.472.979.481.281.483.586.991.795.8100.0102.270.876.980.682.885.387.592.797.3100.0102.681.4187.3588.9989.6590.7791.5794.5397.92100.00101.4180.085.387.489.090.591.794.898.3100.0101.867.170 574.476.679 584.088.793 3100.0104.21960196119621963196419651966 . ..19671968196999.9101.9100.8100.6101.5104.7107.7109.7110.9114.6101.0100.198.599.5101.5103.4105.6106.5107.7111.1105.0107.1109.0111.8115.7119.4124.0128.5135.1144.0104.2105.2105.6108.0112.2115.5118.8121.5126.5134.5105.9109.4113.2116.3119.5123.5129.4136.4144.8153.6102. 76103.73104. 73105.80107.05108.83111.56114.79118.90124.30103.2104.2105.1106.3107.7109.2111.6115.3119.3124.6108.6113.6116.6121.5128 4133.5140 3147.7159 1171.019701971197219731974 v120.5125.5130.0150.6194.7118.6124.7133.7155 6219.5157.6168.1178.6191.5211.7149.5160.3171.9185 9206.6164.6174.2183.7195 1214.9130.32135.70139 61147 56163.27130.8136.4139 8145 4162.1188.9205 1224 6238 5250.9Seasonally adjusted1972: 1IIIII . ..IV127.2129 1130.4133.0128.6133 0135.5137.6174.6176 5179.9183.6168.0169 4172.7177.7179.8181 9185.0187.8138. 31138 92139.95141.16138.8139 3139.9140.9218.4222 1226.1231.81973- 1IIIIIIV137.1144.8155.0164.8141.2152.2158 7170.9186.7189.9192.6196.5180.5184.0187 3192.1190.9193.9196.0199.3143.22145.90148 96152.10142.2144.2146 1149.2234.3236.3239 3244.01974- 1IIIIIIV p179.0188.7202.5209.6194.0214.9230.8238.8202.9208.8214.1221.0198 0203.0207.4218.1206.0212.4218.3222.9156.77160.51165. 35170.72154.3159.8164.8169.6246.2248.5251.5257.11 Separate deflators are not available for total gross private domestic investment, change in business inventories, andnet exports <strong>of</strong> goods and services,s Gross national product less compensation <strong>of</strong> general government employees. See also Tables C-9 and C-10.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.563-280 O - 75 - 17253


TABLE C-4.—Implicit price deflators and alternative price measures <strong>of</strong> gross national product andgross private product, 1939—74Gross national product pricemeasures, 1958=100Percent change from preceding period lYear orquarterTotalPrivateTotalPrivateImplicitpricedeflatorPriceindex.1967weightsImplicitpricedeflatorPriceindex,1967weightsImplicitpricedeflatorPriceindex,1967weightsChainpriceindexImplicitpricedeflatorPriceindex,1967weightsChainpriceindex193943.2343.93-1.5-1.619401941194219431944 .43.8747.2253.0356.8358.1644.6948.6655.5160.8562.021.57.712.37.22.31.78.914.19.61.91945194619471948194959.6666.7074.6479.5779.1262.5968.2576.2781.4080.602.611.811.9* 6.6-.6.99.011.86.7-1.01950195119521953195480.1685 6487.4588.3389.6381.4187.3588.9989.6590.771.36.82.11.01.51.07.31.971.21955195619571958195990.8693.9997 49100 00101.6691.5794.5397 92100.00101.411.43.43.72.51.7.93 23.62.11.419601961196219631964103 29104.62105 78107 17108. 85102. 76103. 73104 73105 80107.051.6l!l1.31.61.3.91.01.01.219651966196719681969110.86113.94117.59122.30128. 20110.75114.06117.58122. 51128.61108. 83111.56114.79118.90124.30108.65111.62114.78119.10124.671.82.83.24.04.83.03.14.25.03.14.24.91.72.52.93.64.52.72.83.84.72.93.84.619701971197219731974*135. 24141.35146.12154.31170.11135.60142.18148.03157. 36174.12130.32135.70139.61147. 56163.27130.67136.34140. 77149. 63166.685.54.53.45.610.25.44.94.16.310.65.34.83.96.010.04.84.12.95.710.64.84.33.36.311.44.74.33.25.910.6Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972:1IIIllIV144.62145.31146. 50147.96146.05147.12148.57150.33138.31138.92139.95141.16139.17140.02141.26142.595.51.93.34.15.63.04.04.85.42.94.04.34.41.83.03.53.72.53.63.83.82.33.63.51973:1IIIIIIV149.95152.61155.67158.93152.87155.65158.68162.23143.22145.90148.96152.10145.14148.00151.02154.365.57.38.38.66.97.58.09.36.47.18.18.56.07.78.78.77.48.18.49.16.77.58.48.61974:1IIIIIIV*163.61167.31172.07177.68167.17171.64176.63181.66156.77160.51165.35170.72159.54164.22169.40174.2512.39.411.913.712.711.112.711.911.69.812.711.312.99.912.613.714.112.313.812.012.610.613.811.51 Changes are based on unrounded data and <strong>the</strong>refore may differ slightly from those obtained from published indexes,shown here.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.254


TABLE C-5.—Gross national product by industry in 1958 dollars, 1947-73[Billions <strong>of</strong> 1953 dollars]YearTotalManufacturingAgricultureTotalgross forestry,nationalandproduct fisheriesContractconstructionDurablegoodsindustriesNondurablegoodsindustriesTransportation,communication,andutilitiesWholesaleandretailtradeFinance,insurance,andrealestateServicesGovernmentandgovernmententerprisesAllo<strong>the</strong>ri19471948 .19491950195119521953 .19541955 .19561957..1958195919601961.1962...1963196419651966.196719681969197019711972...1973 .1309.9323.7324.1355.3383.4395.1412.8407.0438.0446.1452.5447.3475.9487.7497.2529.8551.0581.1617.8658.1675.2706.6725.6722.5746.3792.5839.217.920.019.420.419.520.221.221.622.122.021.522.022.323.123.423.324.023.625.023.725.224.825.426.227.727.428.912.914.114.716.218.218.318.919.320.821.821.120.722.021.721.421.721.923.323.524.723.123.824.123.624.025.725.791.896.390.9105.5116.2118.7128.6119.5133.6134.1134.6123.7138.9140.9140.4154.6162.4173.7190.5205.7205.4219.2228.6217.5223.1245.4272.452.355.050.560.869.071.579.171.280.779.479.669.679.981.079.790.095.6102.4114.8125.1123.9131.8136.9125.1127.1141.6159.739.441.340.444.747.247.349.548.352.954.654.954.059.059.960.764.766.871.375.780.781.487.491.792.496.0103.8112.729.630.428.730.834.334.635.736.438.640.541.340.643.344.946.048.951.954.759.264.066.570.975.477.480.185.390.152.754.255.260.461.462.964.965.571.673.875.175.180.882.383.588.992.898.9104.8111.6113.9120.8124.2126.5131.2141.2146.135.636.537.841.042.944.746.849.852.754.857.059.261.464.167.171.274.478.383.186.891.695.295.596.4101.0105.21C8.3i Mining, rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, and residual (<strong>the</strong> difference between gross national product measured as sum <strong>of</strong> final productsand gross national product measured as sum <strong>of</strong> gross product by industries).Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.30.631.932.133.134.034.535.335.438.240.241.842.945.146.748.350.852.254.757.760.663.465.867.769.269.873.277.532.433.234.735.943.947.247.146.146.046.246.947.347.949.250.652.653.956.158.061.865.568.670.370.070.370.872.76.77.110.612.113.014.014.313.514.412.713.116.014.114.716.317.917.417.815.819.420.617.614.315.819.218.117.5255


TABLE O6.—Gross national product by major type <strong>of</strong> product, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarterTotalgrossnationalproductFinalsalesGoods outputTotalTotalFinalsalesIs55Durable goodsTotalFinalsalesllNondurable goodsTotalFinalsalesII


TABLE C-7.—Gross national product by major type <strong>of</strong> product in 1958 dollars, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollars]Year orquarter1929.19 3319 3919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971197219731974 v1972:1....II...III...IV...1973: L...II...III...IV...1974:1...II...III..IV p.Totalgrossnationalproduct203.6141.5209.4227.2263.7297.8337.1361.3355.2312.6309.9323.7324.1355.3383.4395.1412.8407.0438.0446.1452.5447.3475.9487.7497.2529.8551.0581.1617.8658.1675.2706.6725.6722.5746.3792.5839.2821.1FinalsalesInventorychange200.1145.9208.2222.3254.1293.8337.3363.2358.2302.6310.1319.1328.1347.0372.5391.8411.8409.0431.6441.2451.2448.8471.1484.2495.2523.8545.2575.2608.8644.2667.5700.2718.9718.5741.0785.4828.4812.93.5-4.31.24.99.64.0-.2-1.9-2.910.024! 6-3.98.310.93.3.9-2.06.44.81.2-1.54.83.52.06.05.85.89.013.97.76.46.73.95.37.010.88.2Goods outputTotalTotal103.968.8110.7124.0143.4158.1187.4204.8198.0172.1172.2178.4174.2192.6208.4214.0225.4215.1236.1239.0239.8230.8247.7256.0257.3277.3289.7308.6330.7356.8363.1379.7390.0385.4396.3425.5459.1443.0Finalsales100.473.2109.5119.0133.8154.1187.6206.7201.0162.1172.4173.8178.1184.3197.5210.7224.5217.1229.7234.2238.5232.3242.9252.6255.3271.3283.9302.8321.7342.9355.4373.3383.3381.4391.0418.5448.3434.8II3.5-4.31.24.99.64.0-.2-1.9-2.910.0-.24.6-3.98.310.93.3.9-2.06.44.81.2-1.54.83.52.06.05.85.89.013.97.76.46.73.95.37.010.88.2Durable goodsTotal33.611.727.635.650.057.285.695.984.354.760.161.358.073.484.184.691.081.996.596.596.283.694.097.894.9107.0114.2124.6136.5151.8152.2160.7167.5159.0163.6185.8206.0195.6Finalsales30.913.427.032.843.554.485.297.487.446.158.660.061.068.376.183.289.984.893.093.595.086.491.695.994.9104.1111.4120.4130.1141.9148.0156.2163.2158.0161.7180.1198.5191.4II2.7-1.7.62.76.62.9.4-1.5-3.18.61.51.2-3.05.28.01.51.2-3.03.43.01.2-2.82.42.0.02.82.84.16.59.84.34.44.3.91.95.77.54.2Nondurable goodsTotal70.457.183.088.493.4100.9101.7108.8113.7117.4112.2117.1116.2119.1124.3129.4134.4133.2139.7142.5143.6147.2153.7158.2162.3170.3175.6184.1194.2205.1210.9219.0222.5226.4232.7239.7253.1247.4Finalsales69.559.882.586.290.399.7102.4109.3113.6116.0113.8113.8117.1116.0121.4127.6134.6132.3136.7140.7143.6145.9151.2156.7160.3167.2172.5182.3191.6201.0207.4217.0220.1223.4229.3238.4249.9243.3II0.8-2.7.62.23.11.2-.6-.4.21.4-1.73.3-.93.12.91.8-.2.93.01.8.01.32.51.52.03.13.11.72.64.13.52.02.53.03.41.33.34.0Services69.363.076.980.089.8107.7131.8144.0144.3113.3106.5109.3112.4117.5130.5136.3140.3141.8147.5153.0160.1163.4171.2176.6184.0193.7200.9210.8221.9236.3249.1259.7268.2273.3279.7291.4304.5310.5Structures30.39.821.823.230.531.917.912.412.927.231.236.137.545.244.444.747.050.254.354.052.653.157.055.055.858.860.461.665.265.063 067.267.363.870.375.675.567.6GrossautoproductSeasonally adjusted annual rates770.9786.6798.1814.2832.8837.4840.8845.7830.5827.1823.1803.7766.7780.0789.7805.3825.5829.6832.7825.7819.9818.9818.1794.64.26.68.58.87.37.88.020.010.68.25.09.1409.2422.1430.2440.4455.1457.6458.8465.1449.1448.9446.0427.8405.0415.5421.8431.6447.8449.8450.8445.1438.5440.8441.0418.74.26.68.58.87.37.88.020.010.68.25.09.1174.5182.1188.2198.6204.6206.7206.3206.3200.2195.4200.2186.7172.3177.2182.8188.1199.5200.5199.0194.9194.3196.6196.6178.22.24.85.410.55.16.27.211.55.8-1.23.68.5234.7240.1242.1241.9250.4250.8252.6258.7248.9253.6245.8241.1232.7238.3239.0243.5248.3249.3251.7250.2244.2244.2244.4240.52.01.83.1-1.62.21.6.88.54.79.41.4.6 286.2289.0292.8297.5299.9303.5306.9307.8310.7308.3310.7312.275.575.575.176.377.876.375.172.870.769.866.463.710.311.414.819.115.913.518.717.124.618.620.214.518.521.017.522.024.725.531.830.629.035.435.028.536.239.144.233.636.137.540.941.846.345.243.641.629.232.638.933.8Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.257


TABLE O8.—Gross national product: Receipts and expenditures by major economic groups, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarterPersonsDisposable personalincomeTotal iLess:Interestpaidandtransferpaymentsto foreignersEquals:TotalexcludinginterestandtransfersPersonalconsumptionexpendituresPersonalsavingordissavingGovernmentNet receiptsTaxandnontaxreceiptsor accrualsLess:Transfers,interest,andsubsidies3Equals:NetreceiptsExpendituresTotalexpendituresLess:Transfers,interest,andsubsidies2Equals:Purchases<strong>of</strong>goodsandservicesSurplusordeficit(-),nationalincomeandproductaccounts1929....1933....1939....1940....1941....1942....1943....1944....1945....1946....1947....1948....1949195019511952195319541955....1956—.195719581959I960....1961196219631964....1965....1966—.1967196819691970197119721973....1974 v1972:1 II111IV...1973:1 IL—III...IV...1974:1....11...III...IV P..83.345.570.375.792.7116.9133.5146.3150.2160.0169.8189.1188.6206.9226.6238.3252.6257.4275.3293.2308.5318.8337.3350.0364.4385.3404.6438.1473.2511.9546.3591.0634.4691.7746.4802.5903.7979.7774.7790.0807.2838.1869.5892.1913.9939.4950.6966.5993.11,008.71.9.7.91.01.1.8.8.81.01.41.82.22.42.93.13.54.34.65.15.96.46.57.17.88.18.69.710.712.013.013.915.116.717.918.820.924.126.081.444.969.474.791.6116.1132..7145.5149.3158.6168.0186.9186.2204.1223.5234.8248.3252.9270.2287.2302.2312.3330.3342.3356.3376.6394.9427.4461.3498.9532.4575.9617.7673.8727.6781.6879.6953.777.245.866.870.880.688.599.3108.3119.7143.4160.7173.6176.8191.0206.3216.7230.0236.5254.4266.7281.4290.1311.2325.2335.2355.1375.0401.2432.8466.3492.1536.2579.5617.6667.1729.0805.2877.04.2-.92.63.811.027.633.437.329.615.27.313.49.413.117.318.118.316.415.820.620.722.319.117.021.221.619.926.228.432.540.439.838.256.260.552.674.476.711.39.315.417.725.032.649.251.253.250.956.858.956.068.784.889.894.389.7100.4109.0115.6114.7128.9139.8144.6157.0168.8174.1189.1213.3228.9263.5296.7302.5321.6367.0411.5455.01.82.74.24.44.04.44.76.510.418.517.318.821.322.919.919.019.521.923.425.528.733.034.036.541.342.844.446.749.955.562.870.777.993.2105.9116.5131.6152.09.56.711.213.321.028.244.444.742.832.439.540.134.745.864.970.874.867.876.983.586.881.695.0103.3103.3114.2124.3127.3139.2157.9166.2192.7218.8209.4215.7250.5279.9303.110.310.717.618.428.864.093.3103.092.745.542.450.359.160.879.093.7101.296.797.6104.1114.9127.2131.0136.1149.0159.9166.9175.4186.9212.3242.9270.3287.9312.7340.2372.1408.0460.91.82.74.24.44.04.44.76.510.418.517.318.821.322.919.919.019.521.923.425.528.733.034.036.541.342.844.446.749.955.562.870.777.993.2105.9116.5131.6152.08.58.013.314.024.859.688.696.582.327.025.131.637.837.959.174.781.674.874.278.686.194.297.099.6107.6117.1122.5128.7137.0156.8180.1199.6210.0219.5234.2255.7276.4308.8Seasonally adjusted annual rates19.920.521.222.022.523.524.326.225.625.826.226.4754.8769.5786.0816.1847.0868.6889.6913.2925.0940.7966.9982.3701.5720.6736.8757.2781.7799.0816.3823.9840.6869.1901.3896.853.349.049.358.965.369.673.289.384.471.565.585.4355.3362.4369.8380.5398.1406.9416.5424.6435.9450.7470.3112.5113.8115.3124.4127.2130.7133.0135.9139.3147.4157.8163.9242.8248.7254.5256.2271.0276.2283.6288.7296.5303.3312.4363.5367.6370.4387.0396.1403.9409.8422.3435.5451.7470.0486.2112.5113.8115.3124.4127.2130.7133.0135.9139.3147.4157.8163.9251.1253.8255.1262.6269.0273.3276.9286.4296.3304.4312.3322.41.0-1.4-2.2-31.4-44.1-51.8-39.55.414.48.5-3.27.95.8-3.8-6.9-7.02.74.9-12! 5-2.13.7-4.3-2.91.8-1.42.21.1-13.9-6.88.8-10.1-18.5-5.13.5-5.9-8.2-5.2-.6-6.52.13.06.72.3.4-1.0.2See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.258


TABLE C-8.—Gross national product: Receipts and expenditures by major economic groups,1929-74—Continued[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]BusinessInternationalYearorquarterGrossretainedearnings3Grossprivatelomesticinvestment*Excess<strong>of</strong> investment(Net exports <strong>of</strong> goodsand servicesNettransferst<strong>of</strong>origners>y personsandGovernmentExportsLess:ImportsEquals:NetexportsExcess<strong>of</strong>transfersor<strong>of</strong> netexports() 5Totalincomeor receiptsStatisticaldiscrepancyGrossnationalproductor expenditure1929193319391940194119421943.194419451946.1947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971197219731974 P11.23.28.410.511.414.516.317.115.114.520.228.029.729.433.135.136.139.246.347.349.849.456.856.858.766.368.876.284.791.393.095.497.097.0110.2125.9136.5136.516.21.49.313.117.99.85.77.110.630.634.046.035.754.159.351.952.651.767.470.067.960.975.374.871.783.087.194.0108.1121.4116.6126.0139.0136.3153.7179.3209.4208.9-5.1l.P-.9-2.7-6.54.610.610.04.6-16.1-13.8-18.0-6.0-24.7-26.2-16.8-16.5-12.5-21.1-22.8-18.1-11.5-18.5-18.0-13.0-16.8-18.4-17.8-23.4-30.1-23.5-30.6-42.0-39.3-43.5-53.5-72.9-72.40.4.2.2.2.2.2.2.3.82.92.64.55.64.03.52.52.52.32.52.42.32.42.42.42.62.72.82.82.82.83.02.92.93.23.63.83.93.67.02.44.45.45.94.84.45.37.214.719.716.815.813.818.718.016.917.819.823.626.523.123.527.228.630.332.337.139.243.446.250.655.562.965.472.4100.4139.45.92.03.43.64.64.86.57.17.37.28.210.39.612.015.115.816.615.917.819.620.820.923.323.223.025.126.428.632.338.141.048.153.659.365.678.496.4137.51.1.41.11.71.3.0-2.0-1.8-.67.511.56.46.11.83.72.2.41.82.04.05.72.2.14.05.65.15.98.56.95.35.22.51.93.6-.2-6.03.92.0-0.8-.2-.9-1.5-1.1.22.22.11.4-4.6-8.9-1.9-.52.2-.2.32.1.5.5-1.5-3.4.22.3-1.7-3.0-2.5-3.1-5.7-4.1-2.4-2.2.41.04189.8-.11.6102.455.089.298.7124.1159.0193.6207.6208.0208.4230.4259.5256.2283.3325.1343.3361.6362.1395.9420.4441.1445.8484.5504.8520.8559.8590.8633.7688.0750.9794.6866.9936.3983.51,057.21,161.81,299.91, 396.70.7.61.31.0.4-1.1-2.02.53.9.1.9-2.0.31.53.32.23.02.72.1-1.1.01.6-.8-1.0-.8.5-.3-1.3-3.1-1.0-j-1.1-5.1-6.4-2.3-3.8-5.0.0103.155.690.599.7124.5157.9191.6210.1211.9208.5231.3257.6256.5284.8328.4345.5364.6364.8398.0419.2441.1447.3483.7503.7520.1560.3590.5632.4684.9749.9793.9864.2930.3977.11,054.91,158.01,294.91,396.7Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: L -IL.III.IV..1973: I...IllIV1974: I.IIIIIIV p_...119.3125.6126.4132.2133.7135.3137.1140.0139.7135.7130.6169.4175.5182.1190.2199.0205.1209.0224.5210.5211.8205.8207.6-50.1-49.9-55.7-58.0-65.3-69.8-71.9-84.5-70.8-76.1-75.24.03.83.83.63.04.23.64.73.73.73.33.669.168.873.378.588.895.4103.7113.6131.2138.5143.6144.376.175.778.183.889.594.996.9104.3119.9140.0146.7143.2-7.1-6.9-4.8-5.3-.8.56.79.311.3-1.5-3.11.211.010.78.68.93.83.7-3.1-4.7-7.75.26.52.41,120.91,147.61,170.81, 208.01,254.71,284.41,313.81,346.61, 365.11, 383. 51,413.3-5.9-4.5-1.5-3.3-5.9-6.5-4.9-2.6-6.3.33.01,115.01,143.01,169.31,204.71,248.91,277.91, 308.91,344.01,358.81,383.81,416.31,428.01 Personal income less personal tax and nontax payments (fines, penalties, etc.).2 Government transfer payments to persons, foreign net transfers by Government, net interest paid by government,subsidies less current surplus <strong>of</strong> government enterprises, and disbursements less wage accruals.3 Capital consumption allowances, corporate inventory valuation adjustment, undistributed corporate pr<strong>of</strong>its, andprivate wage accruals less disbursements.* Private business investment, purchases <strong>of</strong> capital goods by private nonpr<strong>of</strong>it institutions, and residential housing.See Table C-13.s Net foreign investment less capital grants received by <strong>the</strong> United States, with sign changed.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.259


TABLE C-9.—Gross national product by sector, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Gross domestic productYear or quarterTotalgrossnationalproductTotalTotalBusinessNonfarm 1FarmGeneral government 2TotalStateandlocalRest<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>worldHouseholdsandinstitutionsFederalAddendum:Grossprivateproduct 31929103.1102.395.185.49.72.94.30.93.50.898.8193355.655.348.944.34.61.74.71.23.5.350.9193990.590.280.374.06.32.37.63.44.2.382.91940194119421943 ..194419451946._19471948194999.7124.5157.9191.6210.1211.9208.5231.3257.6256.599.3124.2157.5191.2209.7211.6207.9230.5256.6255.589.1112.2139.5162.4173.8172.3182.7208.6233.5230.182.6103.3126.5147.2158.5156.4163.9188.5210.2211.46.58.913.015.315.315.918.820.223.318.82.42.52.93.23.74.14.55.15.65.97.89.415.125.632.235.220.816.717.419.43.55.010.620.927.329.814.69.48.910.04.34 44 54 74.95 46.27 38 59 4.4.4.4.4.4.4.6.81.01.091.9115.1142.8166.0177.9176.8187.7214.6240.1237.019501951 .19521953_19541955.1956.19571958 .1959284.8328.4345.5364.6364.8398.0419.2441.1447.3483.7283.6327.1344.2363.3363.2396.2417.2438.9445.3481.5256.3292.8305.8323.6322.7352.9370.8389.3391.7425.0236.3269.9283.7303.3303.1334.1352.2370.9370.9405.320.022.922.220.319.618.818.618.420.819.66.46.97.27.88.19.19.810.511.412.220.927.431.231.932.534.236.639.142.144.310 816.318.918.617.818.419.019 620.621.010 111.112 213.314 715 817.619 521.523.31.21.31.31.31.61.82.12.22.02.2263.9301.0314.3332.7332.4363.8382.6402.0405.2439.41960...196119621963..196419651966196719681969503.7520.1560.3590.5632.4684.9749.9793.9864.2930.3501.4517.2557.1587.1628.5680.7745.8789.4859.5926.0440.7452.3487.4513.0548.2594.4648.9681.6739.0794.1420.2431.4466.2491.5527.6570.8624.0657.0713.9766.220.520.921.221.520.623.724.924.625.227.913.214.015.016.017.318.520.222.825.528.147.550.954.758.163.067.876.685.194.9103.821.922.924.325.327.128.432.635.939.542.225.628.030.432.935.939.344.049.255.461.62.42.93.33.44.04.24.14.54.74.3456.3469.2505.7532.4569.4617.1673.3708.8769.3826.51970 .19711972...19731974*977.11,054.91,158.01,294.91, 396.7972.51,048.91,151.51, 286.51,385.6827.0890.5977.91,096.81,177.9797.9859.6942.61,040.31,124.129.030.935.356.553.830.833.737.241.347.0114.7124.6136.4148.5160.845.247.350.752.855.769.677.485.795.7105.14.66.06.58.411.1862.4930.31,021.61,146.51,235.9Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: 1IIIII..IV_1,115.01,143.01,169.31,204.71,109.21,137.11,162.41,197.4940.5965.9987.41,017.7907.2931.6952.9978.933.334.434.638.836.037.037.838.0132.6134.2137.1141.750.449.950.252.582.284.387.089.25.85.96.97.4982.31,008.91, 032.11, 063.01973: 1IIIII...IV1, 248.91,277.91,308.91,344.01, 240. 51, 269.91,300.61,335.21,056.71,082.41,109.21,138.81,008.81,029.01,049.01,074.547.953.460.264.439.540.742.043.0144.3146.8149.4153.452.552.152.454.391.894.797.199.18.48.08.38.91,104.61,131.11,159.51,190.71974: 1 .IIIIIIV p1,358.81, 383.81,416.31,428.01,344.01, 374.11, 405.21,419.21,143.11,168.81,195.71, 203.81,082.61,117.81,144.41,151.760.551.151.352.144.646.548.048.9156.3158.8161.6166.554.855.055.357.9101.5103.9106.3108.614.79.711.18.81, 202. 51, 225.01, 254.71,261.51 Includes compensation <strong>of</strong> employees in government enterprises.* Compensation <strong>of</strong> general government employees.* Gross national product less compensation <strong>of</strong> general government employees.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.260


TABLE G-10.—Gross national product by sector in 1958 dollars, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollars]Year orquarterTotalgrossnationalproductGross domestic productTotalBusinessTotalNonfarmiFarmHouseholdsandinstitutionsGeneral government 2TotalFederalStateandlocalRest<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>worldAddendum:Grossprivateproduct^192919331939194019411942194319441945.19461947194819491950.1951195219531954195519561957.1958195919601961196219631964196519661967..1968196919701971197219731974*1972: IIV ..1973: I.....II —III...IV ..1974: I IL...III...IV p..203.6141.5209.4227.2263.7297.8337.1361.3355.2312.6309.9323.7324.1355.3383.4395.1412.8407.0438.0446.1452.5447.3475.9487.7497.2529.8551.0581.1617.8658.1675.2706.6725.6722.5746.3792.5839.2821.1202.2140.3208.4226.3262.8296.9336.3360.4354.5311.7308.9322.5322.9354.0382.2393.9411.5405.5436.2444.1450.4445.3473.7485.4494.2526.4547.6577.2613.7654.1670.8702.2721.6718.5741.5787.7833.9817.1182.1120.6180.7197.1228.1248.7264.9278.9274.6267.0272.8286.0284.7314.2334.5343.2360.7355.4385.4392.2397.5391.7419.4429.5436.9466.7486.6514.4548.9584.9597.8626.5644.6641.1663.7709.4753.1734.1165.1103.0162.5179.6209.3228.0245.3259.5256.5248.6255.8267.0266.2294.9316.2324.2340.7335.0364.4371.4377.2370.9398.3407.6414.8444.6463.8492.1525.2562.5573.9603.1620.5616.4637.4683.4725.8706.617.017.518.217.518.820.619.619.418.118.517.019.018.419.418.419.020.020.420.920.820.320.821.121.922.222.122.822.323.722.423.923.424.124.826.326.027.427.57.45.77.17.67.57.87.27.17.17.17.57.98.28.78.88.89.19.210.110.610.911.411.712.212.412.913.213.714.014.615.416.016.316.617.017.618.518.912.714.020.621.627.240.564.374.472.837.528.628.730.131.138.841.841.740.940.741.341.942.142.543.744.846.947.849.150.854.657.359.760.760.760.860.762.364.12.63.38.59.314.828.452.562.660.924.914.914.315.015.522.925.424.623.022.221.721.520.620.220.420.621.821.621.621.823.925.726.326.024.523.021.821.321.110.110.712.212.312.412.111.811.711.912.613.714.415.115.615.916.417.117.818.619.620.521.522.323.324.225.126.227.429.030.731.933.434.736.237.838.941.043.1Seasonally adjusted annual rates1.41.2.91.0.9.8.8.9.8.91.11.21.21.31.21.21.31.61.82.02.12.02.22.32.93.43.43.94.13.94.34.54.04.04.94.75.24.0770.9786.6798.1814.2832.8837.4840.8845.7830.5827.1823.1803.7766.5782.3793.2809.0827.0832.4835.7840.7823.5824.1819.8800.9688.3704.3714.8730.3747.3751.8754.4759.2740.9741.4736.6717.3661.8677.8690.2704.0719.2724.3728.6731.0713.9712.7708.0691.626.526.524.626.328.127.525.828.227.028.728.625.717.417.617.717.518.118.518.818.719.118.818.918.960.760.460.661.161.662.162.462.963.563.964.264.822.121.721.721.721.521.321.121.121.121.121.021.038.638.739.039.440.140.841.341.742.342.843.243.74.54.45.05.25.85.05.15.07.03.03.32.8190.9127.5188.7205.6236.6257.3272.8286.9282.5275.1281.4295.0294.1324.2344.6353.2371.1366.2397.2404.8410.5405.2433.4444.0452.3482.9503.2532.0567.0603.5617.5647.0664.9661.7685.6731.7776.9757.0710.2726.2737.5753.0771.2775.3778.4782.8767.0763.2758.8738.91 Includes compensation <strong>of</strong> employees in government enterprises.2 Compensation <strong>of</strong> general government employees.3 Gross national product less compensation <strong>of</strong> general government employees.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.261


TABLE C-l 1.—Gross product originating in nonfinancial corporations and dollar costs per unit <strong>of</strong>output, 1948-74Year or quarterGross productoriginating innonfinancialcorporations (billions<strong>of</strong> dollars)Currentdollars1958dollarsTotalcostsiCurrent dollar costs per unit <strong>of</strong> 1958 dollar gross product (dollars)CapitalconsumptionallowancesIndirectbusinesstaxes 2Compensation<strong>of</strong>employeesNetinterestCorporate pr<strong>of</strong>its and inventoryvaluation adjustmentTotalPr<strong>of</strong>itstaxliabilityPr<strong>of</strong>itsaftertaxesplus inventoryvaluationadjustment19481949137.0133.3172.9165.60.793.8050.040.0470.070.0760.507.5140.005.0060.171.1620.069.0570.103.10419501951195219531954151.7174.3182.0194.7191.6186.4203.5207.1219.8213.4.814.857.879.886.898.046.049.054.059.069.075.075.081.083.081.507.541.570.584.591.005.005.006.006.007.180.186.168.154.149.090.103.086.084.074.090.083.082.070.075195519561957.19581959216.3231.2241.9236.0263.7237.2244.0247.2236.0260.8.912.948.9791.0001.011.072.076.082.091.088.081.085.090.097.094.582.619.642.659.654.007.007.009.011.010.170.160.155.142.164.084.081.076.069.080.086.079.078.073.08419601961196219631964273.1278.4302.8320.0346.0267.1270.6292.9308.0329.71.0221.0291.034.039L. 050.091.095.100.100.100.099.103.101.102.103.670.670.665.664.664.011.013.014.015.015.151.149.154.158.168.073.073.071.074.074.078.076.082.084.094196519661967---19681969377.6413.0430.8469 9504.3357.8385.0390.2415.0433.91.0551.0731.1041.132L. 162.099.100.107.109.115.100.096.100.105.109.660.678.707.727.764.017.019.023.025.029.179.180.167.166.145.077.078.073.082.078.102.102.094.084.06719701971_.1972 .19731974*519.1555.1614.3684.3731.8427.7441.5479.0516.4504.21.2581.282L. 325L.451.126.132.133.132.145.119.126.123.123.133.812.830.845.879.978.038.038.037.040.045.119.132.145.151.150.064.067.070.079.091.055.065.075.073.059Seasonallyadjustedannual ratesSeasonally adjusted1972: 1 ...II .IIIIV591.4607.4618.6639.7463.6475.0482.0495.31.2761.2791.2841.2920.132.134.133.1320.124.123.123.1220.843.843.846.8480.037.037.037.0370.140.142.144.1520.067068.070.0740.074074.075.0781973: 1II ..IllIV ..663.5678.6690.0704.9510.1516.1518.7520.61.3011.3151.3301.354.130.131.132.134.122.122.124.124.858.870.884.905.038.039.040.041.153.152.151.150.079.081.078.077.074.071.072.0731974: 1II...Ill709.3727.9743.5509.7507.9505.21.3911.4331.472.139.142.146.128.131.136.937.964.993.043.045.046.145.152.151.083.090.104.062.061.0471 This is equal to <strong>the</strong> deflator for gross product <strong>of</strong> nonfinancial corporations, with <strong>the</strong> decimal point shifted two places to<strong>the</strong> left.3 Also includes business transfer payments less subsidies.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.262


TABLE C-12.—Personal consumption expenditures, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Yearorquarter2iiliQ.co x•SCDDurable goodsIsNondurable goodsServices1929...1933...1939...1940..1941..1942..1943..1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970...1971...1972...1973...1974 P..1972:I —IV..1973:\~\~.~.III.IV..1974:I —II..III.IV v77.245.866.870.880.688.599.3108.3119.7143.4160.7173.6176.8191.0206.3216.7230.0236.5254.4266.7281.4290.1311.2325.2335.2355.1375.0401.2432.8466.3492.1536.2579.5617.6667.1729.0805.2877.09.23.56.77.89.66.96.66.78.015.820.422.724.630.529.629.333.232.839.638.940.837.944.345.344.249.553.959.266.370.873.184.090.891.3103.9118.4130.3127.83.21.12.22.73.4.7.8.81.04.06.27.59.913.111.611.114.213.618.416.418.315.419.520.118.422.024.325.830.330.330.537.540.237.346.653.157.549.64.81.93.53.94.94.73.93.84.68.610.911.911.614.114.414.314.915.016.617.517.317.118.918.919.320.522.225.026.929.931.434.337.139.642.348.755.058.91.2.51.01.11.41.61.92.22.53.23.33.43.23.33.63.94.14.24.65.05.25.45.96.36.56.97.58.59.110.511.212.313.514.415.016.617.819.237.722.335.137.042.950.858.664.371.982.490.596.294.598.1108.8114.0116.8118.3123.3129.3135.6140.2146.6151.3155.9162.6168.6178.7191.1206.9215.0230.8245.9263.8278.4299.7338.0380.219.511.519.120.223.428.433.236.740.647.452.354.252.553.960.463.464.465.467.269.973.676.478.680.582.985.788.292.998.8105.8108.5115.3120.6130.0135.9143.7165.1187.89.44.67.17.48.811.013.414.416.518.218.820.119.319.621.221.922.122.123.124.124.324.726.427.327.929.630.633.535.940.342.346.350.252.857.363.070.274.11.81.52.22.32.62.11.31.61.83.03.64.45.05.46.16.87.78.29.09.810.611.011.612.312.412.913.514.015.316.617.619.020.922.223.525.028.335.97.04.66.77.18.09.310.611.713.013.815.717.517.719.221.121.722.722.624.025.427.128.230.131.232.734.436.338.241.144.446.650.254.258.761.867.974.482.330.320.125.026.028.130.834.237.239.845.349.854.757.662.467.973.479.985.491.498.5105.0112.0120.3128.7135.1143.0152.4163.3175.5188.6204.0221.3242.7262.6284.8310.9336.9369.111.57.99.19.410.211.011.512.012.513.915.717.519.321.323.926.529.331.733.736.038.541.143.746.348.752.055.459.363.567.571.877.384.190.999.1107.9116.4126.44.02.83.84.04.34.85.25.96.46.87.58.18.59.510.411.112.012.614.015.216.217.318.520.020.822.023.124.325.627.129.131.233.836.439.443.347.352.92.61.52.02.12.42.73.43.74.05.05.35.85.96.26.77.17.87.98.28.69.09.310.110.810.611.011.411.612.613.614.515.516.618.320.421.823.426.1Seasonally adjusted annual rates701.5'20.6'36.8'57.2781.7799.0816.3823.9840.6869.1901.3896.812.27.910.110.411.212.314.015.616.819.721.423.323.925.426.928.730.833.235.538.641.344.348.051.654.958.062.568.173.880.488.597.3108.2117.0125.9137.9149.9163.6112.1116.2121.2124.3132.4132.1132.4124.3123.9129.5136.1121.549.451555660595951.534423248.050.656.43. 2 747.247.949.350.754.354.955.555.457.559.560.458.415.616.816.717.217.718.017.617.718.319.419.419.5288.4297.4302.0310.9323.3332.7343.8352.1364.4375.8389.0391.5139.3142.4144.7148.5155.9160.9169.1174.5180.1183.5191.3196.660.062.563.766.069.170.170.670.972.874.475.773.524.624.525.125.826.828.028.729.831.536.837.937.564.668.168.570.771.573.675.477.080.081.184.284.0301.0307.0313.6322.0325.9334.2340.1347.4352.4363.8376.2383.8105.1106.9108.9110.7113.1115.6117.0119.7122.2124.9127.7130.941.242.643.945.545.646.648.348.749.251.754.656.221.521.621.922.322.823.123.624.125.025.626.527.5133.1135.9138.8143.6144.5148.8151.2155.0156.0161.6167.5169.31 Includes consumer purchases <strong>of</strong> mobile homes.* Includes imputed rental value <strong>of</strong> owner-occupied dwellings.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.263


TABLE C-13.—Gross private domestic investment, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarter19291933....1939...1940 .1941...19421943...19441945 .19461947.1948...19491950 .1951....19521953...19541955...19561957.1958195919601961..196219631964. .19651966196719681969 ...19701971197219731974 v_1972: 1 IIIIIIV1973:1 IIIllIV1974: 1 IIIllIV»____Totalgrossprivatedomestici nvestment16.21.49.313.117.99.85.77.110.630.634.046.035.754.159.351.952.651.767.470.067.960.975.374.871.783.087.194.0108.1121.4116.6126.0139.0136.3153.7179.3209.4208.9169.4175.5182.1190.2199.0205.1209.0224.5210.5211.8205.8207.6Fixed investmentTotal14.53.08.911.013.48.16.48.111.624.234.441.338.847.349.048.852.153.361.465.366.562.470.571.369.777.081.388.298.5106.6108.4118.9131.1131.7147.4170.8194.0195.6164.5167.6171.9179.2189.0194.4197.1195.5193.6198.3197.1193.2NonresidentialTotal10.62.45.97.59.56.05.06.810.117.023.426.925.127.931.831.634.233.638.143.746.441.645.148.447.051.754.361.171.381.683.388.898.5100.6104.6116.8136.8149.6112.7114.7117.5122.5130.5135.6139.0141.9145.2149.4150.9152.7StructuresTotal5.0.92.02.32.91.91.31.82.86.87.58.88.59.211.211.412.713.114.317.218.016.616.718.118.419.219.521.225.528.528.030.334.236.137.941.147.052.2Nonfarm4.8.91.92.22.81.81.21.72.76.16.78.07.78.510.410.511.912.313.616.517.215.815.917.417.718.518.820.524.927.827.329.633.535.337.140.445.750.3Producers'durableequipmentTotal5.61.54.05.36.64.13.75.07.310.215.918.116.618.720.720.221.520.623.826.528.425.028.430.328.632.534.839.945.853.155.358.564.364.466.675.789.897.4Nonfarm4.91.33.44.65.63.53.24.26.39.214.015.513.715.717.717.618.618.021.224.225.922.025.427.725.829.531.236.341.648.450.053.659.258.961.169.481.486.8Seasonally adjusted annua40.741.040.642.244.646.247.949.351.352.251.054.339.940.339.941.343.644.946.447.849.550.449.252.372.073.776.880.385.989.491.192.693.997.299.998.466.568.070.172.978.581.182.683.584.686.989.286.3Residential structuresTotal4.0.62.93.43.92.11.41.31.57.211.114.413.719.417.217.218.019.723.321.620.220.825.522.822.625.327.027.127.225.025.130.132.631.242.854.057.246.0rates51.852.954.556.758.558.758.153.648.448.846.240.5Nonfarm3.8.52.83.23.71.91.21.11.46.710.413.612.818.616.416.417.219.022.720.919.520.124.822.222.024.826.426.626.724.524.529.532.030.742.353.456.745.251.252.353.956.258.058.457.653.047.848.045.439.8Farm0.2.0.1.2.2.2.1.1.9.8.8.8.8.8.6.7.6.6.6.6.6.6.5.5.6.6.5.6.6.70.6.6.5.5.4.5.6.7.8.8Change inbusinessinventoriesTotal1.7-1.6.42.24.51.8-.6-1.0-1.06.4-.54.7-3.16.810.33.1.4-1.56.04.71.3-1.54.83.62.06.05.95.89.614.88.27.17.84.56.38.515.413.45.08.010.211.010.010.711.828.916.913.58.714.4Nonfarm1.8-1.4.31.94.0.7-.6 g—.66.41.33.0-2.26.09.11.15.55 1-2.34.83.31.75 35 16.48 615.07.56.97.74.34.97.811.411.04.17.09.610.46.57.77.424.013.110.46.613.8Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.264


TABLE C—14.-—Relation <strong>of</strong> gross national product and national income, 1929—74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or quarter192919331939194019411942194319441945194619471948 . ...19491950195119521953 .. .1954195519561957195819591960196119621963196419651966. .19671968196919701971197219731974 v ._.1972: 1 IIIIIIV1973: 1 IIIII... .IV1974: 1 IIIIIIV PGrossnationalproduct103.155.690.599.7124.5157.9191.6210.1211.9208.5231.3257.6256.5284.8328.4345.5364.6364.8398.0419.2441.1447.3483.7503.7520.1560.3590.5632.4684.9749.9793.9864.2930.3977.11,054.91,158.01,294.91,396.71,115.01,143.01,169. 31,204.71,248.91,277.91, 308.91,344.01,358.81, 383.81,416.31, 428.0Less:Capitalconsumptionallowances7.97.07.37.58.29.810.311.011.39.912.214.516.618.321.223.225.728.231.534.137.138.941.443.445.250.052.656.159.863.968.974.581.687.393.7102.9110.8119.598.9103.7103.3105.8107.4110.5111.5113.9115.8118.6120.7123.0Equals:Netnationalproduct95.248.683.292.2116.3148.1181.3199.1200.7198.6219.1243.1239.9266.4307.2322.3338.9336.6366.5385.2404.0408.4442.3460.3474.9510.4537.9576.3625.1685.9725.0789.7848.7889.8961.21,055.11,184.11,277. 2Plus:Subsidieslesscurrentsurplus<strong>of</strong> governmententerprises-0.1.0.5.4.1.2.2.7.8.9-.2-.1.2.2-.1-.4-.2-.1.8.9.9.1.21.41.4.81.31.32.31.41.01.71.12.3.6-2.9Less:Indirectbusinesstax andnontaxliability7.07.19.410.011.311.812.714.115.517.118.420.121.323.325.227.629.629.432.134.937.338.541.545.247.751.554.758.462.565.770.478.685.993.5102.7110.0119.2126.9Seasonally adjusted annual1,016.11,039.31,066.01,098.91,141.51,167.41,197.41,230.11,243.01,265.21,295.61, 305.01.52.12.52.91.5.7.3-.1-2.7-3.7-2.4-2.7106.7109.0111.1113.4116.5118.6120.4121.3122.6125.9129.5129.8Businesstransferpayments0.6.7.5.4.5.5.5.5.5.6.7.8.8.91 01.21.11.21.41.51.61.71.92.02.12.32.52.73.03.13.43.84.04.34.64.95.2rates4.54.54.64.64.74.84.95.05.15.25.35.3Statisticaldiscrepancy0.7.61.31.0.4-1.1-2.02.53.9.1.9-2.0.31.53.32.23.02.72.1-1.1.01.6-.8-1.0-.8.5-.3-1.3-3.1-1.0-.7-2.7-6.1-6.4-2.3-3.8-5.0.0-5.9-4.5-1.5-3.3-5.9-6.5-4.9-2.6-6.33.*0Equals:Nationalincome86.840.372.681.1104.2137.1170.3182.6181.5181.9199.0224.2217.5241.1278.0291.4304.7303.1331.0350.8366.1367.8400.0414.5427.3457.7481.9518.1564.3620.6653.6711.1766.0800.5857.7946.51,065.61,142.2912.3932.5954.3987.01,027.61,051.21,077.31,106.31,118.81,130.21,155.5Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.265


TABLE CM 5.—National income by type <strong>of</strong> income, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarterTotalnationalincome1TotalCompensation <strong>of</strong>employeesWagesandsalariesSupplementstowagesandsalaries2Business and pr<strong>of</strong>essionalincomeTotalIncome<strong>of</strong>unincorporatedenterprisesInventoryvaluationadjustmentIncome<strong>of</strong>farmproprietors'TotalCorporate pr<strong>of</strong>itsand inventoryvaluationadjustmentRentalincome<strong>of</strong>personsCorporatepr<strong>of</strong>itsbeforetaxes«InventoryvaluationadjustmentNetinterest19291933. ..193986.840.372.651.129.548.150.429.045.90.7.52.29.03.37.48.83.97.60.1-.5-.26.22.64.45.42.02.710.5-1.26.310.01.07.00.5-2.1—.74.74.13.519401941194219431944194519461947.. ..1948194981.1104.2137.1170.3182.6181.5181.9199.0224.2217.552.164.885.3109.5121.2123.1117.9128.9141.1141.049.862.182.1105.8116.7117.5112.0123.0135.4134.52.32.73.23.84.55.65.95.95.86.58.611.114.017.018.219.221.620.322.722.68.611.714.417.118.319.323.321.823.122.2.0-.6-.4-.2-.1-.1-1.7-1.5-.4.54.56.49.811.711.612.214.915.217.512.72.93.54.55.15.45.66.67.18.08.49.815.220.324.423.819.219.325.633.030.810.017.721.525.124.119.724.631.535.228.9-.2-2.5-1.2—.8-5.3-5.9-2.21.93.33.23.12.72.32.21.51.91.81.91950195119521953195419551956 . .195719581959I96019611962196319641965196619671968.196919701971197219731974 v241.1278.0291.4304.7303.1331.0350.8366.1367.8400.0414.5427.3457.7481.9518.1564.3620.6653.6711.1766.0800.5857.7946.51,065.61,142.2154.6180.7195.3209.1208.0224.5243.1256.0257.8279.1294.2302.6323.6341.0365.7393.8435.5467.2514.6566.0603.9643.1707.1786.0855.7146.8171.1185.1198.3196.5211.3227.8238.7239.9258.2270.8278.1296.1311.1333.7358.9394.5423.1464.9509.7542.0573.6626.8691.6750.67.89.610.210.911.513.215.217.317.920.923.424.627.529.932.035.041.044.249.756.361.969.580.394.4105.024.026.127.127.527.630.331.332.833.235.134.235.637.137.940.242.445.247.349.550.550.052.054.957.661.225.126.526.927.627.630.531.833.133.235.334.335.637.137.940.342.845.647.650.351.250.752.756.059.864.7-1.1-'.2-.2-.5-.1-.1.0.0.0.0-.4-.3-.7-.8-.7-2.3 -3.513.515.815.013.012.411.411.411.313.411.412.012.813.013.112.114.816.114.814.716.716.917.221.038.531.89.410.311.512.713.613.914.314.815.415.615.816.016.717.118.019.020.021.121.222.623.925.225.926.126.537.742.739.939.638.046.946.145.641.151.749.950.355.758.966.376.182.478.784.379.869.278.792.2105.1105.442.643.938.940.638.348.648.847.241.452.149.750.355.459.466.877.884.279.887.684.974.083.699.2122.7141.0—5.0-1.21.0-1.0-.3-1.7-2.7-1.5-.3-.5.2-.1.3-.5-1.7-1.8-1.1-3.3-5.1-4.8-4.9-7.0-17.6-35.52.02.32.62.83.64.14.65.66.87.18.410.011.613.815.818.221.424.426.930.536.541.645.652.361.6Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972' 1 IIIIIIV..912 3932.5954 3987.0683 8699.0712 6732.9606 6619.7631 2649.677.179.381.483.453.754.355.556.119.220.320.324.025.524.426.826.786.589.592.999.892.396.0100.2108.2-5.8—6.5—7.3-8.443.644.946.247.51973: I..III.IV.1,027.61,051.21,077.31,106.3759.1776.7793.3814.8667.6683.6698.2717.091.593.195.197.757.057.157.758.432.135.641.544.926.325.726.226.4103.9105.0105.2106.4120.4124.9122.7122.7-16.5-20.0-17.5-16.349.251.153.255.51974- 1 IIIII.IV p1 118 81,130.21,155.1828 8848.3868.2877.3727.6744.6761.5768.8101.2103.7106.7108.559.360.762.362.539.129.129.829.126.426.326.626.8107.7105.6105.8135.4139.0157.0-27.7-33.4-51.2-29.857.560.162.865.91 National income is <strong>the</strong> total net income earned in production. It differs from gross national product mainly in that itexcludes depreciation charges and o<strong>the</strong>r allowances for business and institutional consumption <strong>of</strong> durable capital goods,and indirect business taxes. See Table C-14.3 Employer contributions for social insurance and to private pension, health, and welfare funds; compensation forinjuries; directors' fees; pay <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> military reserve; and a few o<strong>the</strong>r minor items.» Includes change in inventories.* See Table C-74 for corporate tax liability and pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.266


TABLE C—16.—Relation <strong>of</strong> national income and personal income, 1929—74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Less:PlusEquals:Year or quarterNationalincomeCorporatepr<strong>of</strong>itsand inventoryvaluationadjustmentContributionsforsocialinsuranceWageaccrualslessdisbursementsGovernmenttransferpaymentsto personsInterestpaidbygovernment(net)and byconsumersDividendsBusinesstransferpaymentsPersonalincome19291933193919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950 . . .195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971197219731974*86.840.372.681.1104.2137.1170.3182.6181 5181.9199.0224 2217.5241.1278.0291.4304 7303.1331.0350.8366.1367.8400.0414 5427.3457.7481.9518.1564.3620.6653.6711.1766.0800.5857.7946.51,065.61,142. 210.5-1.26.39.815.220.324.423.819.219.325.633.030.837.742.739.939.638.046.946.145.641.151.749.950.355.758.966.376.182.478.784.379.869.278.792.2105.1105.40.2.32.12.32.83.54.55.26.16.05.75.25.76.98.28.78 89.811.112.614.514.817.620 721.424.026.927.929.638.042.447.154.257.763.873.091.2101.50.0.0.0.0.0.0.2-.2o .0.0o .0.0 .1.0.0.0.0.0.0.0o.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.6.0-.1-.50.91.52.52.72.62.62.53.15.610.811.110.511.614.311.512.012.814.916.117.119.924.124.926.630.431.233.034.237.241.148.756.161.975.189.098.6113.0134.62.51.61.92.12.22.22.63.34.25.25.56.16.57.27.68.19.09.510.111.212.012.113.615.115.016.117.619.120.522.223.626.128.731.031.233.038.342.35.82.03.84.04.44.34 44.64 65.66.37 07.28.88.68.68.99.310.511.311.711.612.613 413.815.216 517.819.820.821.423.624.324.725.027.329.632.70.6.7.54.5*5.55.6.88.91.01 21.11.21 41 51.61.71 92 02.12 32.52.73.03.13.43.84.04.34.64.95.285.947.072.878.396.0122.9151.3165.3171 1178.7191.3210 2207.2227.6255.6272.5288.2290.1310.9333.0351.1361.2383.5401.0416.8442.6465.5497.5538.9587.2629.3688.9750.9808.3864.0944.91,055.01,150.4Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: 1IIIll -IV1973: 1IIIIIIV1974: 1IIML..IVP912.3932.5954.3987.0,027.6,051.2,077.3, 106.3,118.8, 130.2, 155.586.589.592.999.8103.9105.0105.2106.4107.7105.6105.871.272.373.874.988.790 292.193.999.1100 8103.0103.2-1.4 94.5-.4 95.5-.2 96.92.1 107.6.0 109.3_ 3 111 3.0 114.1.0 117.1.0 123.1- 6 130 6-1.5 138.7.0 145.831.832.733.234.435.937.739.3'40.440.841.942.743.626.427.127.828.228.729 129.830.731.632 533.233.34.54.54.64.64.74 84.95.05.15 25.35.3913.3930.9950.3985.01,013.61,039.21,068.01,099.31,112.51,134.61,168.21,186.4Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.267


TABLE C-17.—Disposition <strong>of</strong> personal income, 1929-74Year orquarterPersonalincomeLess:PersonaltaxandnontaxpaymentsEquals:DisposablepersonalincomeLess: Personal outlaysTotalPersonalconsumptionexpendituresInterestpaid byconsumersPersonaltransferpaymentsto foreignersEquals:PersonalsavingPercent <strong>of</strong> disposablepersonal incomePersonaloutlaysTotalConsumptionexpendituresPersonalsavingBillions <strong>of</strong> dollarsPercent1929.1933.1939.1940.1941.1942.1943.1944.1945.1946.1947.1948.1949.1950.1951.1952.1953.195419551956195719581959I960196119621963196419651966196719681969197019711972197319741972:1....II...ML.IV..1973:I....II...IV."1974:1 IIlll__IV*.85.947.072.878.396.0122.9151.3165.3171.1178.7191.3210.2207.2227.6255.6272.5288.2290.1310.9333.0351.1361.2383.5401.0416.8442.6465.5497.5538.9587.2629.3688.9750.9808.3864.0944.91,055.01,150.42.61.52.42.63.36.017.818.920.918.721.421.118.620.729.034.135.632.735.539.842.642.346.250.952.457.460.959.465.775.483.097.9116.5116.6117.6142.4151.3170.783.345.570.375.792.7116.9133.5146.3150.2160.0169.8189.1188.6206.9226.6238.3252.6257.4275.3293.2308.5318.8337.3350.0364.4385.3404.6438.1473.2511.9546.3591.0634.4691.7746.4802.5903.7979.779.146.567.771.881.789.3100.1109.1120.7144.8162.5175.8179.2193.9209.3220.2234.3241.0259.5272.6287.8296.6318.3333.0343.3363.7384.7411.9444.8479.3506.0551.2596.2635.5685.9749.9829.4903.077.245.866.870.880.688.599.3108.3119.7143.4160.7173.6176.8191.0206.3216.7230.0236.5254.4266.7281.4290.1311.2325.2335.2355.1375.0401.2432.8466.3492.1536.2579.5617.6667.1729.0805.2877.01.5.5.7.8.9.7.5.5.5.81.11.51.92.42.73.03.84.04.75.45.85.96.57.37.68.19.110.111.312.413.214.315.816.817.719.822.925.00.3.2.2.2.2.1.2.4.5.7.7.7.5.5.4.4.5.5.5.6.6.6.6.5.5.5.6.6.7.6.7.8.91.01.11.11.31.04.2-.92.63.811.027.633.437.329.615.27.313.49.413.117.318.118.316.415.820.620.722.319.117.021.221.619.926.228.432.540.439.838.256.260.552.674.476.795.0102.096.394.988.276.475.074.580.390.595.792.995.093.792.492.492.893.694.393.093.393.094.495.194.294.495.194.094.093.692.693.394.091.991.993.491.892.292.7100.695.093.686.975.774.474.079.789.694.691.893.892.391.090.991.191.992.491.091.291.092.392.992.092.292.791.691.591.190.190.791.389.389.490.889.189.55.0-2.03.75.111.823.625.025.519.79.54.37.15.06.37.67.67.26.45.77.06.77.05.64.95.85.64.96.06.06.47.46.76.08.18.16.68.27.8Seasonally adjusted annual ratesSeasonally adjusted913.3930.9950.3985.01,013.61,039.21,068.01,099.31,112.51,134.61,168.21,186.4138.6140.9143.1147.0144.1147.2154.2159.9161.9168.2175.1177.877'4.7790.0807.2838.1869.5892.1913.9939.4950.6966.5993.11, 008.7721.4741.1757.9779.2804.2822.5840.7850.1866.2894.9927.6923.3701.5720.6736.8757.2781.7799.0816.3823.9840.6869.1901.3896.818.919.520.120.921.622.523.424.024.424.825.325.51.01.01.11.1.91.0.92.21.21.0.9.953.349.049.358.965.369.673.289.384.471.565.585.493.193.893.993.092.592.292.090.591.192.693.491.590.691.291.390.389.989.689.387.788.489.990.888.96.96.26.17.07.57.88.09.58.97.46.68.5Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.268


TABLE C-18.—Total and per capita disposable personal income and personal consumptionexpenditures in current and 1958 dollars, 1929-74Disposable personal incomePersonal consumption expendituresYear or quarterTotal (billions<strong>of</strong> dollars)Per capita(dollars)Total (billions<strong>of</strong> dollars)Per capita(dollars)Population(thousands)^Currentdollars1958dollarsCurrentdollars1958dollarsCurrentdollars1958dollarsCurrentdollars1958dollars1929..83.3150.66831,23677.2139.66341,145121,8751933..45.5112.236289345.8112.8364897125,6901939..70.3155.95371,19066.8148.25101,131131,0281940..1941..1942..1943..1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..75.792.7116.9133.5146.3150.2160.0169.8189.1188.6206.9226.6238.3252.6257.4275.3293.2308.5318.8337.3166.3190.3213.4222.8231.6229.7227.0218.0229.8230.8249.6255.7263.3275.4278.3296.7309.3315.8318.8333.05736958679761,0571,0741,1321,1781,2901,2641,3641,4691,5181,5831,5851,6661,7431,8011,8311,9051,2591,427,582,629,673,642,606,513,567,547,646,657,678,726,714,795,839,844,831,88170.880.688.599.3108.3119.7143.4160.7173.6176.8191.0206.3216.7230.0236.5254.4266.7281.4290.1311.2155.7165.4161.4165.8171.4183.0203.5206.3210.8216.5230.5232.8239.4250.8255.7274.2281.4288.2290.1307.35366046567267828551,014M15,184,185,259,337,381,441,456,539,585,643,666,7581,1781,2401,1971,2131,2381,3081,4391,4311,4381,4511,5201,5091,5251,5721,5751,6591,6731,6831,6661,735132,122133,402134,860136,739138,397139,928141,389144,126146,631149,188151,684154,287156,954159,565162,391165,275168, 221171,274174,141177,073I960..1961..1962.1963.1964.1965.1966.1967.1968.1969.350.0364.4385.3404.6438.1473.2511.9546.3591.0634.4340.2350.7367.3381.3407.9435.0458.9477.5499.0513.61,9371,9842,0652,1382,2832,4362,6042,7492,9453,130,883,9091,9692,0152,1262,2392,3352,4032,4862,534325.2335.2355.1375.0401.2432.8466.3492.1536.2579.5316.1322.5338.4353.3373.7397.7418.1430.1452.7469.1,800,8251,9031,9812,0912,2282,3722,4762,6712,8591,7491,7561,8141,8671,9482,0472,1272,1642,2562,315180,671183,691186,538189,242191,889194,303196,560198,712200,706202,6771970...1971...1972...1973...1974 p..691.7746.4802.5903.7979.7534.8555.4580.5619.6603.23,3763,6053,8434,2954,6232,6102,6832,7792,9452,846617.6667.1729.0805.2877.0477.5496.4527.3552.1539.93,0153,2223,4913,8274,1392,3312,3982,5252,6242,548204,875207,045208,842210, 396211,909Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: l._II.IIIIV.1973: I..II.IIIIV1974: I.11.IIIIV774.7790.0807.2838.1869.5892.1913.9939.4950.6966.5993.11,008.7566.2573.6581.9600.1615.1618.2621.8622.9610.3603.5602.9596.23,7203,7873,8614,0004,1434,2444,3394,4524,4974,5654,6814,7442,7192,7492,7842,8642,9312,9412,9522,9522,8872,8502,8422,804701.5720.6736.8757.2781.7799.0816.3823.9840.6869.1901.3896.8512.8523.2531.2542.2552.9553.7555.4546.3539.7542.7547.2530.13,3683,4543,5243,6143,7253,8013,8763,9043,9774,1054,2494,2182,4622,5082,5412,5882,6352,6342,6372,5892,5532,5632,5792,493208, 259208,634209,054209, 505209,852210,205210,610211,030211,381211,721212,139212,6001 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States including Armed Forces overseas; includes Alaska and Hawaii beginning 1960. Annualdata are for July 1; quarterly data are for middle <strong>of</strong> period, interpolated from monthly data.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis and Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census).563-280 O - 75 - 18269


TABLE C-19.—Sources <strong>of</strong> personal income t 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or quarter19291933193919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971197219731974P1972: 1 IIIII... :...IV _1973: 1 II ._IllIV1974- 1 ||IIIIV* ..Totalpersonalincome85.947.072.878.396.0122.9151.3165.3171.1178.7191.3210.2207.2227.6255.6272.5288.2290.1310.9333.0351.1361.2383.5401.0416.8442.6465.5497.5538.9587.2629.3688.9750.9808.3864.0944.91,055.01,150.4Wage and salary disbursements*Total50.429.045.949.862.182.1105.6116.9117.5112.0123.0135.3134.6146.7171.0185.1198.3196.5211.3227.8238.7239.9258.2270.8278.1296.1311.1333.7358.9394.5423.1464.9509.7542.0573.0626.8691.7751.1CommodityproducingindustriesTotal21.59.817.419.727.539.148.950.345.846.054.361.057.764.676.181.889.485.492.8100.2103.899.7109.1112.5112.8120.8125.7134.1144.5159.3166.5181.5197.5200.9206.2225.4251.9270.9Manufacturing16.17.813.615.621.730.940.942.938.236.542.547.244.750.359.464.271.267.673.979.582.578.786.989.789.896.7100.6107.2115.6128.1134.2145.9157.6158.3160.5175.8196.6211.3Distributiveindustries15.68.813.314.216.318.020.122.724.831.035.237.637.739.944.346.949.850.253.457.760.560.864.868.169.172.576.081.286.993.8100.3109.2120.0129.3138.3151.0165.1178.9Serviceindustries8.45.27.17.58.19.09.910.912.014.416.117.918.619.921.723.325.126.428.931.633.935.938.741.544.046.849.954.158.363.770.578.588.196.6104.6115.3128.2142.6Government4.95.18.28.410.216.026.633.034.920.717.418.920.622.428.933.134.134.636.238.340.443.545.648.752.256.059.564.369.377.785.895.7104.1115.1123.9135.0146.6158.8O<strong>the</strong>rlaborincomei0.6.4.6.7.7 91.11.51.81.92.32.73.03.84.85.36.06.37.38.49.59.911.312.012.713.914.916.618.720.722.325.428.432.236.441.746.051.4ProprinccBusinessandpr<strong>of</strong>essional9.03.37 48 611.114 017.018.219.221.620 322.722.624.026.127.127.527.630.331 332.833.235.134.235.637.137.940.242.445.247.349.550.550.052.054.957.661.2etors'>meFarm*6.22.64 44.56.49 811.711.612 214.915 217.512.713.515.815.013.012.411.411 411.313 411.412.012.813.013.112.114.816.114.814.716.716.917.221.038.531.8Seasonally adjusted annual rates913.3930.9950.3985.01,013.61,039. 21,068.01,099. 31,112.51.134.61,168. 21,186.4608.1620.1631.4647.5667.6683.8698.2717.0727.6745.2763.0768.8217.8223.0226.6234.3241.8248.5254.6262.6264.0270.0276.0273.4168.9173.8176.8183.6188.9194.4198.3204.6204.8210.1215.8214.3147.0149.5151.9155.5159.7163.8166.5170.4172.9177.4181.6183.8111.2114.3117.0119.0123.5126.6129.7132.8136.9140.9144.9147.5132.1133.3135.9138.8142.6145.0147.4151.3153.8156.9160.5164.039.641.242.643.744.645.446.347.648.950.552.354.053.754.355.556.157.057.157.758.459.360.762.362.519.220.320.324.032.135.641.544.939.129.129.829.1See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.270


TABLE C-19.—Sources <strong>of</strong> personal income, 1929-74—Continued[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarterRentalincome<strong>of</strong> personsDividendsP 1interestincomeTotalOld age,survivors,disability,and healthinsurancebenefitsTransfer paymentsStateunemploymentinsurancebenefitsVeteransbenefitsO<strong>the</strong>rLess:Personalcontributionsfor socialinsuranceNonagriculturalpersonalincome 319295.45.87.21.50.60.90.177.619332.02.05.72.1.51.6.243.219392.73.85.53.00.00.4.52.0.666.91940.1941194219431944194519461947194819492.93.54.55.15.45.66.67.18.08.44.04.44.34.44.64.65.66.37.07.25.45.55.35.35.66.36.87.57.98.53.13.13.13.03.66.211.311.711.212.4.0.1.1.2.2.3.4.5.6.7.5.3.3.1.1.41.1.8.81.7.5.5.5.5.92.86.76.75.85.12.02.22.22.22.42.73.13.74.14.9.7.81.21.82.22.32.02.12.22.272.387.8111.0137.3151.2156.4161.0173.0189.4191.31950195119521953195419551956..1957195819599.410.311.512.713.613.914.314.815.415.68.88.68.68.99.310.511.311.711.612.69.29.910.611.813.114.215.717.618.920.715.112.513.014.016.017.318.521.425.726.61.01.92.23.03.64.95.77.38.510.21.4.81.01.02.01.41.41.83.92.54.93.93.93.73.94.34.34.44.64.67.95.96.06.36.56.87.27.98.79.42.93.43.84.04.65.25.86.76.97.9210.9236.4254.1271.9274.7296.4318.5336.6344.3368.519601961196219631964196519661967\968196919701971197219731974 v15.816.016.717.118.019.020.021.121.222.623.925.225.926.126.513.413.815.216.517.819.820.821.423.624.324.725.027.329.632.723.425.027.731.434.938.743.648.052.959.367.572.878.690.6103.828.532.433.335.336.739.944.151.859.665.879.193.3103.2117.8139.811.112.614.315.216.018.120.825.730.333.038.544.549.660.469.82.84.02.92.82.62.21.82.12.12.13.95.75.54.27.14.64.84.85.05.35.65.76.67.38.39.711.212.713.916.110.010.911.212.212.914.015.717.520.022.427.131.935.439.346.89.39.610.311.812.513.417.720.522.826.328.030.734.542.847.9385.2400.0425.5448.1480.9519.5566.3609.4668.8728.3784.8840.0916.51,008.01,108.9Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972:1IIIII...IV....1973:1II..-IIIIV25.524.426.826.726.325.726.226.426.427.127.828.228.729.129.830.775.477.579.581.985.188.892.595.999.0100.1101.4112.2114.1116.1119.0122.146.547.248.056.658.459.961.062.35.96.35.34.64.24.14.24.412.012.212.614.113.413.514.214.534.734.435.537.038.138.739.640.933.634.134.935.241.842.543.343.8886.8903.3922.6953.4973.3995.31.018.01, 045.31974:1III. .IV P..26.426.326.626.831.632.533.233.398.2102.0105.5109.5128.2135.8144.0151.163.668.772.574.35.46.37.39.415.015.216.617.544.145.747.749.946.847.648.548.61,064.01,096.01,128.61.147.1i The total <strong>of</strong> wage and salary disbursements and o<strong>the</strong>r labor income differs from compensation <strong>of</strong> employees in TableC-15 in that it excludes employer contributions for social insurance and <strong>the</strong> excess <strong>of</strong> wage accruals over wage disbursements.1 Includes change in inventories.* Nonagricultural income is personal income exclusive <strong>of</strong> net income <strong>of</strong> unincorporated farm enterprises, farm wages,agricultural net interest, and net dividends paid by agricultural corporations.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.271


TABLE C-20.—Sources and uses <strong>of</strong> gross saving, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars)Gross private saving and government surplus or deficit,national income and product accountsGross investmentYear orquarterTotalTotalPrivate savingPersonalsavingGrossbusinesssavingGovernment surplusor deficit (-)TotalFederalStateandlocalCapitalgrantsreceivedby <strong>the</strong>UnitedStates *TotalGrossprivatedomesticinvestmentNetforeigninvestment*Statisticaldiscrepancy192916.315.34.211.21.01.2-0.217.016.20.80.71933.92.3-.93.2-1 4-1.3—.11.61.4.2.619398.811.02.68.4-2.2-2.210.29.3.91.31940194119421943194419451946194719481949195019511952195319541955195619571958195913.618.610.75.52.55.235.142.049.935.950.456.149.547 548.564.872.771.259.273.814.322.442.049.754.344.729.727.541.439.042.550 353.354 455.662.167.870 571.775.93.811.027.633.437.329.615.27.313.49.413.117.318.118.316.415.820.620.722.319.110.511.414.516.317.115.114.520.228.029.729.433.135.136 139.246.347.349.849.456.8-.7-3.8-31.4-44.1-51.8-39 55.414.48.5-3.27.95 8-3.8—6 9-7.02 74.9-12 5-2.1-1.3-5.1-33.1-46.6-54.5-42.13.513.48.4-2.49.16.2-3.8-7 0-5.94.05.72 1-10.2-1.2.61.31.82.52.72.61.91.0-'.7-1.2-.4-1.1-1.3-.9-1 4-2.3-.8IIIIIIII------14.619.09.63.55.09.135.242.947.936.251.859.551.650 551.366.971.671.260.773.013.117.99.85.77.110 630.634.046.035.754.159 351.952 651.767.470.067.960.975.31.51.1-.2-2.2-2.1—1 44.68.91.9-2.2-211.53 4—.2-2.31.0-ill-2.02.53 9.31.53 32.23 02.72 1-l.l1 6o-.81960196119621963..196419651966196719681969. ...77.575.585.090.5101.0115.3124.9119.5128.3144.073.979.887.988.7102.4113.1123.8133.4135.2135.217.021.221.619.926.228.432.540.439.838.256.858.766.368.876.284.791.393.095.497.03.7-4.3-2 91.8-1.42.21.1-13.9-6.88.83.5-3.8-3.8.7-3.01.2-12.4-6.58.1.2-.5.91.21.71.01.3-1.6—.30.076.574.785.590.399.7112.2123.9118.8125.6137.974.871.783.087.194.0108.1121.4116.6126.0139.01.73.02.53.15.74.12.42.2—.4-1.0-1.0-.8- 3-1.3-3.1—1.0g j19701971197219731974 v143.1152.2173.3214.4207.3153.2170.7178.5210.9213.256.260.552.674.476.797.0110.2125.9136.5136.5-10.1-18.5—5 13.5-5.9-11.9-21.9-17.5-5.6-7.61.83.412 39.21.7.9.7.7.0«-2.0137.6150.6170.2209.4205.3136.3153.7179 3209.4208.91.3-3.1—9.1.1-3.6-6.4-2.3—3 8-5.0.0Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972:1IIIV.T."1973:1IIIII....IV....1974:1IIIII....IV p...164.4169.4175.0184.6201.1207.9217.0231.7224.5206.3196.4172.6174.6175.6191.1199.0204.9210.3229.4224.1207.3196.253.349.049.358.965.369.673.289.384.471.565.585.4119.3125.6126.3132.2133.7135.3137.1140.1139.7135.8130.7-8.2-5.2-.6-6.5-14.9-19.6-9.8-25.6-11.2-7.4-1.7-2.3.22.13.06.72.3.4-1.0-2.8-3.0-1.96.714.49.219.113.210.48.44.63.22.02.10.7 159.1165.6'.7 174.2.7 182.0.0 195.2.0 201.4.0 212.1.0 229.18-8.1 210.1.0 206.6.0 199.3.0 205.2169.4175.5182.1190.2199.0205.1209.0224.5210.5211.8205.8207.6-10.3-10.0-7.9-8.2-3.8-3.73.14.7-.4-5.2-6.5-2.4-5.9-4.5-1.5-3.3-5.9-6.5-4.9-2.6-6.3.31 Allocations <strong>of</strong> special drawing rights (SDR).' Net exports <strong>of</strong> goods and services less net transfers to foreigners.* Surplus <strong>of</strong> $32 million.< Deficit <strong>of</strong> $41 million.6 In February 1974, <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government granted to India $2,015 million (quarterly rate) in rupees under provisions<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Agricultural Trade Development and Adjustment Act. Tentatively, this transaction is being treated as capital grantspaid to foreigners, and is included in <strong>the</strong> first quarter <strong>of</strong> 1974 as -$8.1 (annual rate) in capital grants received by <strong>the</strong>United States.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.272


TABLE C-21.—Saving by individuals, 1946-74 l[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Increase in financial assetsNet investment inLess:Increase indebtYear orquarterTotalTotal»SecuritiesCurrencyanddemanddepositsSavingsaccountsGovernmentsecurities*CorporateandforeignbondsCorporateequities*InsuranceandpensionreservesNonfarmhomesConsumerdurablesNoncorporatebusinessassetsMortgagedebtonnonfarmhomesConsumercreditO<strong>the</strong>rdebt«1946....1947....1948194925.720.823.318.918.913.29.010.05.6-2*. 9-2.06.33.42.32.7-1.41.61.31.8-0.9-.1-.41.11.11.05.35.45.35.64.26.910.59.05.87.57.7.03.33.27.42.53.84.35.04.12.73.22.82.90.02.52.92.619501951....1952....1953....1954....1955. ..1956....1957....1958....1959....26.930.327.230.428.234.136.034.133.034.713.818.822.722.522.728.430.028.631.636.52.64.61.61.02.21.21.83.82.54.97.88.39.38.89.612.114.111.3-.1-.41.92.36.03.92.2-2.49.0.0.0-.1-.31.0.91.11.3.71.61.6.91.11.91.51.5.66.96.37.88.07.98.59.59.510.411.913.713.512.813.513.717.716.413.812.716.510.25.53.66.44.99.95.94.9.65.56.44.62.51.62.73.51.92.33.33.27.47.16.47.78.612.211.28.88.812.64.11.24.83.91.16.43.52.6.26.45.63.83.02.16.06.83.44.26.28.01960.1961....1962....1963....1964.32.331.737.139.149.531.635.139.145.155.51.92.51.73.04.711.416.525.724.627.43.5.7-.84.45.7.6.1-.1.0.1-.4.4-2.1-2.9-.211.612.212.714.115.614.512.012.812.612.55.12.96.78.911.22.23.25.66.96.210.810.912.714.816.04.61.85.87.98.55.78.78.511.811.419651966196719681969197019711972197355.465.165.068.360.676.287.497.9120.258.262.669.073.362.180.699.7124.4138.27.83.911.312.51.611.311.112.113.128.020.534.830.36.044.470.375.467.74.311.34! 822.5-10.4-14.51.624.71.02.04.64.76.610.79.35.21.1-2.2-.9-4.3-6.5-3.8-1.7-5.3-5.4-8.217.019.419.620.121.324.327.730.331.612.011.59.212.813.310.617.624.327.214.815.212.416.716.210.616.524.427.19.07.28.27.99.06.611.010.615.415.212.710.414.616.112.524.238.444.29.66.44.510.010.46.011.219.222.913.712.418.917.713.513.721.928.220.5Seasonally adjusted annual rates1973:1-...II.__III —IV...1974:1IIlll106.8131.9116.7125.4123.3131.3120.5124.3148.1141.4138.8137.1147.5127.810.610.35.426.04.1.9-4.683.874.250.861.974.473.922.915.730.736.016.420.020.049.3-0.5.0-1.46.13.4.34.9-9.3-3.1-20'. 0-2.7-4.13.231.932.332.829.827.346.634.327.027.427.726.622.419.922.532.128.627.520.019.625.031.715.214.315.416.69.512.210.641.447.247.840.435.239.931.725.624.622.319.28.217.215.824.914.625.317.122.016.024.51 Savi ug by households, personal trust funds, nonpr<strong>of</strong>it institutions, farms, and o<strong>the</strong>r noncorporate business.* Includes commercial paper and miscellaneous financial assets, not shown separately.> Consists <strong>of</strong> U.S. savings bonds, o<strong>the</strong>r U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Government agency securities and sponsoredagency securities, and State and local obligations.* Includes investment company shares.* Private life insurance reserves, private insured and noninsured pension reserves, and government insurance andpension reserves.* Security credit, policy loans, noncorporate business mortgage debt, and o<strong>the</strong>r debt.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.273


TABLE C-22.—Number and money income (in 1973 dollars) <strong>of</strong> families and unrelated individualsby race <strong>of</strong> head, 1947-73FAMILIES^194719481949195019511952195319541955195619571958195919601961196219631964196519661967196819691970197119721973YearUNRELATEDINDIVIDUALS 31947194819491950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961-1962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970..1971..1972..1973..37.238.639.339.940.640.841.242.042.943.543.744.245.145.546.447.147.548.048.549.250.150.851.652.253.354.455.18.28.49.09.49.19.79.59.79.99.810.410.910.92 11.12 11.22 11.02 11.22 12.12 12.22 12.52 13.22 13.92 14.6215.516.316.818.3Medianincome$6,0325,8765,7836,1466,3496,5237,0546,8847,3547,8257,8377,8128,2618,4368,5238,7579,0679,4139,79210, 26910, 57111,02411,43311,27711,24911,81312,051$1,9531,8911,9731,9592,0442,3592,3212,0212,1882,3372,3932,3392,4022,5822,6052,5782,6192,8513,0313,1133,1823,5523|5573,5883,6473,7704,134TotalWith i ncomesunder $3,0006.97.68.37.87.16.96.87.56.76.06.16.26.05.96.05.65.34.94.84.34.23.63.63.83.73.53.3Totalnumber(millions)Number(millions)Percent18.619.621.119.517.617.016.517.915.713.914.014.013.213.013.011.911.210.29.88.78.37.07.07.27.06.46.0With incomesunder $1,5003.43.53.63.93.83.53.64.03.83.63.73.93.83.73.73.33.33.33.12.93.12.72.92.92.92.82.641.441.640.441.141.536.038.140.937.936.535.536.135.233.632.629.629.327.525.023.423.319.719.818.817.916.514.034.135.338.239.039.539.740.240.941.141.942.442.743.143.544.144.845.446.046.547.648.548.97.27.38.38.58.58.99.29.39.69.69.59.710.410.510.711.312.012.513.414.214.515.8WhiteMedianincome$6,2856,1246,0266,4056,6096,8907,3357,1877,6738,1788,1608,1468,6068,7588,8919,1639,5029,82710,21010,67010, 96011,42511,86911,67111,62812,27312, 595$2,0611,9622,1142,0582,1532,5442,4502,1772,3262,4012,5232,4622,5372,7912,8032,7642,7532,9943,1613,2413,3163,7423,7403,7543,8223,9154,270With incomesunder $3,0005.46.06.05.34.74.74.74.44.54.64.34.03.73.73.33.22.82.72.82.82.62.4Totalnumber(millions)Number(millions)Percent15.917.018.317.415.014.814.715.613.612.011.911.810.810.911.010.29.38.78.47.47.16.15.96.15.95.34.9With incomesunder $1,5002.92.93.23.13.03.03.23.13.02.92.62.62.72.52.42.52.22.32.32.32.22.040.040.438.939.740.334.737.438.836.035.333.534.333.331.130.527.527.325.923.722.122.218.418.217.416.415.212.63.13.33.83.94.04.04.04.24.34.54.64.84.84.85.05.05.15.25.45.75.96.11.01.01.41.41.31.51.61.61.51.61.51.51.61.71.61.81.82.01.92.12.32.5Negro and o<strong>the</strong>r racesMedianincome$3,2123,2643,0763,4493,4793,9154,1123,9964,2364,3104,3624,1744,4454,8484,7394,8895,0335,5105,6776,3946,7777,1457,5137,4547,3617,5347,596$1, 4841,4571,5271,5091,6321,7711,9411,4441,5751,8571,6771,6771,6581,6021,7191,8391,8782,0842,3392,3612,4252,5692,6312,5752 5622,9053,191With incomesunder $3,0001.41.5.51.4.4.4.4.5..4..4.31.31.11.11.0.9.8.8.91.01.0.9Totalnumber(millions)Number(millions)Percent46.646.448.943.843.236.435.239.336.334.334.435.335.531.731.029.126.923.222.619.918.016.416.017.016.816.215.4With incomesunder $1,500Number(millions)PercentNumber(millions)PercentNumberPercent(millions)0.5 50.4.5 51.249.349.847.843.641.051.948.544.246.846.747.548.345.641.942.037.333.032.431.027.729.829.227.924.722.41 The term "family" refers to a group <strong>of</strong> two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption and residingtoge<strong>the</strong>r; all such persons are considered members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same family.2 Revised using population controls based on <strong>the</strong> 1970 Census. Population controls based on <strong>the</strong> 1970 Census not availableby race.3 The term "unrelated individuals" refers to p ersons 14 years old and over (o<strong>the</strong>r than inmates <strong>of</strong> institutions) who arenot living with any relatives.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.274


POPULATION, EMPLOYMENT, WAGES, ANDPRODUCTIVITYTABLE O23.—Population by age groups, 1929-74[Thousands <strong>of</strong> persons]Age (years)July 1TotalUnder 5 5-15 16-19 20-24 25-44 45-6465 andover1929.121,76711,73426, 8009,12710,69435,86221, 0766,4741933.125, 57910,61226,8979,30211,15237, 31922,9337,3631939.130,88010, 41825,1799,82211,51939,35425, 8238,7641940.1941.1942.1943.1944.1945.1946.1947.1948.1949.1950195119521953195419551956195719581959132,122133, 402134, 860136, 739138, 397139,928141, 389144,126146,631149,188152, 271154, 878157, 553160,184163, 026165, 931168,903171, 984174,882177, 83010, 57910,85011,30112, 01612, 52412,97913, 24414,40614,91915, 60716,41017, 33317,31217,63818, 05718,56619, 00319,49419,88720,17524,81124, 51624, 23124, 09323,94923,90724,10324, 46825, 20925, 85226,72127, 27928, 89430, 22731,48032,68233,99435, 27236, 44537, 3689,8959, 8409,7309,6079,5619,3619,1199,0978,9528,7888,5428,4468,4148,4608,6378,7448,9169,1959,54310, 21511,69011,80711,95512, 06412, 06212,03612,00411,81411,79411,70011,68011,55211,35011, 06210,83210,71410,61610,60310,75610, 96939, 86840,38340,86141, 42042,01642, 52143, 02743,65744, 28844,91645,67246,10346,49546,78647, 00147,19447, 37947, 44047, 33747,19226, 24926,71827,19627,67128,13828,63029, 06429,49829,93130,40530,84931, 36231, 88432,39432,94233,50634, 05734, 59135,10935, 6639,0319,2889,5849,86710,14710,49410,82811,18511,53811, 92112,39712,80313, 20313,61714, 07614,52514, 93815, 38815, 80616, 2481960.1961.1962.1963.1964.1965.1966.1967.19681969.19701971197219731974180,671183,691186, 538189, 242191,889194, 303196,560198,712200, 706202,677i 204, 875207, 045208, 842i 210, 396211,90920, 34120, 52220,46920, 34220,16519, 82419, 20818,56317,91317,37617,15617,17417,00616,71416,30438, 49439, 76541,20541,62642, 29742,93843, 70244, 24444,62244, 84044, 77444, 44143, 94843,22742, 54710,68311,02511,18012, 00712,73613, 51614,31114, 20014, 45214, 80015, 27415,63515,94516, 30716, 58811,13411,48311,95912,71413,26913, 74614,05015,24815,78616, 48017,18018, 08618,02118, 33118, 73347,14047,08447,01346, 99446, 95846, 91247, 00147,19447, 72148,06448, 43548, 80950,25051,41252, 59336,20336,72237,25537, 78238, 33838, 91639,53440,19340,84641, 43741,97442, 41342,78943,08443, 32816,67517, 08917,45717, 77818,12718, 45118,75519,07119, 36519,68020,08520,48720,88321,32921,8151 Age detail does not add to total because total was computed using revised components <strong>of</strong> change for <strong>the</strong> period.Note.—Includes Armed Forces overseas beginning 1940. Includes Alaska and Hawaii beginning 1950.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.275


TABLE C-24.—Noninstitutional population and <strong>the</strong> labor force, 1929-74Year or monthNoninstitutionalpopulation1Totallaborforce(includingArmedForces)ArmedForces *TotalTotalCivilian labor forceEmploymentIAgriculturalNonagriculturalUnemploymentUnemploymentrate(percent? f .civilianlaborforce)Laborforceparticipationrate(totallaborforce aspercent<strong>of</strong> noninstitutionalpopulation)Thousands <strong>of</strong> persons 14 years <strong>of</strong> age and overPercent49,44026049,18047,63010,45037,1801,5503.2193351,84025051, 59038, 76010, 09028, 67012,83024.9193955,60037055, 23045, 7509,61036,1409,48017.219401941194219431944100,380101,520102,610103,660104,63056,18057,53060,38064,56066,0405401,6203,9709,02011,41055,64055,91056,41055,54054,63047,52050,35053,75054,47053,9609,5409,1009,2509,0808,95037,98041, 25044,50045,39045,0108,1205,5602,6601,07067014.69.94.71.91.256.056.758.862.363.1194519461947105,530106,520107,60865,30060,97061,75811,4403,4501,59053,86057,52060,16852,82055,25057,8128,5808,3208,25644, 24046,93049,5571,0402,2702,3561.93.93.961.957.257.4Thousands <strong>of</strong> persons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over1947.1948.1949..1950.1951.1952.1953 21954..1955..1956.1957.1958.1959.1960 21961..1962 21963..1964..1965..1966.1967..1968..1969.1970..1971..19722.1973 21974..103,418104,527105,611106,645107,721108,823110,601111,671112,732113,811115,065116,363117,881119,759121,343122,981125,154127, 224129,236131,180133,319135,562137,841140,182142,596145,775148,263150,82760,94162,08062,90363,85865,11765,73066,56066,99368,07269,40969,72970,27570,92172,14273,03173,44274,57175,83077,17878,89380,79382,27284,24085,90386,92988,99191,04093,2401,5911,4591,6171,6503,1003,5923,5453,3503,0492,8572,8002,6362,5522,5142,5722,8282,7382,7392,7233,1233,4463,5353,5063,1882,8172,4492,3262,22959,35060,62161, 28662,20862,01762,13863,01563,64365,02366,55266,92967,63968,36969,62870,45970,61471,83373,09174,45575,77077,34778,73780,73482,71584,11386,54288,71491, 01157,03958,34457,64958,92059,96260, 25461,18160,11062,17163,80264,07163,03664,63065,77865,74666,70267,76269,30571,08872,89574,37275,92077,90278,62779,12081, 70284,40985,9367,8917,6297,6567,1606,7266,5016,2616,2066,4496,2835,9475,5865,5655,4585,2004,9444,6874,5234,3613,9793,8443,8173,6063,4623,3873,4723,4523,49249,14850,71349,99051,76053, 23953,75354,92253,90355,72457,51758,12357,45059,06560,31860,54661,75963,07664,78266,72668,91570,52772,10374,29675,16575,73278,23080,95782,4432,3112,2763,6373,2882,0551,8831,8343,5322,8522,7502,8594,6023,7403,8524,7143,9114,0703,7863,3662,8752,9752,8172,8324,0884,9934,8404,3045,0763.93.85.95.33.33.02.95.54.44.14.36.85.55.56.75.55.75.24.53.83.83.63.54.95.95.64.95.658.959.459.659.960.460.460.260.060.461.060.660.460.260.260.259.759.659.659.760.160.660.761.161.361.061.061.461.8See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.276


TABLE C-24.—Noninstitutional population and <strong>the</strong> labor force,1929-74—ContinuedYear or monthNoninstitutionalpopulationiTotallaborforce(includingArmedForces)ArmedForces»TotalTotalCivilian labor forceEmploymentAgriculturalNonagriculturalUnemploymentUnemploymentrate(percent<strong>of</strong>civilianlaborforce)Laborforceparticipationrate(totallaborforce aspercent<strong>of</strong> noninstitutionalpopulation)Seasonally adjusted1973: Jan..Feb..MaraApr..May.June.147,129147,313147, 541147, 729147, 940148,14789,36890,09590,40490,64690,65991,1062,4042,3922,3612,3502,3342,31586,96487, 70388,04388,29688,32588, 79182,63383, 27683,68683, 87784,02184,4873,4513,4133,4303,3563,3523,46579,18279,86380,25680, 52180,66981,0224,3314,4274,3574,4194,3044,3045.05.04.95.04.94.860.761.261.361.461.361.5July.Aug.Sept.Oct__Nov..Dec.148, 361148, 565148, 782149, 001149,208149, 43691,21291,12391,51591, 85792,13692, 3302,3102,3072,2922,2892,2842,28288, 90288, 81689, 22389, 56889,85290,04884, 67984, 58284,98385, 45285, 57785, 6463,5353,4343,3573,4283,5713,63581,14481,14881,62682, 02482, 00682,0114,2234,2344,2404,1164,2754,4024.84.84.84.64.84.961.561.361.561.661.861.81974: Jan..Feb.Mar.Apr.May.June.149,656149, 857150, 066150, 283150, 507150, 71092, 72392,80992,63292, 56792,98293,0692,2582,2582,2512,2432,2292,21290,46590, 55190, 38190, 32490, 75390,85785, 80085, 86185, 77985, 78786, 06286, 0883,7493,8113,6533,5153,4973,33382, 05182,05082,12682, 27282, 56582, 7554,6654,6904,6024,5374,6914,7695.25.25.15.05.25.262.061.961.761.661.861.8July.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec.150,922151,135151,367151, 593151,812152,02093, 50393, 41993,92294, 05893, 92194, 0152,2202,2202,2172,2142,2132,21291, 28391,19991, 70591, 84491, 70891, 80386, 40386, 27486, 40286, 30485, 68985, 2023,4333,4513,4893,4403,3753,33982, 97082, 82382, 91382, 86482,31481, 8634,8804,9255,3035,5406,0196,6015.35.45.86.06.67.262.061.862.062.061.961.81 Not seasonally adjusted.2 Not strictly comparable with earlier data due to population adjustments as follows: Beginning 1953, introduction <strong>of</strong>1950 Census data added about 600,000 to population and about 350,000 to labor force, total employment, and agriculturalemployment. Beginning I960, inclusion <strong>of</strong> Alaska and Hawaii added about 500,000 to population, about 300,000 to laborforce, and about 240,000 to nonagricultural employment. Beginning 1962, introduction <strong>of</strong> 1960 Census data reduced populationby about 50,000 and labor force and employment by about 200,000. Beginning 1972, introduction <strong>of</strong> 1970 Censusdata added about 800,000 to civilian noninstitutional population and about 333,000 to labor force and employment. Asubsequent adjustment based on 1970 Census in March 1973 added 60,000 to labor force and to employment. Overallcategories <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> labor force o<strong>the</strong>r than those noted were not appreciably affected.Note.—Labor force data in Tables C-24 through C-27 are based on household interviews and relate to <strong>the</strong> calendarweek including <strong>the</strong> 12th <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> month. For definitions <strong>of</strong> terms, area samples used, historical comparability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data,comparability with o<strong>the</strong>r series, etc., see "Employment and Earnings."Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.277


TABLE C-25.—Civilian employment and unemployment by sex and age, 1947-74[Thousands <strong>of</strong> persons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over]EmploymentUnemploymentYear ormonthTotalTotalMales16-19years20yearsandoverTotalFemales16-19years20yearsandoverTotalTotalMales16-19years20yearsandoverTotalFemales16-19years20yearsandover1947...1948...1949...1950...1951...1952...19531..1954...1955...1956...1957...1958...1959...19601..1961...1962...1963!._1964...1965...1966...1967...1968...1969...1970...1971...1972L.19731..1974...1973:Jan..Feb..Mar 3.Apr..May-June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct__Nov.Dec.1974:Jan..Feb.Mar_Apr.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec.57,03958,34457,64958,92059,96260,25461,18160,11062,17163,80264,07163,03664,63065,77865,74666,70267,76269,30571,08872,89574,37275,92077,90278,62779,12081,70284,40985,93682,63383,27683,68683, 87784, 02184, 48784,67984, 58284,98385,45285, 57785,64685, 80085,86185, 77985,78786, 06286. 08886,40386, 27486,40286, 30485,68985,20240,99441,72640,92641,58041, 78041,68442,43141,62042,62143,38043,35742,42343,46643,90443,65644,17744,65745,47446,34046,91947,47948,11448,81848,96049,24550,63051,96352, 51951,18851,46451,68851, 68751,67351, 87652,11351,96552,19752,49852,54152,66352,84552, 73152, 50252, 43052, 74052, 49252, 47352,52252,67152,67452,41051,9532,2182,3452,1242,1862,1562,1062,1351,9852,0952,1642,1172,0122,1982,3602,3142,3622,4062,5872,9183,2523,1863,2553,4303,4073,4703,7504,0174,0743,8053,9354,0363,9803,9264,0213,9963,9534,1004,1624,1524,1734,1974,1774,1484,0894,1184,0424,0224,0074,0884,0904,0313,99238,77639,38238,80339,39439,62639,57840,29639,63440,52641,21641,23940,41141,26741,54341,34241,81542,25142,88643,42243,66844,29344,85945,38845,55345, 77546,88047,94648,44547,38347, 52947,65247, 70747,74747,85548,11748,01248,09748, 33648, 38948, 49048,64848, 55448, 35448, 34148,62248,45048, 45148, 51548, 58348, 58448, 37947,96116,04516,61816,72317, 34018,18218, 57018,75018,49019,55020,42220,71420,61321,16421,87422,09022,52523,10523,83124,74825,97626,89327,80729,08429,66729,87531,07232,44633,41731,44531,81231,99832,19032,34832,61132,56632,61732,78632,95433,03632,98332,95533,13033,27733,35733, 32233, 59633,93033,75233,73133,63033,27933, 2491.6911,6831,5881,5171,6111,6121,5841,490,548,6541,6631,5701,6401,7691,7931,8331,8491,9292,1182,4692,4972,5252,6862,7342,7252,9723,2193,32914,35414,93715,13715,82416,57016,95817,16417,00018,00218,76719,05219,04319,52420,10520,29620,69321,25721,90322,63023,51024,39725,28126,39726,93327,14928,10029,22830,0882,3112,2763,6373,2882,0551,8831,8343,5322,8522,7502,8594,6023,7403,8524,7143,9114,0703,7863,3662,8752,9752,8172,8324,0884,9934,8404,3045,076Seasonally adjusted3,0393,0773,1663,1623,2003,3243,1353,2103,2993,3273,3463,3403,3613,3583,3613,3243,2773,3413,2463,3003,4413,3933 3343,25728, 40628, 73528,83229, 02829,14829, 28729,43129,40729, 48729,62729,69029,64329, 59429, 77229,91630,03330, 04530,25530,68430, 45230,29030, 23729,94529,9924,3314,4274,3574,4194,3044,3044,2234,2344,2404,1164,2754,4024,6654,6904,6024,5374,6914,7694,8804,9255,3035,5406,0196,6011,6921,5592,5722,2391,2211,1851,2022,3441,8541,7111,8413,0982,4202,4862,9972,4232,4722,2051,9141,5511,5081,4191,4032,2352,7762,6352,2402,6682,2372,2972,2902,3352,3092,2272,1832,1902,1632,1592,2072,2372,3832,4582,3852,4402,4152,5052,5282,6282,7843,0043,1913,5232702553523181912051843102742692994163984254794075004874794324484274415996917076477495896436266906596306476546446556846576887036916847077487337278328078338421,4221,3052,2191,9221,0299801,0192,0351,5801,4421,5412,6812,0222,0602i 5182,0161,9711,7181,4351,1201,0609939631,6362,0861,9281,5941,9181.6481,6541,6641,6451,6501,5971,5361,536L, 5191,5041,5231,5801,6951,7551,6941,7561,7081,7571,7951.9011,9522,1972,3582,6816197171,0651,0498346986321,1889981,0391,0181,5041,3201,3661,7171,488,5981,5811,4521,3241,4681,3971,4291,8532,2172,2052,0642,4082,0942,1302,0672,0841,9952,0772,0402,0442,0771,9572,0682,1652,2822,2322,2172,0972,2762,2642,3522,2972,5192,5362,8283,0781441522231951451401231911762091972622562863493133833863954043914124125065675955796605496375686055945675455455925765936036946316315186646376715976807347147654755648418546895595109978238328211,2421,0631,0801,3681,1751,2161 ,1951,0569211,0789851,0161,3471,650111 ,610,485,748,545,493,499,479,401,510,495,499,485,381,475,5621,5881,6011,5861,5791,6121,6271,6811,7001,839L,802>,114?, 3131 See footnote 2, Table C-24.Note.-See Note, Table C-24.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.278


TABLE C-26.—Selected unemployment rates, 1948-74[Percent]By sex and ageBy colorBy selected groupsYear or monthBothsexes16-19yearsMen20yearsandoverAllworkersWomen20yearsandoverWhiteNegroando<strong>the</strong>rracesExperiencedwageandsalaryworkersHouseholdheadsMarriedmen*Fulltimeworkers2Bluecollarworkers3Laborforcetimelost


TABLE C--27.— Unemployment by duration, 1947-74Year or monthTotal unemploymentLess than5 weeksDuration <strong>of</strong> unemployment5-14weeks15-26weeks27 weeksand overAverage(mean)durationin weeksThousands <strong>of</strong> persons 16 years <strong>of</strong> age and over1947194819492,3112,2763,6371,2101,3001,7567046691,1942341934281641162568.610.019501951 . .1952195319543,2882,0551,8831,8343,5321,4501,1771,1351,1421,6051,0555745164821,116425166148132495357137847831712.19.78.48.01 11.8195519561957195819592,8522,7502,8594,6023,7401,3351,4121,4081,7531,5858158058911,3961,11436630132178546933623223966757113.011.310.513.914.4196019611962196319643,8524,7143,9114,0703,7861,7191,8061,6631,7511,6971,1761,3761,1341,2311,11750372853453549145480458555348212.815.614.714.013.3196519661967196819693,3662,8752,9752,8172,8321,6281,5731,6341,5941,62998377989381082740428727125624235123917715613311.810.48.88.47.919701971197219731974 .. . . .4,0884,9934,8404,3045,0762,1372,2342,2232,1962,5671,2891,5781,4591,2961,5724276655974755632355175623373738.711.312.010.09.7Seasonallyadjusted i1973-JanFebMarApr ..MayJune4,3314,4274,3574,4194,3044,3042,0372,2502,1432,2342 2182,2501,3441,2541,3401,4661,3041,22752651549446746945740436537733534732611.010.510.610.010.19.7JulyAug - - - --SeptOctNovDec4,2234,2344,2404,1164,2754,4022 2252,2202,1652,0692,2402,3051 2731,2281,3451,2991,2391,2554764444684354704272783282923203433229.79.99.510.110.09.31974: JanFebMarAprMayJune . . ....4,6654,6904,6024 5374 6914,7692,4082,4112,4342 3122,4812,3781,4051,4141,3981,4441,3781,4894544885045285275653263243163473503699.59.69.59.89.69.8JulyAugSeptOctNovDec4 8804,9255 3035,5406 0196,6012,4722,5062,6542,7652 9813,0771,5221,4491 7011,7541 9312,06254656060364069178238138038637642653710.19.99.79.89.810.0i Because <strong>of</strong> independent seasonal adjustment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various series, detail will not add to totals.N ote.—See footnote 2 and Note, Table C-24.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.280


TABLE C-28.—Unemployment insurance programs, selected data, 1946-74All programsState programsYear or monthCoveredemploymentiInsuredunemployment(weeklyaverage)"Totalbenefitspaid(millions<strong>of</strong> dollars)a 4Insuredunemployment8InitialclaimsExhaustions*Insured unemploymentas percent<strong>of</strong> coveredemploymentUnadjustedSeasonallyadjustedBenefits paidTotal(millions<strong>of</strong>dollars)*Averweeklycheck(dollars)*Thousands Weekly average, thousands Percent19461947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959I960..1961196219631964196519661967196819691970197119721973 *1974 91973: Jan..Feb..Mar..Apr..May..June-July..Aug..Sept.Oct__Nov..Dec.1974: JanFeb...Mar...Apr...May...June_.July...Aug...Sept..Oct*-.Nov *_.Dec*..31,85633,87634,64633,09834,30836,33437,00638,07236,62240,01842,75143,43644,41145,72846,33446,26647,77648,43449,63751,58054,73956,34257,97759,99959,52659,37566,900170,3792,8041,7931,4462,4741,6051,0001,0691,0672,0511,3991,3231,5713,2692,0992,0712,9941,946U.9731,7531,4501,1291,2701,1871,1772,0702,3132,1851,7832,5782,3332,2502,0751,8281,6101,5231,6401,5721,4411,4521,6672,0932,7402,8242,7512, 5642,2782,1612,2902,1532,0812,2472,8263,9132,878.51,785.51,328.72,269.81,467.6862.91,043.51,050.62,291.81, 560.21,540.61,913.04,290.62,854.33,022.84,358.13,145.13,025.92,749.22,360.41,890.92, 221.52,191.02,298.64,209.36,214.95,510.54,527.06,987.9523.7461.3492.1404.7379.2315.6326.9353.5281.8322.9332.5378.2622.7599.3652.4639.3584.5472.4541.6522.3478.1530.2561.3781.81,2959979801,9731,5139691,0449901,8701,2651,2151,4462,5261,6841,9082,2901,78371,8061,6051,3281,0611,2051,1111,1011,8052,1501,8481,6322,2692,1242,0621,8981,6691,4651,3841,5051,4361,2991,2991,5031,9222,5612,6302,5022,2171,9341,8341,9891,8741,7831,9472,4993,5521891872003402362082152183042262272703692773313503027 29826823220322620120029629526124636133124921321619320627521218621026639544635929326323726934028327434848070338242037361618153425202350333146323026211517161625383529393332333331282727252425273232353839404140353643454.33.13.06.24.62.82.92.85.23.53.23.66.44.44.85.64.44.33.83.02.32.52.22.13.44.13.52.73.63.83.73.42.82.52.42.52.42.12.12.43.14.14.24.03.53.02.93.12.92.73.03.85.42.92.92.92.72.72.72.72.62.62.62.72.83.13.33.43.33.33.33.33.23.43.74.24.91,094.9775.1789.91,736.01,373.1840.4998.2962.22,026.91,350.31,380.71,733.93,512.72.279.02,726.73,422.72,675.42,774.72.522.12,166.01,771.32,092.32,031.62,127.93,848.54,957.04,471.04,007.64,521.1466.6417.2444.8363.8339.1286.7296.3316.3248.3280.7289.4335.8570.8553.3593.9552.7486.4383.4459.1444.9381.0442.0489.7675.318.5017.8319.0320.4820.7621.0922.7923.5824.9325.0427.0228.1730.5830.4132.8733.8034.5635.2735.9237.1939.7541.2543.4346.1750.3454.0256.7659.0063.9759.1759.5658.9559.5858.4458.1257.4257.4658.1358.9759.6160.4062.2863.3563.8563.6262.6962.5062.9364.1464.2365.2065.4665.511 Includes persons under <strong>the</strong> State, UCFE (Federal employee, effective January 1955), and RRB (Railroad RetirementBoard) programs. Beginning October 1958, also includes <strong>the</strong> UCX program (unemployment compensation for ex-servicemen).2 Includes State, UCFE, RR, UCX, UCV (unemployment compensation for veterans, October 1952-January 1960), andSRA (Servicemen's Readjustment Act, September 1944-September 1951) programs. Also includes Federal and Stateextended benefit programs.s Covered workers who have completed at least 1 week <strong>of</strong> unemployment.* Annual data are net amounts and monthly data are gross amounts. Monthly data exclude extended benefit payments.* Individuals receiving final payments in benefit year. Data for New Jersey not available for April-June 1971.* For total unemployment only. Excludes data for New Jersey for April-December 1971.7 Programs include Puerto Rican sugarcane workers for initial claims and insured unemployment beginning July 1963.s Latest data available for all programs combined. Workers covered by State programs account for about 89 percent <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> total.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Manpower Administration.281


TABLE C-29.—Wage and salary workers in nonagricultural establishments, 1929-74(All employees; thousands <strong>of</strong> persons]Year ormonth19291933193919401941194219431944194519461947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959...,.I960.....1961196219631964196519661967196819691970197119721973 ___1974 vTotalwageandsalaryworkers31,33923,71130,61832,37636, 55440,12542,45241,88340,39441,67443,88144,89143,77845,22247,84948,82550, 23249,02250,67552,40852,89451,36353,31354,23454,04255, 59656,70258,33160,81563,95565,85767,95170,44270,92071,21673,71176,83378,337ManufacturingTotal10.7027,39710, 27810,98513,19215, 28017,60217,32815,52414.70315, 54515, 58214,44115,24116,39316,63217,54916,31416,88217, 24317,17415,94516,67516,79616,32616,85316,99517,27418,06219, 21419,44719,78120,16719,34918,57219,09020,05420,017Durablegoods4,7155,3636,9688,82311,08410,8569,0747,7428,3858,3267,4898,0949,0899,34910,1109,1299,5419,8349,8568,8309,3739,4599,0709,4809,6169,81610,40611,28411,43911,62611,89511,19510, 59711,00611,81411, 838Nondurablegoods5,5645,6226,2256,4586,5186,4726,4506,9627,1597,2566,9537,1477,3047,2847,4387,1857,3407,4097,3197,1167,3037,3367,2567,3737,3807,4587,6567,9308,0088,1558,2728,1547,9758,0848,2408,179Mining1,087744854925957992925892836862955994930901929898866791792822828751732712672650635634632627613606619623603622638672Contractconstruction1,4978091,1501,2941,7902,1701,5671,0941,1321,6611,9822,1692,1652,3332,6032,6342,6232,6122,8022,9992,9232,7782,9602,8852,8162,9022,9633,0503,1863,2753,2083,3063,5253,5363,6393,831Transportationandpublicutilities3,9162,6722,9363,0383,2743,4603,6473,8293,9064,0614,1664,1894,0014,0344,2264,2484,2904,0844,1414,2444,2413,9764,0114,0043,9033,9063,9033,9514,0364,1514,2614,3114,4354,5044,4574,5174,028 | 4,6463,984 I 4,699Wholesaleandretailtrade6,1234,7556,4266,7507,2107,1186,9827,0587,3148,3768,9559,2729,2649,3869,74210,00410,24710,23510, 53510,85810, 88610,75011,12711,39111,33711,56611,77812,16012,71613, 24513,60614,09914,70415,04015,35215,97516,66517, 010Finance,insurance,andrealestate1,5091,2951,4621,5021,5491,5381,5021,4761,4971,6971,7541,8291,8571,9191,9912,0692,1462,2342,3352,4292,4772,5192,5942,6692,7312,8002,8772,9573,0233,1003,2253,3813,5623,6873,8023,9434,0754,161Services3,4402,8733,5173,6813,9214,0844,1484,1634,2414,7195,0505,2065,2645,3825,5765,7305,8676,0026,2746,5366,7496,8067,1307,4237,6648,0288,3258,7099,0879,55110,09910,62211,22811,62111,90312,39212,98613, 508GovernmentFederal5335659059961,3402,2132,9052,9282,8082,2541,8921,8631,9081,9282,3022,4202,3052,1882,1872,2092,2172,1912,2332,2702,2792,3402,3582,3482,3782,5642,7192,7372,7582,7312,6962,6842,6632,725Stateandlocal2,5322,6013,0903,2063,3203,2703,1743,1163,1373,3413,5823,7873,9484,0984,0874,1884,3404,5634,7275,0695,3995,6485,8506,0836,3156,5506,8687,2487,6968,2278,6799,1099,4449,83010,19210,65611,07911,561See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.282


TABLE C-29.—Wage and salary workers in nonagr{cultural establishments•, 1929-74—Continued[All employees; thousands <strong>of</strong> persons]Year ormonthTotalManufacturingTotalwageandsalaryworkersDurablegoodsNondurablegoodsMiningContractconstructionTransportationandpublicutilitiesWholesaleandretailtradeFinance,insurance,andrealestateGovernmentServicesFederalStateandlocalSeasonally adjusted1972: Jan.__Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec...1973: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec...1974: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..Sept..Oct ..Nov v .Dec *_72,35072,49072,83173,09373,38673,63773,69774,05474,30774,64674,91675,11875,47275,85176,11176,33976, 50876, 78776,86777,16377,31577,64977,91577,92477,92578,05378, 08978,22678, 35778,42178,47978,66178,84478, 86578,40077, 72618,64518,73318,82718,91019,00119,08219,05919,14919,24919,39519,48719, 59919,68319,81419,88819,95019,99420,08320,06420,12420,15520, 25220,31420,32320,25320,15520,11620,14720,15120,18420,16920,11220,11219,98219,64619,14110,65110,72110,78710,85010,92710,97610,99611,06411,13711,25511,33011,42111,50011,60911,66111,70811,76611,82611,84211,89211,91411,97912,02112,03611,96811,88311,86211,91311,90811,95911,95911,89911,90611,84111,62611,2907,9948,0128,0408,0608,0748,1068,0638,0858,1128,1408,1578,1788,1838,2058,2278,2428,2288,2578,2228,2328,2418,2738,2938,2878,2858,2728,2548,2348,2438,2258,2108,2138,2068,1418,0207,8516176156176216216226206226286296296286316346336316296326376406406446486526586616626656686696756766826926966663,8463,7493,7873,8063,8363,8463,8003,8633,8763,8973,8723,7853,9083,9313,9533,9633,9964,0344,0634,0634,0914,0834,0994,1154,0984,1274,1024,0874,0663,9943,9203,9653,9393,9113,8523,8024,4654,4554,4944,4884,5014,5064,5064,5084,5314,5624,5834,5964,5964,5994,6094,6284,6324,6384,6424,6574,6674,6964,6924,6884,7104,7174,7084,7044,7014,6984,6934,7014,6794,6994,6934,68015,64515, 71015, 78915,84115, 88715,97015,98616, 06716,10216,15116, 23116, 29116,35816, 46716, 52916, 57716,61516, 64116, 68816, 74616, 77716, 84716, 90416,82616,85116, 87116,91416, 94516, 99417,03117,10717,14017,16617,16017,04216, 9063,8773,8853,8973,9073,9253,9423,9473,9603,9733,9894,0004,0114,0184,0344,0454,0524,0644,0684,0774,0924,1024,1104,1164,1214,1324,1424,1454,1544,1614,1564,1574,1684,1764,1854,1794,17812,11712,16512,20912,27312,32812,40312,44112,48712,49112, 54812,59512,65012,72412,78812,82912,87812,88712,95412,97813,05813,11013,16013,22113,23613,23613,31313,33913,36713,42913,48813, 51613, 57313,64713, 70513, 72613, 7542,7032,6952,6882,6922,6862,6702,6532,6692,6742,6802,6802,6842,6732,6622,6612,6612,6622,6492,6322,6502,6602,6652,6732,6802,6802,6962,6992,7052,7112,7152,7352,7402,7472,7482,7462,74410,43510,48310, 52310,55510,60110,59610,68510,72910, 78310, 79510,83910,87410,88110,92210,96410,99911,02911,08811,08611,13311,11311,19211,24811,28311,30711,37111,40411,45211,47611,48611,50711,58611,69611,78311,82011,855Note.—Data in Tables C-29 through C-31 are based on reports from employing establishments and relate to full- andpart-time wage and salary workers in nonagricultural establishments who worked during, or received pay for, any part <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> pay period which includes <strong>the</strong> 12th <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> month.Not comparable with labor force data (Tables C-24 through C-27), which include proprietors, self-employed persons,domestic servants, and unpaid family workers, and which count persons as employed when <strong>the</strong>y are not at work because<strong>of</strong> industrial disputes, bad wea<strong>the</strong>r, etc.For description and details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various establishment data, see "Employment and Earnings."Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.283


TABLE C-30.—Average weekly hours and hourly earnings in selected private nonaericulturalindustries, 1947-74(For production or nonsupervisory workers]Average weekly hoursAverage gross hourly earnings,current dollarsAdjusted hourly earnings,total private nonagricultural '1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963__1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969-1970..1971..1972..1973..1974 p.Yearormonth1973: Jan...Feb...Mar...Apr...May..June-July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec...1974: Jan___Feb...Mar..Apr...May..JuneJulyAugSept___Oct .Nov p..Dec »..40.340.039.439.839.939.939.639.139.639.338.838.539.038.638.638.738.838.738.838.638.037.837.737.137.037.137.136.637.037.137.137.237.137.137.137.037.136.936.937.036.736.836.736.636.736.736.736.736.736.636.236.440.440.039.140.540.640.740.539.640.740.439.839.240.339.739.840.440.540.741.241.340.640.740.639.839.940.640.740.040.540.940.940.940.740.640.740.640.740.740.640.640.440.440.339.340.340.140.240.240.040.139.539.4Totalprivate Manu-no n agfacturinricultural*Contractconstruction38.238.137.737.438.138.937.937.237.137.537.036.837.036.736.937.037.337.237.437.637.737.337.937.337.236.937.036.936.136.036.736.937.137.137.136.936.736.837.937.236.437.636.736.336.736.936.936.436.537.237.237.8Retailtrade*40.340.240.440.440.439.839.139.239.038.638.138.138.238.037.637.437.337.036.635.935.334.734.233.833.733.733.332.733.633.533.533.433.433.433.333.133.133.033.133.032.932.932.933.032.932.732.632.632.532.432.432.3Totalprivatenonagricultural1$1,1311.2251.2751.3351.451.521.611.651.711.801.891.952.022.092.142.222.282.362.452.562.682.853.043.223.443.673.924.22$1,217.328.378.440.56.651.741.781.861.952.052.112.192.262.322.392.462.532.612.722.833.013.193.363.573.814.074.40Seasonally adjusted$3.793.803.833.863.873.903.933.953.984.004.034.044.054.084.104.114.174.214.234.274.324.354.364.39$3.973.983.984.024.034.054.084.104.134.154.174.194.194.224.244.254.334.384.434.484.534.574.584.61$1. 5411.7131.7921.8632.022.132.282.392.452.572.712.822.933.083.203.313.413.553.703.894.114.414.795.245.696.036.386.74$6.346.246.276.296.306.366.376.406.466.456.466.486.486.526.576.606.626.746.756.896.946.906.886.96Retailtrade 2$0.838.901.951.9831.06.09.16.20.25.30.37.42.47.52.56.63.68.75.82.912.012.162.302.442.572.702.873.09$2.772.792.802.822.832.862.872.892.912.932.952.962.982.983.003.003.073.103.123.143.153.183.193.19Index,1967 = 100ManufacturingContractconstructionCurrentdollars42.646.048.250.053.756.459.661.763.767.070.373.275.878.480.883.585.988.391.695.4100.0106.3113.3120.8129.4137.8146.6158.3142.3142.7143.5144.4144.8146.0146.8147.7148.9149.6150.3151.1151.7152.7153.6154.3156.1158.2158.7160.2162.1163.3164.0165.11 Also includes o<strong>the</strong>r private industry groups shown in Table C-29.> Includes eating and drinking places.»Adjusted for overtime (in manufacturing only) and for interindustry employment shifts.« Current dollar earnings index divided by <strong>the</strong> consumer price index.' Computed from indexes to two decimal places.Note—See Note, Table C-29.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.28463.763.867.569.369.070.974.476.679.482.383.484.586.888.490.292.293.795.197.098.1100.0102.0103.2103.9106.7110.0110.1107.2111.2110.8110.5110.5110.2110.4110.8109.4109.9109.5109.2109.1108.4107.7107.3107.2107.3107.8107.4107.0106.8106.7106.2106.2Percentchangefromprecedingperiod1967dollars*Currentdollars8.04.83.77.45.05.73.53.25.24.94.13.63.43.13.32.92.83.74.14.96.36.66.67.16.56.48.01967dollars0.25.82.7-.42.84.93.03.73.71.31.32.71.82.02.21.61.52.01.11.92.01.2.72.73.1.1-2.6Seasonallyadjustedannual rates*3.92.96.98.52.910.36.97.310.26.06.36.44.48.18.15.514.817.33.812.214.89.35.28.2-2.2-4.7-3.5.4-3.72.54.8-14.14.9-3.9-3.2-1.0-8.0-6.6-4.8-1.41.15.5-4.5-4.4-1.9-1.2-5.6.0


TABLE C-31.—Average weekly earnings in selected private nonagricultural industries, 1947-74[For production or nonsupervisory workers]Average gross weekly earningsAverage spendable weekly earnings, totalprivate nonagricultural *Year or monthTotal privatenonagricultural iManufacturingContiactconstructionRetailtrade»AmountPercent change frompreceding periodCurrentdollars1967dollars 2Current dollarsCurrentdollars1967dollars 2Currentdollars1967dollars194719481949$45.5849.0050.24$68.1367.9670.36$49.1753.1253.88$58.8765.2767.56$33.7736 2238.42$44.6448.5149.74$66.7367 2869.668 72.56 83 51950195119521953195453.1357.8660.6563.7664.5273.6974.3776.2979.6080.1558.3263.3467.1670.4770.4969.6876.9682.8686.4188.9139.7142.8243.3845.3647.0452.0455.7957.8760.3160.8572.1871 7172.7975 2975.594.67 23.74 2.93.6— 71.53 441955195619571958195967.7270.7473.3375.0878.7884.4486.9086.9986.7090.2475.7078.7881.5982.7188.2690.9096.38100.27103.78108.4148.7550.1852.2054.1056.1563.4165.8267.7169.1171.8679.0680.8680.3279.8082.314 23.82 92.14.04 62.3— 7- 63.11960196119621963196480 6782.6085.9188 4691.3390 9592.1994.8296.4798.3189.7292.3496.5699.63102.97113 04118.08122.47127.19132.0657.7658.6660.9662 6664.7572 9674.4876.9978 5682.5782 2583.1384.9885 6788.881 52.13.42 05.1_ 11 12.283 71965196619671968196995.0698.82101 84107.73114.61100.59101.67101.84103. 39104.38107. 53112.34114.90122.51129.51138.38146. 26154.95164.49181.5466.6168.5770 9574.9578.6686.3088.6690.8695.2899.9991.3291.2190 8691.4491.074.52.72 54.94.92 7-.1- 4.6-.41970197119721973 .1974 v119.46127. 28136.16145. 43154.45102.72104. 93108.67109. 26104.57133.73142. 44154.69165. 65176.00195.45211.67222. 51236. 06248. 7182.4786.6190.9995.57101.04104.61112.41121. 09127. 41134.3789.9592.6796.6495.7390.974.67.57.75.25.5-1.23.04.3-.9-5.0Seasonally adjustedSeasonally adjustedannual rates1973:Jan. .FebMarAprMayJune$140.23140. 98142. 09143. 59143. 58144.69$109. 61109.48109. 40109. 85109. 23109. 41$160. 79162. 78162. 78164. 42164. 02164. 43$228. 87224.64230.11232.10233. 73235. 96$93.0793.4793.8094.1994.5295.52$123. 39123. 98124. 83125. 99125.98126. 84$96.4496.2896.1196.3995.8495.915 3.55.98.511.7-.18.55-2.6-2.0-2.13.6-6.6.9JulyAugSeptOctNov_ ..Dec . _ ..145. 80146.15147. 66147.60148. 71149. 48110.06108. 30108 97108. 05108 02107. 93166. 06166. 46168 09168. 91169 30170.11236. 33236.16237.08237. 36244. 83241. 0695.5795.6696.3296.6997.6597.68127.69127.96129 13129. 08129 94130. 5396.3994.8295 3094.4994 3994.258.32.611 5-.58 35.66.2-17.96 2-9.7-1 3-1.81974:JanFebMarAprMay ..June148. 64150.14150. 47150. 43153. 04154. 51106.19105. 97105. 08104. 53105. 23105.30169. 28170.49170.87167. 03174. 50175.64235. 87245.15241.12239. 58242.95248. 7198.0498.0498.7099.00101. 00101.37129. 89131. 04131.30131. 27133. 28134.4192.8092.4991.7091.2291.6491.605-5.711.22.4-.320.010.7-3.9-9.8-6.15.7-.5JulyAugSept...OctNov pDec p155. 24156. 71158. 54159.21157.83159.80105.07104.65104. 51104.06102.23102.83178. 09180.10181. 20183. 26180.91181.63249. 08250. 80253. 31256.68255.94263.09101.71102.36102.38103.03103.36103.04134.98136.11137.52138.04136.98138. 5091.3690.9090.6590.2288.7389.125.210.513.24.6-8.814.2-3.1-5.9-3.3-5.5-18.15.41 Also includes o<strong>the</strong>r private industry groups shown in Table C-29.* Earnings in current dollars divided by <strong>the</strong> consumer price index.8 Includes eating and drinking places.* Average gross weekly earnings less social security and income taxes for a worker with three dependents.* In annualizing <strong>the</strong> rates <strong>of</strong> change, <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> change in tax rates at <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> 1973 and 1974 is taken intoaccount separately.Note.—See Note, Table C-29.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.563-280 O - 75 - 19285


Year or quarterTABLE C-32.—Output per man-hour and related data', private economy, 1947—74TotalprivateOutput 1PrivatenonfarmMan-hours 3TotalprivatePrivatenonfarm[1967 = 100]Output perman-hourTotalprivatePrivatenonfarmCompensationper man-hour 3TotalprivatePrivatenonfarmUnit laborcostsTotalprivatePrivatenonfarmImplicit pricedeflator*TotalprivatePrivatenonfarm194719481949 ... .1950195119521953195445.647.847.652.555.857 260.159 344.546.546.451.355.056.359.158.388.889.286.287.990.791.292.088.678.079.176.079.082.984.185.982.651.353.655.359.761.562.765.366.957.158.861.165.066.366.968.970.536.239.540.142.846.949.852.954.538.341.843.045.349.352.054.956.670.673.772.571.776.379.481.081.567.171.070.369.774.377.679.780.366.470 970.270 976.177 578.179 163 868 268.769 474 075 977 278.51955195619571958195964.365.666.565.670 263.464.765.764.869.592.193.792.388.491.286.188.487.984.587.669.970.072.074.376.973.673.274.876.779.355.959.563.366.069.058.662.065.568.171.080.185.087.988.989.879.684.787.688.789.579.882.385.387.188.379.582.335.386.888 31960196119621963196471.973 278.281 586.271.172.577.680.985.992.090.692.492 994.588.687.789.890.992.978.280.984.787.791.180.382.786.489.192.471.774.477.780.884.973.976.379.382.286.191.892.191.892.193.192.092.391.892.393.289.590.491.292.293.289.690.491.292 393.41965 .196619671968196991.897.7100.0104 8107.791.597.9100.0105 1108.097.499.7100.0102 0104.496.399.5100.0102 3105.394.298.0100.0102.8103.295.198.4100.0102.7102.588.494.5100.0107.8115.689.294.6100.0107 5114.693.896.5100.0105 0112.193.996.2100.0104.6111.894.897.2100.0103 6108. 394.896.8100.0103 5108.119701971197219731974 v107.2111.0118.5125.8122.6107.3111.1118.9126.3122.9103.0102.7106.0109.6109.7104.2103.9107.3111.3111.4104.0108.2111.8114.8111.7103.0106.9110.8113.4110.3124.0132.1140.2151.0164.0122.6130.6138.7149.0162.0119.3122.2125.3131.5146.8119.0122.2125.1131.3146.9113.5118.2121.6128.6142.2113 5118.4121.2126.2140.6Seasonally adjusted1972: 1II . .IIIIV115.0117.6119.4121.9115.2117.9120.1122.4104.6105.6106.4107.2105.8107.1107.6108.6110.0111.3112.3113.7108.8110.0111.6112.7137.4139.2140.8143.2135.9137.5139.5141.7125.0125.1125.4125.9124.9125.0125.0125.7120.5121.0121.9123.0120.4120.8121.4122.31973: 1IIIIIIV124.9125.6126.1126.8125.2126.0126.8127.1108.3109.3110.2110.7109.9111.0111.9112.3115.3114.9114.4114.5113.9113.4113.3113.2147.6149.6151.6154.9145.5147.6149.7153.0128.0130.3132.5135.2127.8130.1132.1135.2124.8127.1129.8132.5123.4125. C126.7129.51974- 1IIIIIIV*124.2123.6122.9119.7124.7123.7123.0120.2110.6109.9109.9108.5111.8111.7111.8110.2112.3112.4111.8110.3111.5110.7110.1109.0157.3162.5166.5170.0156.0160.3164.2167.9140.1144.5148.9154.1140.0144.7149.2153.9136.6139.8144.0148.7133.9138.7143.0147.1i Output refers to gross product originating in <strong>the</strong> sector in 1958 dollars.1 Hours <strong>of</strong> all persons in private industry engaged in production, including man-hours <strong>of</strong> proprietors and unpaid familyworkers. Man-hours estimates based primarily on establishment data.3 Wages and salaries <strong>of</strong> employees plus employers' contributions for social insurance and private benefits plans. Alsoincludes an estimate <strong>of</strong> wages, salaries, and supplemental payments for <strong>the</strong> self-employed.* Current dollar gross product divided by constant dollar product.Note.—Data relate to all persons.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.286


TABLE C-33.—Changes in output per man-how and related data, private economy, 1948-74Year or quarterTotalprivateOutput iPrivatenonfarmTotalprivate[Percent change from preceding period]Man-hours 2PrivatenonfarmOutput perman-hourTotalprivatePrivatenonfarmCompensationper man-hour*TotalprivatePrivatenonfarmUnit laborcostsTotalprivatePrivatenonfarmImplicit pricedeflator*TotalprivatePrivatenonfarm1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956-1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970..1971.1972.1973.1974i4.8-.310.26.32.55.1-1.38.51.91.4-1.37.02.41.96.84.25.76.66.42.34.82.8-.53.66.76.2-2.64.4-.110.67.02.55.1-1.52.01.6-1.57.32.41.97.14.36.16.67.02.25.12.8-.63.57.16.2-2.70.4 1.3 4.53.4 -3.9 3.22.0 4.0 8.13.2 4.9 3.0.5 1.5 1.9.8 2.1 4.2-3.7 -3.8 2.43.9 4.2 4.41.7 2.6 .2-1.5 -.6 2.9-4.2 -3.9 3.13.3 3.7 3.61.1 1.6-1.5 -1.0 3.52.0 2.5 4.7.6 1.2 3.61.8 2.3 3.93.1 3.6 3.42.4 3.3 4.0.32.12.0 2^3 2.82.4 2.9 .4-1.3 -1.0-.4 -.3 4.03.2 3.3 3.43.5 3.7 2.6.1 .1 -2.73.04.06.32.0.92.92.34.4-.62.22.53.41.23.04.63.13.72.93.51.62.7-.2.43.83.62.4-2.89.01.56.89.66.16.33.12.66.46.54.24.63.93.84.44.05.04.16.95.87.87.27.26.56.17.78.79.02.95.58.75.55.63.23.55.85.73.84.34.13.24.03.64.73.76.15.77.56.76.96.66.27.44.3-1.6-1.26.44.12.0.6-1.76.23.51.11.02.2.3-.3.41.1.72.83.75.06.86.42.52.64.911.65.8-1.06.64.52.6.9g6! 43.41.3.92.8.2-.5L02.54.04.66.96.52.62.44.911.96.7-1.01.07.31.9.71.2.93.23.62.11.41.4.9.91.01.21.72.52.93.64.54.84.12.95.710.66.81.16.52.61.81.71.33.43.71.71.81.4.9.91.21.31.42.23.33.54.55.04.32.44.111.4Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: IIIIIIIV1973: I.I!II!....IV1974: I.7.19.36.48.710.02.11.62.3-7.8-2.0-2.3-10.17.09.77.88.09.42.52.51.1-7.5-2.9-2.3-9.04.54.12.83.24.13.93.31.7-.3-2.3.0-5.24.55.01.83.94.94.13.01.6-1.8A'A-5.52.55.03.55.35.7-1.7-1.6.5-7.5.3-2.3-5.12.54.55.93.94.3-1.5-.5-.5-5.9-2.5-2.4-3.78.95.24.77.112.95.55.39.16.513.710.28.88.74.85.96.411.25.95.99.18.111.310.29.16.2.21.11.76.77.37.08.515.113.312.814.76.1.3.02.46.77.66.49.614.914.213.013.34.31.83.03.56.07.68.78.712.99.912.613.64.21.41.92.93.65.65.69.014.215.113.112.01 Output refers to gross product originating in <strong>the</strong> sector in 1958 dollars.2 Hours <strong>of</strong> all persons in private industry engaged in production, including man-hours <strong>of</strong> proprietors and unpaid familyworkers. Man-hours estimates based primarily on establishment data.s Wages and salaries <strong>of</strong> employees plus employers' contributions for social insurance and private benefits plans. Alsoincludes an estimate <strong>of</strong> wages, salaries, and supplemental payments for <strong>the</strong> self-employed.* Current dollar gross product divided by constant dollar product.Note.—Data relate to all persons.Percent changes are based on original data and <strong>the</strong>refore may differ slightly from percent changes based on indexesin Table C-32.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics,287


PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITYTABLE C-34.—Industrial production indexes, major industry divisions, 1929-74[1967=1001Year or monthTotalindustrialproductionTotalManufacturingDurableNondurableMiningUtilities19291933193919401941 -19421943194419451946194719481949195019511952 ... .1953 .19541955 . .195619571958 . -1959I960196119621963196419651966196719681969 -21.613.721.725.031.636.344.047.440.635.039.441.038.844.948.750.654.851.958.561.161.957.964.866.266.772.276.581.789.297.9100.0105.7110.722.814.021.525.432.437.847.050.942.635.339.440.938.745.048.650.655.151.558.260.561.256.964.165.465.671.475.881.289.198.3100.0105.7110.522.69.117.823.731.640.154.560.245.531.837 939.535.943.749 252.259.052.059.561.561.954.262.263.362.169.073.579.088.599.0100.0105.5110.023.019.725.927.232.934.336.738.238.139.340 942.241.546.247 848.750.751.056.659.560 561.067.068.670 775.179.284 490.097.3100.0106.0111.144.431.543.448.251.252.854.057.956.855.863 166! 358.865.772 171.573.471.980.284.484 577 581.182.783 285 689.091 193.998.4100 0103.9107.27.26.510.411.513.014.616.117.117.418.119 621.923.326.530 332.835.638.342.847.050 252.557.861.865 370.275.181 986.993.6100 0109.4119.51970 .19711972--19731974*106.6106.8115.2125.6124.8105.2105.2114.0125.1124.5101.499.4108.4122.0120.8110.6113.5122.1129.7129.9109.7107.0108.8110.3109.1128.3133.9143.4152.6149.4Seasonally adjusted1973: JanFebMarAprMayJune122.2123.4123.7124.1124.9125.6121.4122.7123.4123.8124.9125.6117.5118.7119 9120.6121.9123.0127.0128.4128 6128.4129.2129.3108.5110.2109.5109.0109.1109.5151.0150.5149.6148.7149.5151.6JulyAugSeptOctNov.Dec.1974: JanFeb. . .Mar .AprMayJune_- ...JulyAugSeptOct "___'_Nov» .Dec v126.7126.5126.8127.0127.5126.5125.4124.6124.7124.9125.7125.8125 5125.2125.6124.8121.7118.3126.5126.1126.3126.4127.4126.4125.3124.5124.6124 8125.7125.6125.2125.2125.5124.5121.0117.6123.8122.6123.3123.6124.3123.1121.0119.4120.4120.7122.1122.1121.6121.6122.1121.4117.8113.5130.6130.9130.7130.4131.3131.2131.4131.5131.0130.4130.9130.7130.8130.4130.5129.0125.7123.5111.0111.5111.8111.9111.3110.4109.9111.7112.2111.3111.0110.2110.2107.3109.2109.1104.0104.0154.8154.8155.8156.2154.6147.6144.9146.1146.5148.7149.1150.6152.4152.7153.1152.2151.9151.2Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.288


TABLE C—35.—Industrial production indexes, market groupings, 1947—74[1967=1001Year ormonthTotalindustrialproductionFinal productsTotalConsumer goods *TotalAutomotiveproductsHomegoodsEquipmentTotalBusinessIntermediateproductsMaterials'TotalDurablegoods1947..194819491950195119521953.1954195519561957195819591960196119621963196419651966196719681969..._;..19701971197219731974 P.1973: Jan...Feb..Mar .Apr..May..June.July..Aug...Sept..Oct...NovDec...1974: Jan..Feb..MarApr..May..June-July..AugSept..Oct..Nov J>_Dec p_39.441.038.844.948.750.654.851.958.561.161.957.964.866.266.772.276.581.789.297.9100.0105.7110.7106.6106.8115.2125.6124.838.339.738.543.446.850.353.750.854.958.259.957.162.764.865.370.874.979.686.896.1100.0105.8109.0104.5104.7111.9121.3123.142.744.043.850.049.550.653.753.359.561.763.262.668.771.372.877.782.093.098.6100.0106.6111.1110.3115.7123.6131.7121.847.850.049.662.455.249.762.858.477.763.966.953.266.876.469.884.592.596.8112.3108.8100.0117.9117.499.9119.5127.7136.6110.539.140.837.752.044.844.850.746.855.258.156.853.661.662.063.969.474.981.791.4100.7100.0106.9111.6107.6112.6124.5140.1138.329.731.227.930.242.150.554.747.948.953.755.950.054.956.455,661.965.670.178.793.0100.0104.7106.196.389.495.5106.7118.838.039.534.537.045.251.253.246.850.758.761.051.557.959.457.762.765.874.784.498.8100.0103.4107.9101.496.8106.1122.6129.642.544.942.649.652.051.755.355.162.665.365.363.970.571.072.476.981.187.393.099.2100.0105.7112.0111.7112.5121.1131.0128.239.741.437.845.250.050.756.352.061.563.163.156.865.566.466.472.477.082.691.099.8100.0105.7112.4107.7107.4117.4129.3127.639.140.236.045.351.652.761.553.165.065.265.154.865.366.164.671.876.682.793.0103.0100.0105.0112.2103.2101.7113.5130.0127.7Seasonally adjusted122.2123.4123.7124.1124.9125.6126.7126.5126.8127.0127.5126.5125.4124.6124.7124.9125.7125.8125.5125.2125.6124.8121.7118.3118.6119.3119.6120.0120.8121.3122.1121.4122.4122.7123.6122.6121.3120.6121.0120.7122.4122.5122.8122.1122.6122.4120.9118.7129.8130.2130.8130.9131.7131.9132.9131.2132.3132.6133.5131.3129.2128.3128.5128.5129.6130.3130.0129.8128.8128.3126.4123.5138.6141.7144.1141.7142.6142.6141.7121.1129.8131.4133.7120.6108.0106.6108.0113.8116.1117.3113.5114.9111.6114.7104.091.1134.5135.8138.3139.8140.9141.3142.9141.1142.8140.9141.1138.7139.6137.5140.1140.6142.4142.7141.8141.2139.0133.2129.7125.7102.9104.1104.1104.7105.7106.6107.3107.6108.5108.9110.1110.1109.8109.9110.1110.1112.2112.0113.0111.4113.8113.9113.2112.0116.9118.2118.6119.6121.3122.5123.0124.6125.8126.2127.8126.9126.8127.3127.6127.9130.3130.2131.3128.8132.3131.9130.9128.9128.4129.5129.4129.3130.5132.0132.5132.1131.0130.6131.1129.1129.2129.1128.1129.4129.2128.9127.8128.6127.6125.3122.0120.6124.5126.7127.0127.7128.3129.0130.9130.9131.3131.1131.5130.6129.7128.3128.9128.7129.1128.8128.0128.5129.3128.0122.7117.5124.1126.6127.6127.9128.6129.2131.6131.8132.3132.2133.0132.7129.8127.3127.2127.3128.3127.6125.8128.1129.2129.4124.0117.81 Also includes clothing and consumer staples, not shown separately.2 Also includes industrial fuel and power, not shown separately.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.289


TABLE O36.—Industrial production indexes, selected manufactures, 1947-74[1967=100]Year ormonthDurable manufacturesPrimarymetalsFabricatedmetalproductsMachineryTransportationequipmentInstrumentsOrdnance,privateandgovernmentLumber,clay,andglassFurnitureandmiscellaneousTextiles,apparel,andlea<strong>the</strong>rNondurable manufacturesPaperandprintingChemicals,petroleum,andrubberFoodsandtobacco1947..1948..1949..64.867.450.251.146.131.033.934.024.525.222.57.89.09.256.71950195119521953...19541955..1956..1957..1958..1959..71.477.756.560.458.966.540.745.452.866.257.666.364.368.954.361.563.759.969.375.979.691.3101.2100.0109.7107.690.492.999.0109.197.026.130.035.739.211.442.252.063.248.436.131.835.944.446.146.439.245.051.650.760.575.1100.0113.7111.695.386.186.085.786.370.980.465.084.584.080.463.874.574.272.978.284.395.7104.0108.8100.0103.2114.1106.9100.9113.1127.0124.4I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965 .1966....19671968 .1969....1970.1971.1972.19731974 v1973: JanFeb.MarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNov vDec v59.968.369.371.163.771.571.669.875.978.483.392.6100.5100.0106.3113.6109.4107.4114.8130.5131.341.746.752.252.045.453.956.257.164.867.974.384.198.6100.0101.9106.8100.396.2107.5125.8129.839.644.248.550.747.755.257.857.359.866.471.382.995.3100.0106.7116.1110.8108.5120.2138.3144.164.773.875.973.371.482.278.579.784.388.994.098.7102.6100.0105.6111.1106.3111.5120.0129.1123.853.765.868.767.162.168.769.770.676.179.584.793.8100.8100.0106.2111.6108.8111.7122.7135.1135.965.773.475.173.471.879.679.280.284.386.991.997.8101.7100.0104.9105.9100.2100.7108.1115.0108.852.257.861.562.261.567.069.271.074.378.484.590.598.9100.0104.2109.1107.8107.8116.1122.2121.135.441.243.545.846.553.855.558.364.570.075.983.894.1100.0109.6118.4118.2124.7137.8149.3151.9Seasonally adjusted123.1124.7123.5125.8126.1124.5128.1125.6127.8128.7128.9130.7129.5125.0125.3124.0124.6124.7123.2121.9123.0124.2120.6112.3125.7126.2128.4128.9130.3133.4133.5133.8131.5132.4133.1130.0131.4130.6131.6131.3131.9132.5131.1131.6132.0129.3127.1124.3118.4119.1121.4122.6124.7126.9127.6128.5130.0129.3130.4130.9128.6127.2128.4128.2129.7130.4129.9130.5132.5130.7128.9125.8107.6110.0110.3110.0111.0112.2112.1105.7107.3108.8109.8103.095.793.995.097.8100.699.498.799.9100.4102.093.985.3130.1131.9133.8134.7138.9140.2140.8140.9141.5141.0142.6142.7143.0142.8142.8143.8146.1147.5146.7146.7144.9142.0142.7141.587.087.687.186.485.486.786.783.883.783.884.386.185.284.284.984.386.186.487.287.187.587.487.287.7126.4127.3129.1129.9130.3129.2129.8129.2128.8129.7129.3127.8129.7127.4128.1128.9128.0126.4125.5123.4120.6117.7114.9112.2130.3132.8133.4133.1136.0135.4135.9137.5138.2136.1136.3135.3133.4135.2136.8136.8138.9138.5139.7140.1138.8136.7128.3126.8113.4114.4114.6114.0113.3115.0114.5115.4117.5116.8116.7118.8116.2115.3112.4109.3109.8108.5108.1107.4106.5104.7101.699.8120.0121.5122.4120.8121.9122.8123.8124.5122.1121.3121.9121.2121.7122.2122.5121.2121.3122.3122.4121.0122.7120.6115.7114.7145.5146.3146.3147.9150.2149.8151.8151.015D.9151.1151.6151.6151.5151.2151.2153.5153.0153.8153.9154.4154.7153.0147.7142.963.266.670.371.573.677.279.281.584.087.090.692.697.0100.0103.6107.5110.8113.7117.6121.9124.8119.6122.0121.5120.7121.5119.5121.3122.0122.2121.7124.7123.0125.4126.2125.3124.3126.5125.3124.8124.8124.3123.6123.7123.7Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.290


TABLE C—37.—Capacity utilization rate in manufacturing and major materials industries, 1948-74ManufacturingMajor materials industriesPeriodOutput 1CapacityTotalUtilization rate 2PrimaryprocessingAdvancedprocessingOutputCapacityUtilizationrate 21967 output=iOOPercent1967 output = 100Percent1948194941.539.144.847.392.782.798.183.889.882.142.239.749.952.184.576.11950195119521953195445.449.350.955.451.449.451.854.958.161.291.995.192.895.584.197.8100.191.294.382.988.892.593.796.184.746.450.148.752.650.854.256.358.461.264.685.689.183.386.078.6195519561957..1958195958.160.361.156.964.064.468.374.875.778.690.088.284.575.181.493.790.785.275.282.787.786.984.175.080.760 462.462.258.866.267 770.774.678.682.589 288.383.474.780.21960. ..196119621963 .196465.365.671.375.781.181.684.587.791.294.880.177.681.483.085.579.478.281.884.088.080.377.381.182.584.267.369.774.679.487.285.588.492.094.998.478.778.881 183.788.619651966196719681969 ....89.098.1100.0105.6110.4100.0106.7113.7120.5127.789.091.987.987.786.591.192.185.786.888.587.891.889.188.185.493.8100.5100.0107.1113.6103.4109.1114.3119.9126.290.892.187.489.390.019701971....197219731974 p105.3105.2114.0125.1124.1134.6140.3145.0150.7157.178.375.078.683.079.081.579.384.689.784.676.572.775.479.476.0112.7115.3126.2136.3133.8130.7135.1140.8146.5153.386.285.389.693.087.4Seasonally adjusted1969: 1IIIII. .IV109.5110.4111.8110.1124.9126.7128.6130.587.787.186.984.388.688.788.987.787.186.285.882.5110.9112.8114.6116.1124.3125.5126.9128.189.289.990.390.71970: L...IIIIIIV .106.8106.8105.9101.6132,2133.8135.3136.980.879.878.374.283.582.481.778.579.378.476.571.9112.7111.9113.3113.1129.0130.3131.5132.287.385.986.285.51971: 1...IIIIIIV103.8105.6105.3106.1138.3139.6141.0142.375.075.674.774.679.481.178.078.672.772.772.972.4115.0117.3113.1115.6133.1134.4135.9137.286.487.383.284.31972: 1IIIIIIV.. ..108.5112.5115.5119.4143.5144.5145.5146.675.677.979.481.580.883.585.988.372.974.975.977.8120.9124.2128.1131.6138.8140.1141.4142.987.188.790.692.11973: 1 .II..IIIIV122.5124.8126.2126.7148.0149.8151.6153.482.883.383.382.689.690.190.089.079.179.779.779.2134.2136.1137.6137.2144.3145.9147.2148.793.093.493.592.31974: 1 vII vIII vIV p124.8125.3125.3121.0155.0156.4157.9159.380.580.179.475.987.386.385.179.976.976.876.373.8135.6137.3136.5125.8150.4152.3154.2156.290.290.288.580.61 May differ slightly from data shown in Table C-34 because <strong>of</strong> rounding.2 Output as percent <strong>of</strong> capacity.Note.—For description <strong>of</strong> series, see "Federal Reserve Bulletin," October 1971 and November 1966 issues for manufacturingseries and April 1974 issue for major materials industries series.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, based on data <strong>of</strong> Federal Reserve, Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce,McGraw-Hill Information Systems Company, and various industry organizations.291


TABLE O-38.—New construction activity, 1929-74[Value put in place, billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or month1929193319391940194119421943 ..194419451946New series19461947. . .19481949.19501951 .1952...19531954...19551956 .._19571958195919601961196219631964196519661967 .19681969 _.1970 .1971 ..1972 „19731974 pTotalnewconstruction10.82.98.28.712.014.18.35.35.812.614.320.026.126.733.635.436.839.141.446.547.649.150.055.454.756.460.264.867.773.776.478.187.193.994.9110.0124.1135.5134.4Private constructionTotal8.31.24.45.16.23.42.02.23.410.412.116.721.420.526.726.226.027.929.734.834.935.134.639.338.939.342.345.547.351.752.452.559.566.066.880.193.9102.996.1ResidentialbuildingsiTotal»3.6.52.73.03.51.7.9.81.34.86.29.913.112.418.115.915.816.618.221.920.219.019.824.323.023.125.227.928.027.925.725.630.633.231.943.354.357.646.5Newhousingunits3.0.32.32.63.01.4.7.6.73.34.87.810.510.015.613.212.913.414.918.216.114.715.419.217.317.119.421.721.821.719.419.024.025.924.335.144.947.837.0Nonresidential buildings and o<strong>the</strong>rconstruction lTotal4.7.81.72.12.71.71.11.42.15.65.86.98.28.08.610.310.211.311.512.914.716.114.815.115.916.217.217.619.323.826.727.028.932.834.936.839.645.349.6Commercials1.1.1.3.3.4.2.0.1.21.21.2 04 41.11.82.23.23.63.63.63.94 24.75.15.05.47 89.49.811.613.515 516.0Industrial0.9.2.3.4.8.3.2.2.61.71.71.71.41.01.12.12.32.22.02.43.13.62.42.12.92.82.82.93.66 06.86.55.44.76.27.7O<strong>the</strong>r*2.6.51.21.31.51.2.91.11.32.83.04.25.55.96.16.76.87.37.27.38.09.08.89.08.98.79.29.710.315.116.618.619.821.523.625.9Public constructionTotal2.51.63.83.65.810.76.33.12.42.22.23.34.76.36.99.310.811.211.711.712.714.115.516.115.917.117.919.420.422.124.025.527.628.028.129.930.232.638.3erallyowned0.2.5.81.23.89.35.62.51.7.9.9.81.21.51.63.04.24.13.42.82.73.03.43.73 63.93.94.03.94.04 03.53 43.33.34.04.44.95.4Stateandlocallyowned 52.31.13.12.42.01.3.7.6.71.41.42.53.54.85.26.36.67.18.38.910.011.112.112.312 213.314.015.416.518.020.022.124.224.724.825.925.827 7See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.292


TABLE C-38.—New construction activity, 1929-74—Continued[Value put in place, billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Private constructionPublic constructionYear or monthTotalnewconstructionTotalResidentialbuildings iTotal »NewhousingunitsNonresidential buildings and o<strong>the</strong>rconstruction lTotalSeasonally adjusted annual ratesO<strong>the</strong>r*ITotalCommercialsIndustrialFederallyownedStateandlocallyowned 51973:Jan...Feb...Mar...AprMay..June..July...Aug...Sept..Oct.—Nov...Dec..1974:Jan...Feb...Mar...AprMay..June..Juiy..Aug...Sept..Oct*_Nov p.Dec p..134.5136.1136.5134.0134.5134.7137.2137.4137.3136.4135.7133.2132.6136.3135.1136.4138.2136.9137.9134.5132.9133.0130.1129.1101.7104.0103.3101.7101.9103.2105.6105.5104.1103.3102.3100.197.898.898.697.497.998.498.096.394.694.292.190.159.360.860.358.457.658.259.159.358.056.354.552.449.748.948.648.248.048.348.948.345.943.340.938.948.449.249.449.049.349.749.749.548.246.244.242.139.838.939.139.339.739.538.937.535.533.731.729.742.443.243,043.344.345.046.446.246.147.047.747.848.149.950.049.349.950.149.048.048.750.951.251.214.515.014.815.015.415.616.015.815.415.816.115.915.816.716.716.316.416.416.015.115.716.316.015.45.45.45.55.55.86.06.56.46.86.77.17.36.87.97.56.97.68.07.27.67.78.38.78.722.522.822.722.823.123.424.024.023.824.524.624.525.525.425.826.125.925.725.925.425.426.326.527.132.832.133.332.432.631.531.631.933.233.233.433.134.837.536.439.040.338.540.038.238.338.938.039.04.94.95.44.75.24.94.84.74.84.84.94.84.75.15.45.75.35.85.14.95.45.55.46.227.927.227.827.727.426.626.827.228.428.328.528.330.132.431.033.235.032.734.933.332.933.432.6i Beginning 1960, farm residential buildings included in residential buildings; prior to 1960, included in nonresidentialbuildings and o<strong>the</strong>r construction.3 Total includes additions and alterations and nonhousekeeping units, not shown separately.3 Office buildings, warehouses, stores, restaurants, garages, etc.* Religious, educational, hospital and institutional, miscellaneous nonresidential, farm, public utilities, and all o<strong>the</strong>rprivate.«Includes Federal grants-in-aid for State and locally owned projects.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census, except as noted.293


TABLE C—39.—New housing starts and applicationsJ c or financing, 1929-74[Thousands <strong>of</strong> units]Year or monthPrivate andpublic iTotal(farmandnonfarm)NonfarmHousing startsPrivate»Total (farm and nonfarm)TotalType <strong>of</strong>structure 3OneunitTwo ormoreunitsGovernmenthome programs(nonfarm) 3FHA*VANewprivatehousingunitsauthorizedsProposedhome constructioneApplicationsforFHAcommitments4RequestsforVAappraisals1929509.0193393.01939515.0144.7179 81940.194119421943. .1944602.6706.1356.0191.0141.8176.6217.1160.2126.183.6231.2288.5238 5144.462 9New series19451946.194719481949326.01,023.01,268.01,362.01,466.038.967.1178.3216.4252.678.891.8160.371.190.856 6121.7286 4293 2327 0195019511952195319541955195619571958..19591,553.71,952.01,491.01,504.01,438.01,551 01,646.01, 349. 01,224.01,382.01,531.31,517.01,234.0283.0328.2186.9229.1216.5250.9268.7183.4150.1270.3307.0191.2148.6141.3156.5307.0392.9270.7128.3102.1109.31,208.3397.7192.8267.9253.7338.6306.2197.7198.8341.7369.7164.4226.3251.4535.4620.8401.5159.4234.2234.01960 . . ..19611962196319641965 .19661967196819691, 296.11,365.01,492.51,634.91,561.01,509.71,195.81,321.91,545.41,499.51,274.01,336.81,468.71,614.81,534.01,487.51,172.81,298.81,521.41,482.31,252.21,313.01,462.91,603.21,528.81,472.81,164.91,291.61,507.61,466.8994.7974.3991.41,012.4970.5963.7778.6843.9899.4810.6257.4338.7471.5590.8558.3509.1386.3447.7608.2656.2225.7198.8197.3166.2154.0159.9129.1141.9147.7153.674.683.377,871.059.249.436.852.556.151.2998.01,064.21,186.61,334.71,285.81,239.8971.91,141.01,353.41,323.7242.4243.8221.1190.2182.1188.9153.0167.2168.9187.6142.9177.8171.2139.3113.6102.199.2124.3131.7138.2197019711972 . .19731974 P1,469.02,084. 52, 378. 52, 057. 51, 351. 0( 8 )( 8 )(•)( 8 )( 8 )1,433.62,052.22,356.62, 045. 31,336.3812.91,151.01,309.21,132.0887.4620.7901.21,047.5913.3448.8233.5301.2198.473.656.861.094.0104.086.172.81,351.51,924.62,218.91,819.51,051.8315.0366.8225.283.287.1143.7217.9209.4161.9160.1See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.294


TABLE C-39.—New housing starts and applications for financing, 1929-74—Continued[Thousands <strong>of</strong> units]Year or monthPrivate andpublic iTotal(farmandnonfarm)NonfarmHousing startsPrivate iTotal (farm and nonfarm)TotalType <strong>of</strong>structure 2OneunitTwo ormoreunitsGovernmenthome programs(nonfarm) 3FHA 4VANewprivatelousingunitsauthorizedsProposedhome construction•ApplicationsforFHAcommitments4RequestsforVAappraisalsSeasonally adjusted annual rates1973: Jan..Feb..Mar..Apr..May .June.July..Aug..Sept.Oct..Nov..Dec.1974: Jan...Feb...Mar...Apr...May...June..July...Aug...Sept..Oct...Nov ".Dec p.147.3139.5201.1205.4234.2203.4203.2199.9148.9149.5134.690.686.2109.6127.2160.9149.9149.5127.2114.099.697.274.954.62,4722,4232,2832,1532,3302,1522,1522,0301,8441,6741,6751,4031,4641,9221,4991,6301,4711,5961,3381,1341,1501,1099901,4181,3631,2441,2311,2431,1401,2321,1089909579387677931,0569629939311,0149588128447777886781,0541,0601,0409221,0881,01392092185471873763667186653763454058238032230633220219089110927582798169665257373948484163575458617371679610510098109898892716257686164727479757169757971772,2672,2562,1211,9871,9022,0701,8141,7771,6561,3791,3511,2851,2821,3251,4101,2961,1201,1061,017900823782730802124 217102 21694 20071 16891 16699 16692 13669 14194 13751 14256 13430 12446 12462 16371 14471 15089 15791 185106 15983 18497 167127 187105 15873 1271 Units in structures built by private developers for sale upon completion to local public housing authorities under <strong>the</strong>Department <strong>of</strong> Housing and Urban Development "Turnkey" program are classified as private housing. Military housingstarts, including those financed with mortgages insured by FHA under Section 803 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Housing Act, are includedin publicly owned starts but excluded from total private starts and from FHA starts.2 Not available prior to 1959 except for nonfarm for 1929-44.s Data are not available for new homes started under <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Farmers Home Administrationprogram.* For 1- to 4-unit structuies.5 Authorized by issuance <strong>of</strong> local building permit: in 14,000 permit-issuing places beginning 1972; 13,000 for 1967-71;12,000 for 1963-66; and 10,000 prior to 1963.e Units in mortgage applications or appraisal requests for new home construction.7 Monthly estimates for September 1945-May 1950 were prepared by Housing and Home Finance Agency.» Not available separately beginning January 1970.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Department <strong>of</strong> Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Administration(except as noted).295


TABLE C-40.—Business expenditures for new plant and equipment, 1947-75 l[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]ManufacturingNonmanufacturingYearor QuarterTotalTotalDurablegoodsNondurablegoodsTotalMiningRailroadTransportationAirO<strong>the</strong>rPublicutilitiesCommunicationCommercialando<strong>the</strong>rs1947 . .. .194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959 . .19601961 . .19621963196419.3321.3018.9820.2125.4626.4328.2027.1929.5335.7337.9431.8933.5536.7535.9138.3940.7746.978.449.017.127.3910.7111.4511.8611.2411.8915.4016.5112.3812.7715.0914.3315.0616.2219.343.253.302.452.944.825.215.314.915.417.457.845.615.817.236.316.797.539.285.195.714.684.455.896.246.566.336.487.958.686.776.957.858.028.268.7010.0710.8912.2911.8612.8214.7514.9816.3415.9517.6420.3421.4319.5120.7821.6621.5823.3324.5527.620.69.93.88.841.111.211.251.281.311.641.691.431.361.301.291.401.271.340.911.371.421.181.581.501.42.931.021.371.58.861.021.16.821.021.261.660.17.10.12.10.14.24.24.24.26.35.41.37.78.66.73.52.401.021.131.17.761.091.331.231.291.221.301.311.301.061.331.301.231.651.581.501.542.543.103.243.563.744.343.994.034.525.675.525.145.245.004.904.985.491.401.741.341.141.371.611.781.822.112.823.192.792.723.243.393.854.064.615.054.424.245.225.675.456.026.457.638.327.607.488.448.759.139.9910.9912.02196519661967 .1968196919701971197219731974 354.4263.5165.4767.7675.5679.7181.2188.4499.74111.9223.4428.2028.5128.3731.6831.9529.9931.3538.0145.8011.5014.0614.0614.1215.9615.8014.1515.6419.2522.6711.9414.1414.4514.2515.7216.1515.8415.7218.7623.1330.9835.3236.9639.4043.8847.7651.2257.0961.7366.121.461.621.651.631.861.892.162.422.743.101.992.371.861.451.861.781.671.801.962.481.221.742.292.562.513.031.882.462.411.971.681.641.481.591.681.231.381.461.662.036.137.438.7410.2011.6113.1415.3017.0018.7120.605.306.026.346.838.3010.1010.7711.8912.8513.86«.13.1914.4814.5915.1416.0516.5918.0520.0721.4022.081975 3117.0949.9223.0826.8367.173.673.171.782.3421.4634 75Seasonally adjusted annual rate >1972: 1II....III...IV....1973: 1II....III...IV...86.7987.1287.6791.9496.1997.76100.90103. 7430.0930.3730.9833.6435.5136.5838.8140.6115.0614.7715.6716.8617.8818.6419.7320.4815.0215.6015.3116.7817.6317.9419.0820.1356.7056.7556.7058.3060.6861.1862.0963.122.422.382.402.462.592.772.822.762.101.881.501.712.111.751.952.051.962.892.672.332.212.722.492.201.481.531.411.421.531.621.791.7316.9216.6017.0117.5318.3818.0818.5819.8011.7111.5911.5612.6312.3412.7013.1213.2420.1019.8820.1620.2121.5321.5521.3621.351974: 1IL...III...107.27111.40113.9942.9645.3247.0421.4322.5023.0821.5322.8223.9664.3166.0866.942.803.073.272.102.422.682.132.211.841.631.842.1620.1220.9720.1613.8313.9414.0121.6921.6322.84!V3._114.4047.3323.4523.8867.063.242.791.702.3821.1135.831975: |3___II 3...118.06119.4750.6852.6224.0924.5026.5928.1267.3866.853.342.681.912.4221.6835.361 Excludes agricultural business; real estate operators; medical, legal, educational, and cultural service; and nonpr<strong>of</strong>itorganizations. These figures do not agree precisely with <strong>the</strong> nonresidential fixed investment data in <strong>the</strong> gross nationalproduct estimates, mainly because those data include investment by farmers, pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, institutions, and real estatefirms, and certain outlays charged to current account.2 Commercial and o<strong>the</strong>r includes trade, service, construction, finance, and insurance.3 Estimates based on expected capital expenditures reported by business in October-December 1974. Includes adjustmentswhen necessary for systematic tendencies in expectations data.Note.—Annual total is <strong>the</strong> sum <strong>of</strong> unadjusted expenditures; it does not necessarily coincide with <strong>the</strong> average <strong>of</strong> seasonallyadjusted figures.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.296


TABLE C-41.—Sales and inventories in manufacturing and trade, 1947-74[Amounts in millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or monthTotal manufacturingand tradeManufacturingMerchant wholesalersRetail tradeSales iInventories2RatioSalestories 2RatioSalesInventories2Ratio 3Sales iInventories2Ratio 31947.1948.1949.35,26033,78852,50749,4971.421.5315,51317,31616,12625,89728,54326,3216,8086,5147,9577,7061.131.1910,20011,13511,14914, 24116,00715,4701950.1951.1952.1953.1954.38, 59643,35644,84047, 98746,44359,82270,24272,37776,12273,1751.361.551.581.581.6018,63421,71422, 52924, 84323,35531,07839,30641,13643,94841,6127,6958,5978,7829,0528,9939,2849,88610,21010,68610,6371.071.161.121.171.1812, 26813, 04613, 52914,09114, 09519,46021, 05021,03121,48820,9261955..1956..1957..1958..1959..1960..196141962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969_.51,69454, 06355,87954, 23359,66179, 51687,30489,05286,92291,89160, 746 94, 74761,133 95,64865, 417 101, 09068,969 105,47773,687 111,48080,292 120,94387,186 136, 80389, 707 145, 49297,138 155, 845103,134 167,3601.471.551.591.601.501.561.541.511.491.471.451.471.571.551.5726,48027, 74028, 73627,28030, 21930, 79630,89633,11335, 03237,33541,00344,86946,44950,28253,55545.06950, 64251,87150.07052, 70753, 81454,93958, 21360, 04363,38668,22177,96584,65590,87597,0749,89310,51310, 47510,25711,49111,65611,98812,67413,38214, 52915,61116,98717,10818,36619,75611,67813, 26012, 73012,73913,87914,12014,48814, 93616,04817,00018,31720,76521,88522,99724,9101.131.191.231.241.151.221.201.161.151.141.151.151.231.221.2115,32115,81116,66716,69617,95118, 29418,24919,63020, 55621.82323,67725,33026,15128,49029.82422 f 76923,40224,45124,11325, 30526, 81326,22127, 94129, 38631, 09434, 40538,07338,95241,97345,3761970...1971...1972...1973...1974«..104,736 175, 561112,315 184,401124,244 197, 087143,742 224, 004.64,-' 344 267,8181.641.611.531.451.4852,859 101,64555,917 102,44562, 017 107,71971, 398 120,87082,078 147,13520, 583 27,29022,327 29, 69524,862 32,81730, 400 38,30237,394 45, 8471.261.271.241.161.1231,29434,07137, 36541,94344,87246, 62652,26156,55164, 83274,836Seasonally adjusted1973:Jan...Feb..Mar...Apr...May...June..July...Aug...Sept...Oct...Nov...Dec...1974:Jan...Feb...Mar...AprMay...June..July...Aug...Sept..Oct._.Nov V-Dec v_.135,848 198,939138,047 ""1,887 200',140,074 202,524140,022 203,912'141, 726 -1,228 206,141, 354 208, \ 770145.583 210, 1,773145.584 212, !,765145, 679 214, t, 645149,789 216, ,,889152,335 219, 1,867150,711 224, i,004154,064 226,918156;098 230,140'"" 239 233,120675 235,216924 239,217052 243,831168,824 248, 1,775171,644 253, 1,308170,862 258, t, 622171,647 264, t, 612.68,751 267, ,8181.461.461.451.461.461.481.451.461.471.451.441.491.471.471.461.461.471.501.471.481.511.541.5967,639 108, ^,18768,496 109,082169,166 no;: "1,17469,627 110,! 1,577703 70,376111,62570,639 113,02572,257 113,91072,290 114,90772,146 116,11474, 581 117,22476,178 118,43574; 617 120,87076,389 122,57076,978 124,83178,197 126, 50079,050 128,43881,117 130,93681,166 133,54184,019 136,73185,760 139,72785,937 142,97588"- 093 145,06286', 152 147,13580,009 150,0591.601.59.59L59L. 591.6058596157556260626262.61656363..66.6527, 50228,30928,92929,21029,62729, 54830, 55930,93931,00432, 23833,18133,97834,74335,98637,17037,34236,91337,29338,44938,82838,74837,75138,10933, 50333,89734,12834,47635,02935,33535,77036,23836, 58836,80937, 50938,30238,98639, 64040,42540,42341,20342,34743,17143,70444, 50045,64245, 8471.22.20.18.18.18.20.17:. 171.18.14L 131.13L. 10.09.08.121.141.121.131.151.211.2040,70741,24241,97941,18541, 72341,16742,76742,35542,52942,97042,97642,11642,93243,13443,87244,28344, 89444, 59346, 35647, 05646.17745,80344,49044,80857,24957,90858, 22258,85959,57460,41061,09361,62061,94362,85663,92364,83265,36265,66966,19566,35567,07867,94368,87369,87771,14773,90874,8361 Monthly average for year and total for month.3 Seasonally adjusted, end <strong>of</strong> period.3 Inventory/sales ratio. For annual periods, ratio <strong>of</strong> weighted average inventories to average monthly sales; for monthlydata, ratio <strong>of</strong> inventories at end ct month to sales for month.* Manufacturing data prior to 1961 not completely comparable with later data. See Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce. Bureau<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census, "Series M3-1.1," September 1968.5 Based on seasonally adjusted data through November. (See Table C-42 for manufacturing data through December.Based on those data, manufacturing ratio for 1974 is 1.64.)Note.—The inventory figures in this table do not agree with <strong>the</strong> estimates <strong>of</strong> change in business inventories includedin <strong>the</strong> gross national product since <strong>the</strong>se figures cover only manufacturing and trade ra<strong>the</strong>r than all business, and showinventories in terms <strong>of</strong> current book value without adjustment for revaluation.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis and Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census).297


TABLE G-42.—Manufacturers* shipments and inventories, 1947-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Shipments *Inventories 8Year or monthTotalTotalTotalDurable goods industriesWorkinprocessDurablegoodsi nd ustriesNondurablegoodsindustriesMaterialsandsuppliesFinishedgoodsNondurable goods industriesTotalWorkinprocessMaterialsandsuppliesFinishedgoods1947-1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957.1958..1959.1960...1961»_1962...1963...1964...1965..1966..1967..1968.1969.1970—1971...1972...1973...1974 P..15,51317,31616,12618,63421,71422,52924,84323,35526,48027,74028,73627,28030,21930,79630,89633,11335,03237,33541,00344,86946, 44950,28253, 55552,85955,91762,01771, 39881,7596,6947,5797,1918,84510,49311,31313,34911,82814,07114,71515,23713,57115,54515,81715, 54417,10318,24719,63422, 21624,63325,21227,69429,45928, 22929,94833, 44338, 72442,6488,8199,7388,9359,78911,22111,21611,49411,52712,40913,02513,49913,70814,67414,97915,35216,01016,78617,70118,78820,23621, 23622, 58824,09625,89728,54326,32131,07839,30641,13643,94841,61245,06950,64251,87150,07052,70753,81454,93958,21360,04363,38668,22177,96584, 65590,87597, 07424,629 101,64525,969 102,44528, 573 107,71932,674 120, 87039,111 150,05913,06114,66213,06015,53920,99123,73125,87823,71026,40530,44731,72830,09531,83932,36032,50934,60535,81338,43642,22749, 81854,93159,11263, 37166,76866,05070,21879, 44197,6308,9667,8949,19410,41710,6089,84710, 58510,28610,24210,79811,00111,92713,29915, 50116, 44517,41818,66819,00019,27020, 01024, 42332,75810,7209,72110,75612,31712,83712,29412,95212,78013,21114,20514,99716,25318,15221,97825,01727,60529,17530, 39329,14232,0743G, 07841,7316,2066,0406,3487,5658,1257,7498,1439,1909,0569,6029,81510,25610,77612,33913, 46914, 08915,52817, 37517,63818,13418. 94023; 14112,83613,88113,26115,53918,31517,40518,07017,90218,66420,19520,14319,97520,86821,45422,43023,60824,23024,95025,99428,14729,72431,76333,70334,87736, 39537, 50141,42952,4298,3178,1678,5568,9718,7758,6719,0899,1139,4649,84110,00310,18510,48811,22011,74612, 29912, 82313,13013,57813, 86515,81820,6982,4722,4402,5712,7212,8642,8002,9282,9353,1933,3043,4103,5193,8234,2374,4344,8495,1525,2785,6475,9686,5978,2287,4097,4157,6668,6228,6248,4988,8579,3539,77310,46310,81711,24611,68312,69013, 54414, 61515,72816, 46917 f17017,66819,01423,503Seasonally adjusted1973:Jan....Feb....Mar....Apr....May....June...JulyAug—SeptOct....Nov....Dec.--.1974: Jan....Feb....Mar....AprMay...June...July...Aug...Sept...Oct....Nov p.Dec p..67,63968,49669,16669,62770,37670,63972, 25772,29072,14674, 58176,17874,61776, 38976,97878,19779,05081,11781,16637,01137, 37337,51137, 81038,37638, 28039, 78838,90239, 24840, 87941, 05539,46539, 99440,07340,63541,23242, 53842,78584,019 44,12285, 760 44,82585,937 45,01688,093 46,54886,152 44,75280, 009 40,77830,628 108,187 .31,123 109,08231,655 110,17431,817 110,57732,000 111,62532,359 113,02532,469 113,91033, 388 114,90732,898 116,11433,702 117,22435,123 118,43535,152 120, 87036, 395 122, 57036, 905 124, 83137, 562 126, 50037,818 128, 43838, 579 130, 93638,381 133, 54139,897 136, 73140, 935 139, 72740,921 142,97541,545 145,06241, 400 147,13539,231 150,05970,59071,13671,87372,21372,86773, 80174, 27875,21376, 24976,95177, 64579,44180, 54181, 92583,01484,10885,71587,36689,28691,00493,18494,68095, 78797,63020,25220,46320,65920,88721,19821,42421,72122,08022,62123,06423,44424,42324, 92325, 49426, 33526, 91327, 73928,47129,43930, 41631,10231,84632,16432,75832,28632, 55933,00533,11433,31833,73533,94434,46134,74235,08235, 51936, 07836, 28536, 94237, 26437, 72138,33538,87039, 34139, 91340, 48840, 84841,12141,73118,05218,11418,20918,21218,35118,64218,61318,67218, 88618,80518, 68218, 94019, 33319,48919,41519,47419,64120,02520, 50620, 67521,59421, 98622,50223,14137,59737,94638,30138, 36438,75839,22439,63239,69439, 86540,27340, 79041, 42942,02942, 90643, 48644,33045, 22146,17547, 44548, 72349, 79150,38251, 34852,42913,96514.19414,26114, 38314,51014, 85715.19515, 35815, 39515,61315, 70415,81816, 33516,75117, 06217, 53518, 04618, 50619,11119, 62320, 22620,27320, 35320,6985,9605,9996,0616,1106,1516,1706,1966,2706,3206,3476,4426,5976,5686,7546,7326,9227,0567,3077,5037,6817,7487,8237,9178,22817,67217, 75317,98017,87118,09718,19718, 24118,06618,15018,31318,64419,01419,12619, 40119, 69219,87320,11920,36220,83121,41921,81722, 28623,07823, 5031 Monthly average for year and total for month.2 Book value, seasonally adjusted, end <strong>of</strong> period, except as noted.3 Data prior to 1961 not completely comparable with later data. See Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census,"Series M3-1.1," September 1968.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.298


TABLE C-43.—Manufacturers' new and unfilled orders, 1947-74{Amounts in millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]New orders tUnfilled orders 2Unfilled ordersshipmentsratio 3Year or monthTotalDurable goodsindustriesTotalTotalCapitalgoodsindustries,nondefenseNondurablegoodsindustriesDurablegoodsindustriesNondurablegoodsindustriesTotalDurablegoodsindustriesNondurablegoodsindustries1947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959I960196119621963196419651966.1967196819691970197119721973197415,25617,69315,61420,11023,90723,20423,58622,33527,46528,36827, 55926, 90330,67230,11531,08633,00535,32237,95241, 80345, 94446,76350, 24353, 64652,11855, 72662, 92273, 83683,3306,3888,1266,63310,16512,84112,06112,14710, 76814,99615, 36514,11113,17115, 94815, 22315,69917,02518,52120,25822,98625, 72025, 52627, 66629, 54927,48629, 74534, 27441,09844,2916,9717,6947,0557,3248,48710,31011,4658,8689,5668,9819,94511,06611,14311, 43911,56612, 46913, 00313,44813,73314, 72414,89315,38715,98016,80117,69418,81720, 22421, 23822, 57724,09724, 63225, 98128, 64832, 73839, 03834,47330,73624,04541,45667,26675,85761,17848,26660,00467,37553,18348,88254,49446,13348,39547,30750.94058, 50668,14681,02984,99484,14685,26576,27273, 92884, 948114,694133,79628,57926,61919,62235,43563, 39472,68058,63745,25056,24163,88050,35245,73950,65443,40145,24144,48547,95855,62364,92077,96481,90481, 20982,31373,28670, 79880,914109,862129,8255,8944,1174,4236,0213,8723,1772,5413,0163,7633,4952,8313,1433,8402,7323,1542,8222,9822,8833,2263,0653,0902,9372,9522,9863,1304,0344.8323,9713.423.633.873.352.602.852.582.522.462.402.492.622.932.812.712.592.412.172.192.642.974.124.274.554.003.493.443.213.012.952.892.993.123.513.383.273.132.922.622.613.143.590.961.121.04.85.55.63.72.65.63.57.60.56.52.47.45.45.44.52.57.45Seasonally adjusted1973: Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May.JuneJuly.Aug.SeptOct.Nov.Dec1974: Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May.JuneJuly.Aug.SeptOct..NovDec69,16470, 27472,18472, 59973, 60074, 29174, 28875, 40774, 02477, 02578, 60176, 29278,13979,12779, 54782,05985, 26485,17687, 51790, 39387,14786,36984,28276,93533,36639,01740, 39940,61541, 51441, 94641, 84041, 98341,15443, 30443, 47541,02741,51542, 26741, 97444,12446, 73046, 84847, 70949,46346, 40245,08443,18237,9469,5679,44910,0359,94510, 04410,56410,57110, 28310, 38910, 92811,16010, 94311,00311,41511,30011,92511, 80412,01112, 80011,80511,83211,38310,62310,10830, 79831,25731,78531, 98432,08632, 34532, 44833, 42432, 87033,72135,12635,26536, 62436, 86037, 57337,93538, 53438, 32839, 80840, 93040,74541, 28541,10038,98986, 47388, 25191, 26994, 23997,460101,120103,145106, 268108,144110, 586113,015114,694116,445118,599119,955122, 961127,114131,129134,623139, 256140,467138, 738136,869133,79682,26983, 91386, 80189, 60492, 74096, 41298, 459101,545103, 450105, 874108, 297109,862111,384113,584114,927117,817122,016126,082129,667134,305135,695134,224132,656129,8254,2044,3384,4684,6354,7204,7084,6864,7234,6944,7124,7184,8325,0615,0155,0285,1445,0985,0474,9564,9514,7724,5144,2133,9712.192.202.252.302.342.432.442.532.572.532.552.642.632.642.642.682.692.762.812.872.872.762.812.972.592.612.672.732.792.892.893.013.063.003.043.143.133.163.153.213.223.303.383.443.453.303.383.590.53.54.55.57.57.57.57.57.60.56.54.57.57.56.57.56.54.54.52.52.50.47.44.451 Monthly average for year and total for month.3 Seasonally adjusted, end <strong>of</strong> period.3 Ratio <strong>of</strong> unfilled orders at end <strong>of</strong> period to shipments for period; excludes industries with no unfilled orders. Annualfigures relate to seasonally adjusted data for December, except as noted.* Data prior to 1961 not completely comparable with later data. Comparable data for new orders (total, durable, andnondurable) are available for 1958, 1959, and 1960 only. See Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census, "SeriesM3-1.1," September 1968, for <strong>the</strong>se data.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.299


PRICESTABLE C—44.—Consumer price indexes by expenditure classes, 1929—74For urban wage earners and clerical workers11967=1001Year or month1929193319391940 . . .194119421943194419451946194719481949195019511952195319541955195619571958 ....1959I96019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971 .19721973 . ..19741973- JanFeb... .MarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974: Jan.FebMarAprMayJuneJulyAug .SeptOctNovDecAllitems51.338.841.642.044.148.851.852.753.958.566.972.171.472.177.879.580.180.580.281.484 386.687.388.789.690.691.792.994.597.2100.0104.2109.8116.3121 3125.3133.1147.7127 7128.6129.8130.7131.5132.4132 7135.1135.5136 6137.6138.5139.7141.5143.1143.9145.5146.9148.0149.9151.7153.0154.3155.4Food48.330.634.635.238.445.150.349.650.758.170.676.673,574 582.884.383.082.881.682.284 988.587.188.089. i89.991.292.494.499.1100.0103.6108.9114.9118.4123.5141.4161.7128 6131.1134 5136.5137.9139.8140 9149.4148.3148.4150.0151.3153.7157.6159.1158.6159.7160.3160.5162.8165.0166.1167.8169.7HousingTotal52.252.453.756.256.858.159.160.665.269.870.972.877.278.780.881.782.383.686.287.788.690.290.991.792.793.894.997.2100.0104.2110.8118.9124.3129.2135.0150.6131.5132.0132.4132.8133.3133.9134.2135.2136.6138.1139.4140.6142.2143.4144.9146.0147.6149.2150.9152.8154.9156.7158.3159.9Rent76.054.156.056.257.258.558.558.658.859.261.165.168.070.473.276.280.383.284.385.987 589.190.491.792.994.095.095.996.998.2100.0102.4105.7110.1115.2119.2124.3130.2121 8122.3122 8123.2123.7124.0124 4125.0125.4125.9126.3126.9127.3128.0128.4128.8129.3129.8130.3130.9131.4132.2132.8133.5Apparelandupkeep48.536.942.442.844.852.354.658.561.567.578.283.380.179.086.185.384.684.584.185.887.387.588.289.690.490.991.992.793.796.1100.0105.4111.5116.1119.8122.3126.8136.2123 0123.6124 8125.8126.7126.8125.8126.5128.3129.6130.5130.5128.8130.4132.2133.6135.0135.7135.3138.1139.9141.1142.4141.9Transportation43.042.744.248.147.947.947.850.355.561.866.468.272.577.379.578.377.478.883 386.089.689.690.692.593.094.395.997.2100.0103.2107.2112.7118.6119.9123.8137.7121 0121.1121 5122.6123.5124 6124 8124.5123.9125 0125.8126.7128.1129.3132.0133.7136.3138 8140.6141.3142.2142.9143.4143.5Medicalcare36.736.837.038.039.941.142.144.448.151.152.753.756.359.361.463.464.867.269 973.276.479.181.483.585.687.389.593.4100.0106.1113.4120.6128.4132.5137.7150.5134 9135.3135.8136.2136.6137.0137.3137.6138.3140.6140.9141.4142.2143.4144.8145.6147.2149.4151.4153.7155.2156.3157.5159.0Personalcare40.340.241.245.249.953.455.159.066.068.568.368.374.775.676.376.677.981.184 186.988.790.190.692.293.494.595.297.1100.0104.2109.3113.2116.8119.8125.2137.3121 8122.4123 1123.8124.4124.9125 3125.7126.3127.3128.1129.2129.8130.8131.8133.1134.9136.5137.8139.3141.2143.0144.2145.3Readingandrecreation45.346. T47.750.054.160.062.464.568.772.274.974.476.676.977.776.976.777.880.783.985.387.389.391.392.895.095.997.5100.0104.7108.7113.4119.3122.8125.9133.8124.1124.3124.5125.2125.6125.9126.2126.1126.8127.2127.5127.6128.3128.9129.5130.4132.0133.5134.6135.2137.0137.8138.8139.8O<strong>the</strong>rgoodsandservices46.948.349.250.753.354.756.958.863.866.868.769.972.876.678.579.879.881.083 384.486.187.888.589.190.692.094.297.2100.0104.6109.1116.0120.9125.5129.0137.2126.7127.1127.6128.2128.5129.0129.5129.4129.9130.3130.8131.3131.8132.3132.8133.6134.4135.8137.7139.4140.4141.4142.7143.9Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.300


TABLE O-45.—Consumer price indexes by commodity and service groups, 1939-74For urban wage earners and clerical workers[1967=1001Year ormonth1939194019411942 .194319441945194619471948194919501951195219531954 . .195519561957 . .19581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971 . .1972197319741973: JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974: JanFebMarApr.....MayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec...Allitems41.642.044.148.851.852.753.958.566.972.171.472.177.879.580.180.580.281.484.386.687.388.789.690.691.792.994.597.2100.0104.2109.8116.3121.3125.3133.1147.7127.7128.6129.8130.7131.5132.4132.7135.1135.5136.6137.6138.5139.7141.5143.1143.9145.5146.9148.0149.9151.7153.0154.3155.4CommoditiesAllcommodities40.240.643.349.654.054.756.362.475.080.478.378.885.987.086.785.985 185.988.690.690.791.592.092.893.694.695.798.2100.0103.7108.4113.5117.4120.9129.9145.5123.4124.5126.1127.4128.3129.4129.7132.8132.8133.5134.7135.7137.0139.3141.0141.8143.4144.8145.6147.6149.4150.7152.0153.0Food34.635.238.445.150.349.650.758.170.676.673.574.582.884.383.082.881.682.284.988.587.188.089.189.991.292.494.499.1100.0103.6108.9114.9118.4123.5141.4161.7128.6131.1134.5136.5137.9139.8140.9149.4148.3148.4150.0151.3153.7157.6159.1158.6159.7160.3160.5162.8165.0166.1167.8169.7Commodities less foodAll47.748.050.456.058.461.664.168.176.882.781.581.487.588.388.587.586 987.890.591.592.793.193.494.194.895.696.297.5100.0103.7108.1112.5116.8119.4123.5136.6120.5120.9121.5122.3123.0123.7123.5123.8124.3125.4126.3127.1127.9129.2131.1132.6134.5136.2137.5139.3140.9142.2143.3143.9Durable48.548.151.458.460.365.970.974.180.386.287.488.495.196.495.793.391 591.594.495 997.396 796.697.697 998.898.498.5100.0103.1107.0111.8116.5118.9121.9130.6119.9119.9120.2121.0121.8122.3122.4122.6122.6123.2123.3123.2123.3123.4124.3125.6127.5129.7131.5133.2134.8136.8138.0138.8Nondurable44.344.746.751.653.856.658.662.972.277.876.376.282.082.483.183.583.585.387.688.289.390.791.291.892.793.594.897.0100.0104.1108.8113.1117.0119.8124.8140.9120.9121.6122.4123.3124.0124.7124.4124.7125.5127.0128.5130.0131.3133.5136.1137.7139.5141.0141.8143.7145.3146.1147.2147.7ServicesAllervices43.543.644.245.646.447.548.249.151.154.356.958.761.864.567.369.570 972.775.678.580.883.585.286.888.590.292.295.8100.0105.2112.5121.6128.4133.3139.1152.0135.7136.2136.6137.1137.6138.1138.4139.3140.6142.2143.0143.8144.8145.8147.0147.9149.4150.9152.5154.2155.9157.3158.6160.0Rent56.056.257.258.558.558.658.859.261.165.168.070.473.276.280.383.284 385.987.589.190.491.792.994.095.095.996.998.2100.0102.4105.7110.1115.2119.2124.3130.2121.8122.3122.8123.2123.7124.0124.4125.0125.4125.9126.3126.9127.3128.0128.4128.8129.3129.8130.3130.9131.4132.2132.8133.5Serviceslessrent38.138.138.640.342.144.245.146.749.051.954.556.059.362.264.866.768 270.173.376 479.081.983.985.587.389.291.595.3100.0105.7113.8123.7130.8135.9141.8156.0138.3138.7139.2139.6140.1140.7141.0141.9143.4145.2146.1146.9148.0149.1150.4151.4153.1154.7156.6158.4160.3161.9163.3164.8Special indexesAllitemslessfood47.247.348.752.153.655.756.959.464.969.670.371.175.777.579.079.579.781.183.885.787.388.889.790.892.093.294.596.7100.0104.4110.1116.7122.1125.8130.7143.6127.5127.9128.4129.1129.7130.3130.4130.9131.8133.1134.0134.8135.6136.8138.4139.6141.3142.9144.4146.1147.8149.1150.4151.3Allitemslessshelter39.739.942.447.751.352.253.659.068.573.972.673.179.280.881.081.080 681.784.486.987.688.989.990.992.193.294.697.4100.0104.1109.0114.4119.3122.9131.1146.1125.3126.4127.8128.9129.7130.6131.0133.5133.6134.5135.6136.5137.8139.8141.5142.3144.0145.4146.4148.3150.0151.2152.5153.5Nondurablecommodities38.438.941.647.651.852.253.759.671.977.274.975.482.583.483.283.282.583.786.388.688.289.490.290.992.093.094.698.1100.0103.9108.9114.0117.7121.7132.8151.0124.7126.2128.3129.7130.7132.0132.4136.6136.5137.4138.9140.3142.1145.2147.2147.8149.3150.4150.9153.0154.8155.8157.2158.3Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.301563-280 O - 75 - 20


TABLE C-46.—Consumer price indexes, selected commodities and services, 1939-74For urban wage earners and clerical workers[1967=100]Durable commoditiesNondurable commoditiesless foodServices less rentYear or monthTotal iNewcarsUsedcarsHouseholddurablesTotalApparelcommoditiesNondurableslessfoodandapparelTotalHouseholdserviceslessrentTransportationservicesMedicalcareservicesO<strong>the</strong>r *193948.543.256.644.343.046.338.136.132.51940194119421943 .19441945194619471948194948.151.458.460.365.970.974.180 386 287.443.346.669.275.682.855.959.866.969.576.081.886.595.6101.799.044.746.751.653.856.658.662.972 277 876.343.545.853.555.959.863.069.580 485 482.046.848.451.153.254.755.858.266 272 372 438.138.640.342.144.245.146.749.051.954.536.136.338.238.238.238.239.040 344.950.032.532.733.735.436.937.940.143 546.448.11950195119521953195419551956 .19571958195919601961 .19621963.19641965 . .1966 .196719681969197019711972.. .19731974 . ,1973: JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974: JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec88.495.196.495.793.391.591.594.495.997.396.796.697.697.998.898.498.5100.0103.1107.0111.8116.5118.9121.9130.6119.9119.9120.2121.0121.8122.3122.4122.6122.6123.2123.3123.2123.3123.4124.3125.6127.5129.7131.5133.2134.8136.8138.0138.883.487.494.995.894.390.993.598.4101.5105.9104.5104.5104.1103.5103.2100.999.1100.0102.8104.4107.6112.0111.0111.1117.5111.1111.0110.8111.1111.1111.0110.9110.6109.1111.9112.2112.0112.9112.7112.8113.3114.6116.4118.0118.1118.4123.7124.5124.989.275.971.869.177.480.289.583.686.994.896.0100.199.497.0100.0( s )103.1104.3110.2110.5117.6122.6112.8112.4113.7117.3120.6122.3122.7121.3120.3118.5116.1112.6107.0103.0102.2107.0114.4122.2127.9132.0135.9139.4141.6138.4100.2109.8106.9105.7102.9100.199.7101.4102.1102.0101.9100.7100.6100.3100.298.798.6100.0103.3107.4110.2112.9115.0118.8128.9116.1116.3116.9117.7118.5119.2119.4119.6120.1120.4120.8121.0121.8122.5123.7125.1126.5128.2129.5131.5133.0134.1135.4136.076.282.082.483.183.583 585.387.688.289.390.791.291.892.793.594.897.0100.0104.1108.8113.1117.0119.8124.8140.9120.9121.6122.4123.3124.0124.7124.4124.7125.5127 0128.5130.0131.3133.5136.1137.7139.5141.0141.8143.7145.3146.1147.2147.781.188.787.786.786.385 887.388.288.289.090.390.891.292.092.893.696.0100.0105.6111.9116.5120.1122.7127.1136.1123.1123.8125.2126.2127.2127.2126.0126.6128.7130 0130.8130.7128.6130.3132.1133.6135.0135.6135.0138.0139.8141.0142.3141.672.977.579 081.081.882 184.187.488.389.690.991.392.193.193.995.597.5100.0103.3107.0111.2115.2118.2123.4143 8119.7120.4120.8121.7122.2123.3123.5123.6123.8125 3127.3129.6132.9135.5138.5140.1142.2144.3145.9147.2148.6149.2150.2151.356.059.362.264.866.768.270.173.376.479.081.983.985.587.389.291.595.3100.0105.7113.8123.7130.8135.9141.8156.0138.3138.7139.2139.6140.1140.7141.0141.9143.4145.2146.1146.9143.0149.1150.4151.4153.1154.7156.6158.4160.3161.9163.3164.871.275.479.481.685.086.087.189.090.492.195.7100.0105.9115.3126.8132.6139.2146.8166.0142.3142.8143.2143.6144.2144.9145.3146.8149.3151.7153.2154.3155.8157.1158.8160.1162.1164.0166.5169.0171.5173.8175.7177.553.358.362.466.469.269.470.573.878.581.283.385.386.687.589.692.996.8100.0104.0111.3123.1133.0136.0136.9141.9136.0136.1136.3136.5136.6137.0137.0137.1137.2137.4137.4138.1138.8139.1139.6140.1140.5141.5142.3142.7143.4144.0144.9146.049.251.755.057.058,760.462.865.568.772.074.977.780.282.684.687.392.0100.0107.3116.0124.2133.3138.2144.3159.1141.0141.5142.2142.7143.1143.6143.9144.3145.1147.8148.2148.7149.7151.1152.7153.6155.4158,0160.2162.8164.5165.6167.0168.571.173.976.278.080.883.485.687.790.192.696.2100.0105.6110.6116.7122.5125.8131.6141.7128.1128.6129.2129.9130.6131.3131.7132.1133. 3134.0134.8135.3135.9136.8137.6138.4140.2141.1142.1143.0144.7145.5146.7147.71 Includes certain items not shown separately.2 Includes <strong>the</strong> services components <strong>of</strong> apparel, personal care, reading and recreation, and o<strong>the</strong>r goods and services,s Not available.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.302


TABLE C—47.—Consumer price indexes, seasonally adjusted, 1971—74For urban wage earners and clerical workers[1967=100, seasonally adjusted!Special indexesYear and month!AllitemslessfoodAllitemslessshelterAllitemslessmedicalCommodity groupsAllcommoditiesFoodCommodities lessfoodTotalDurableNondurableSelected expenditure classesShelterFuelandutilitiesApparelandupkeepTransportationMedical1971: Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May.JuneJuly.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec.1972: Jan..Feb.Mar.Apr.May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec.1973: Jan..Feb.Mar.Apr..May.June.July.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec.1974: Jan..Feb..Mar.Apr.May.JuneJuly.Aug.Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec120.4120.6120.7120.9121.6122.1122.5122.9123.2123.3123.5123.7124.1124.4124.6124.9125.3125.6126.0126.4126. 7126.8127.1127.3127.6128.2128.5129.1129.6130.2130.5131.2131.9132.8133.7134.5135.7137.138.5139.6141.2142.8144.5146.4147.9148.8150.1151.0117.2117.6118.0118.5119.1119.6119.9120.2120.2120.3120.5121.0121.3121.7121.8121.9122.3122.5123.0123.2123.8124.2124.7124.9125.7126.5127.8128.8129.4130.3130.9133.5133.6134.5135.7136.6138.2139.9141.5142.2143.7145.1146.3148.3150.0151.2152.7153.7119.1119.3119.5119.8120.4121.0121.3121.5121.7122.0122.2122.7123.0123.6123.7123.9124.2124.5125.0125.2125.9126.2126.6126.9127.6128.3129.6130.5131.2132.1132.2134.9135.4136.4137.5138.4140.0141.6143.2143.9145.3146.7147.6149.6151.5152.8154.2155.3115.7115.8116.2116.6117.1117.7117.9118.1118.1118.4118.5118.9119.2119.8119.8119.9120.2120.5121.0121.3122.0122.3122.7122.9123.9124.9126.2127.4128.2129.1129.3132.7132.7133.5134.7135.7137.6139.7141.1141.8143.3144.5145.2147.5149.3150.7152.0153.0116.0116.1116.9117.7118.2118.8119.0119.2118.9119.4120.0120.120.122.4122.3122.2122.3122.6123.2123.7124.6125.5126.4126.5129.2131.4134.2136.1137.8139.5139.9148.4148.0149.1151.2151.9154.5157.9158.8158.1159.5160.0159.4161.7164.7166.9169.2170.4115.5115.5115.7115.9116.5116.7117.1117.3117.5117.6117.6117.7118.1118.3118.6118.6119.0119.0119.5119.9120.4120.4120.5120.7120.9121.4121.9122.4122.8123.3123.6124.0124.4125.0125.9126.7128.3129.7131.5132.7134.2135.8137.6139.6141.0141.8142.9143.5115.3115.5115.8115.9116.5116.9117.1116.9116.8116.9116.9117.1117.4117.7117.9118.1118.3118.6119.2119.6120.2119.9119.9120.2120.1120.5120.8121.4121.7121.7121.9122.5122.8123.0122.9123.1123.5124.0124.9126.0127.4129.1131.0133.1135.1136.5137.6138.7115.8115.7115.8116.0116.5116.8117.1117.8118.0118.2118.1118.4118.6118.8119.1119.1119.6119.4119.8120.0120.4120.8121.1121.3121.4122.0122.6123.3123.8124.6124.9125.3125.1126.5127.9129.5131.8133.9136.4137.7139.2140.9142.4144.4144.9145.5146.5147.1128.0127.4126.8126.6127.6128.6128.8129.4129.9130.3131.0131.3132.4132.7132.9133.2133.9134.4135.1135.5135.6135.7135.9136.5136.9137.5137.8138.4139.1139.7139.8141.1142.8144.4145.2146.0147.3148.4149.5150.5151.8153.1154.6156.1157.9159.6160.7162.5112.0112.8113.3113.8114.3114.8115.7116.1116.3116.6116.5117.6118.3118.6118.8119.1119.6120.0120.2120.3120.9121.2121.7121.9122.7123.6124.0124.6125.1125.9126.0126.6127.3129.2132.2136.0140.7142.9144.2146.3148.3149.7151.2152.9154.6156.0157.3158.6118.4118.8118.8119.1119.7120.0120.3120.2120.4120.6120.7120.8121.2121.4121.5121.8122.0122.0122.1122.0122.9123.3123.6124.0124.0124.3125.1125.8126.2126.7126.9127.9128.0128.6129.1129.5129.8131.2132.5133.6134.5135.6136.5139.6139.6140.0140.9140.8117.3117.9118.2118.2118.6119.0119.0119.3119.6119.2118.7118.4118.7118.7118.9118.7119.1119.2119.7120.5122.0121.1121.4121.2120.8121.5122.0122.7123.1124.0124.3124.4124.9125.0125.8126.6127.8129.7132.5133.8135.9138.1140.0141.2143.3142.9143.4143.4125.2125.9126.7127.2128.0128.5129.2129.9130.3129.9130.0130.4130.8131.1131.3131.4131.9132.3132.6132.8133.0134.2134.4134.7135.2135.4135.7135.9136.5136.9137.2137.5138.3140.9141.2141. 7142.5143.5144.7145.3147.1149.3151.2153.5155.2156.6157.8159.3Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.303


TABLE C-48.—Percent changes in consumer price indexes, major groups, 1948-74[Percent change]Year or monthAll itemsFoodCommodities lessfoodServices^Dec.toDec. 2YeartoyearDec.toDec. 2YeartoyearDec.toDec. 2YeartoyearDec.toDec.Yeartoyear19481949195019511952195319542.7-1.85.85.9.9.67.8-1.01.07.92.2.8.5-0.8-3.79.67.4-1.1-1.3-1.68.5-4.01.411.11.8-1.5-.25.3-4.8-5.74.6-.5-1.47.7-1.5-.17.5.9.2-1.16.13.63.65.24.64.21.96.34.83.25.34.44.33.319551956195719581959.42.93.01.81.5-.41.53.62.7.8-.93.12.82.2-.8-1.43.34.2-1.6.02.52.2.81.5-.71.03.11.11.32.33.14.52.73.72.02.54.03.82.9196019611962196319641.5.71.21.61.21.61.01.11.21.33.1-.91.51.91.41.01.3.91.41.3-.3.61.2.4.4.3.7.82.71.91.72.31.83.32.01.92.01.9196519661967196819691.93.43.04.76.11.72.92.94.25.43.43.91.24.37.22.25.0.93.65.1.71.93.13.74.5.61.42.63.74.22.64.94.06.17.42.23.94.45.26.9197019711972197319745.53.43.48.812.25.94.33.36.211.02.24.34.720.112.25.53.04.314.514.44.82.32.55.013.24.13.82.23.410.68.24.13.66.211.38.15.63.84.49.3Change from preceding month1973: JanFeb ...MarAprMay..JuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974: Jan . .FebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSept....OctNov. .DecUnadjusted0.3.7.9.7.6.21.8.3.8'.7.91.31.1,61.11.0.71.31.2.9.8SeasonallyadjustedUnadjusted0.5 2.1.6 1.9.9 2.6.6 1.5.6 1.0.6 1.4.2 .81.9 6.0.4 -.7.8 .11.1.91.61.2 2.51.1 1.0-.3.5'A.9.7 .11.3 1.41.3 1.4.9 .7.9 1.0.7 1.1ooco —SeasonallyadjustedUnadjusted-0.5.3.5.7.fi.9.7.6.61.01.51.11.41.31.01.31.1.9.8.72.11.72.11.41.21.2.36.1-.3.71.4.51.72.2.6-.4.9.3-.41.41.91.31.4Seasonally Unadjustedadjusted0.2 0.2.4 .4.4 .3.4 .4.3 .4.4 .4.2 .2.3.3.5 1.1.6.61.3 .71.1 .71.4 .8.9 .61.1 1.01.2 1.01.3 1.11.5 LI1.0 1.1.6 .9.8 .8.4 .4 .9CD CMCM«


TABLE C-49.—Wholesale price indexes by major commodity groups, 1929-74[1967 = 100]Year or monthAll commoditiesFarm products and processedfoods and feedsTotalFarmproductsProcessedfoodsandfeedsIndustrial commoditiesTotalTextileproductsandapparelHides,skins,lea<strong>the</strong>r,andrelatedproductsFuelsandrelatedproducts,andpower *Chemicalsand alliedproducts 11929..1933..19391940....1941....1942....1943....1944....1945....1946....1947....1948....1949....1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966 _.1967..1968..1969..1970..1971..1972..1973..1974..1973: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec...1974: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..SepL.Oct...Nov..Dec.49.134.039.840.564.131.445.150.953.353.654.640.041.450.364.62.376.582.878.781.891.188.687.487.687.890.793.394.694.894.994.594.894.594.796.699.8100.0102.5106.5110.4113.9119.1134.7160.1124.5126.9129.8130.5133.2136.0134.3142.1139.7138.7139.2141.8146.6149.5151.4152.7155.0155.7161.7167.4167.2170.2171.9171.594.3101.589.693.9106.9102.796.095.791.290.693.798.193.593.793.794.793.893.297.1103.5100.0102.4108.0111.7113.8122.4159.1177.4137.0142.4149.0147.9154.9163.6156.9184.5173.5166.8164.4168.0177.8180.6176.2169.6167.4161.7172.7183.4179.1185.1189.0186.575.075.578.590.9109.4117.5101.6106.7124.2117.2106.2104.798.296.999.5103.997.597.296.398.096.094.698.7105.9100.0102.5109.1111.0112.9125.0176.3187.7144.2150.9160.9160.6170.4182.3173.3213.3200.4188.4184.0187.2202.6205.6197.0186.2180.8168.6180.8189.2182.7187.5187.8183.782.988.780.683.492.791.687.488.985.084.987.491,889.489.591.091.992.592.395.5101.2100.0102.2107.3112.1114.3120.8148.1170.9132.4137.0141.4139.8145.0151.8146.5166.2156.3153.1151.9155.7162.1164.7163.0159.1158.9157.4167.6179.7176.8183.5189.7188.248.637.843.344.047.350.751.552.353.058.070.876.975.378.086.184.184.885.086.990.893.393.695.395.394.894.894.795.296.498.5100.0102.5106.0110.0114.0117.9125.9153.8120.0121.3122.8124.2125.3126.0126.1126.7127.4128.5130.1132.2135.3138.2142.4146.6150.5153.6157.8161.6162.9164.8165.8166.1103.6108.198.9102.7114.6103.4100.898.698.798.798.897.098.499.597.798.698.599.299.8100.1100.0103.7106.0107.1108.6113.6123.8139.1116.6117.4119.0120.8122.3123.7124.2125.2126.8128.5130.0131.4133.8135.2136.1137.5139.1141.7142.1142.3142.1140.5139.8138.448.936.342.845.248.452.852.752.252.961.183.384.279.986.399.180.181.372.677.381.982.082.994.290.891.792.790.090.394.3103.4100.0103.2108.9110.3114.0131.3143.1145.1143.9144.9143.5145.0142.2140.9141.4143.0143.8143.8143.0141.9142.6143.4143.4145.4146.3146.0146.6146.2148.1145.2144.5143.259.447.652.351.454.656.257.859.560.164.476.990.586.287.190.390.192.691.391.294.099.195.395.396.197.296.796.393.795.597.8100.098.9100.9106.2114.2118.6134.3208.3122.2126.0127.4129.2131.1133.4134.7135.2137.4139.3144.1151.5162.5177.4189.0197.9204.3210.5221.7226.0225.0228.5227.4229.047.451.552.457.063.364.164.865.270.593.795.987.688.9101.796.597.798.998.599.1101.2102.0101.6101.8100.799.197.998.399.099.4100.099.899.9102.2104.2104.2110.0146.8105.1105.6106.7107.7109.3110.4110.8111.0111.5112.7113.5115.6118.2120.2127.3132.3137.0142.8148.4158.5161.7168.5172.9174.0See next page for continuation <strong>of</strong> table and for footnotes.305


TABLE C-49.— Wholesale price indexes by major commodity groups, 1929-74—Continued11967=1001Industrial commodities—ContinuedYear or monthRubberandplasticproductsLumberandwoodproductsPulp,paper,andalliedproductsMetalsandmetalproductsMachineryandequipmentFurnitureandhouseholddurablesNonmetallicmineralproductsTransportationequipment:Motorvehiclesandequipment2Miscellaneousproducts1929..1933..1939..1940..1941..1942..1943..1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966.1967.1968..1969..197019711972197319741973: Jan...Feb...Mar...Apr...May_.June..July..Aug...IT;.Nov...Dec...1974: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr...May..June..July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.59.440.261.257.161.571.673.672.770.570.870.572.870.585.9105.495.589.190.4102.4103.8103.4103.3102.9103.199.296.396.895.595.997.8100.0103.4105.3108.3109.2109.3112.4136.2110.0110.1110.3110.6111.5112.6112.9113.1112.8114.0114.8116.5117.7119.8123.8129.4133.7135.6139.5143.4145.6147.5148.5149.425.019.024.827.432.735.637.740.641.247.273.484.077.789.397.294.494.392.697.198.593.592.498.895.391.091.693.595.495.9100.2100.0113.3125.3113.6127.0144.3177.2183.6151.0161.0173.2182.0186.9183.1177.8178.8181.9180.3184.7186.1183.7184.1191.3200.2198.0192.2188.6183.7180.4169.4165.8165.440.272.575.772.474.388.085.785.585.587.893.695.496.497.398.195.296.395.695.496.298.8100.0101.1104.0108.2110.1113.4122.1151.7115.8116.5118.3119.8120.7122.0122.3123.3124.4125.8127.6128.7131.8132.9137.2144.4146.6147.5153.3162.9164.2166.0166.9167.230.737.637.838.539.139.039.039.644.354.962.563.066.373.873.976.376.982.189.291.090.492.392.491.991.291.393.896.498.8100.0102.6108.5116.6119.0123.5132.8171.9125.6126.9129.2130.5131.7132.5132.8133.7134.4135.9138.5141.8145.0148.0154.7161.2168.7174.0180.3185.6187.1186.9186.7184.641.341.442.142.842.442.142.246.453.758.261.063.170.570.672.273.475.781.887.689.491.392.091.992.092.292.893.996.8100.0103.2106.5111.4115.5117.9121.7139.4118.9119.4120.0120.8121.5121.9122.0122.3122.6123.1123.8124.6126.0127.0129.0130.8134.1137.2140.3144.3146.8150.0152.7154.055.844.652.653.857.261.861.463.163.267.177.081.682.984.791.890.191.992.993.395.898.399.199.399.098.497.797.097.496.998.0100.0102.8104.9107.5109.9111.4115.2127.9112.6113.1113.5114.1115.1115.2115.2115.9116.0116.6117.2117.5119.0120.2121.3122.9124.5126.1128.2129.8132.8135.5136.9137.751.247.249.149.150.252.352.453.555.759.366.371.673.575.480.180.183.385.187.591.394.895.897.097.297.697.697.197.397.598.4100.0103.7107.7112.9122.4126.1130.2153.2128.2128.4129.0130.0130.5131.1130.0130.0129.9130.9131.5132.6138.7142.1144.2146.7150.7152.3156.4157.6159.8162.2163.4164.341.934.839.140.443.247.247.247.548.356.064.170.875.775.379.484.083.683.886.391.295.198.1100.398.698.697.898.398.598.6100.0102.8104.8108.7114.7118.0119.2129.2118.2118.2118.6119.0119.1118.9119.0119.0118.3120.0120.1121.4122.9123.1123.2123.3124.9126.1128.5130.1130.6138.1138.9140.71 Prices for most items in this grouping are lagged and refer to 1 or 2 months earlier than <strong>the</strong> index month.2 Index for total transportation equipment is not shown but is available beginning December 1968.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.306


TABLE C-50.—Wholesale price indexes by stage <strong>of</strong> processing, 1947-74(1967=100]Year or monthAllcommoditiesCrude materialsTotal101.2110.996.0104.6120.1110.3101.9101.097.197.699.8102.099.497.096.597.595.494.599.3105.7100.0101.6108.4112.2115.0127.6174.0196.1143.3151.3159.0158.8167.7177.5170.9207.5197.1185.7182.7186.4201.3205.6200.6192.9186.5178.5194.5203.5196.8200.3198.2193.9Foodstuffsandfeedstuffs111.7120.8100.3107.6124.5117.2104.9104.995.193.197.2103.096.295.193.895.792.990.897.1105.9100.0101.3109.1112.1114.2127.5180.0189.4146.4156.0166.2164.2173.7185.4177.7226.2205.2189.2184.2185.3203.2207.2197.6182.6176.6164.6184.9196.5187.4192.9190.9187.8Nonfoodmaterialsexceptfuel90.6100.791.6104.7120.7104.6100.198.2103.8107.6106.2102.2105.8101.4102.5102.0100.7102.4104.5106.7100.0102.1106.8109.8110.5121.9161.5205.2132.1138.1141.4144.6154.2161.8155.9172.7184.7180.8180.8190.5201.4206.8210.4214.1203.7202.3210.0213.1206.1205.4200.7188.8FuelIntermediate materials, supplies, and components iTotalMaterials and components formanufacturingTotalMaterialsForfoodmanufacturingFornonurablemanufacturingFordurablemanufacturingCom-DonentsMaterialsandcomponentsfor construction1947..1948..1949__1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970..1971..1972..1973..1974..1973:Jan...Feb...Mar-Apr...May...June..July..Aug...Sept..Oct__.Nov...Dec...1974:Jan...Feb...Mar...Apr...May...June..July—Aug...Sept..Oct...NovDec...76.582.878.781.891.188.687.487.687.890.793.394.694.894.994.594.894.594.796.699.8100.0102.5106.5110.4113.9119.1134.7160.1124.5126.9129.8130.5133.2136.0134.3142.1139.7138.7139.2141.8146.6149.5151.4152.7155.0155.7161.7167.4167.2170.2171.9171.566.678.778.377.979.479.982.779.078.884.489.290.391.992.892.692.193.292.893.596.3100.0102.3106.4122.3138.5148.7164.5219.4155.5156.3156.9160.4161.6162.6163.0164.4169.2169.9175.0179.5182.4186.3190.3205.4207.4213.6222.0228.4236.8244.3251.9263.772.478.375.278.688.185.586.086.588.192.094.194.395.695.695.094.995.295.596.899.2100.0102.3105.9109.8114.0118.7131.6162.9123.1125.1127.4128.4131.3134.0131.7135.8133.7134.3135.4138.5142.0144.6149.1152.8157.6160.9166.3174.0173.8176.8178.6178.472.177.874.578.188.584.886.286.388.492.694.895.296.596.595.394.794.995.997.499.3100.0102.2105.8110.0113.0117.0127.7162.2119.7121.1123.5125.0126.5127.7128.1130.6130.7131.7132.6135.4138.9141.6146.8150.9156.6160.7166.7172.7174.1176.6180.7179.894.096.983.386.796.692.993.092.289.389.791.393.490.091.194.092.096.695.297.6101.9100.0101.5107.0112.9116.2119.9146.0209.2126.9130.8136.0136.4138.1142.6143.3163.5157.6158.7156.0162.6173.5184.0186.4180.4187.0191.5205.9221.2222.6234.5265.8257.395.2100.891.996.5111.7100.699.898.298.6100.1101.4100.4102.1102.199.999.398.499.1100.0100.8100.0101.3102.5104.0105.6109.4121.2155.0112.6113.6115.7117.8119.8121.7122.5123.4124.9126.0127.0129.3132.6135.0140.8146.4147.9154.1159.8166.0166.6169.5171.170.754.461.463.166.774.174.377.679.383.388.591.492.094.294.393.092.993.094.896.898.6100.0103.3109.3115.1118.8123.8133.7171.7125.9127.7130.9132.7134.0134.3134.1134.5135.0135.9137.8141.7144.7146.5154.0161.1169.6174.7180.2184.9186.5185.9186.2185.558.363.064.266.675.675.777.177.580.988.391.892.593.693.192.291.591.592.393.897.1100.0102.3105.6111.1,114.7117.6121.4139.9118.5118.8119.6120.1121.0121.3121.6122.0122.3122.9123.8124.5126.1127.2129.4131.1135.2138.2141.6145.6148.0150.2152.6153.666.073.173.277.084.383.785.185.588.993.594.094.096.695.994.694.294.595.496.298.8100.0104.9110.9112.6119.5126.2136.7161.6128.6130.9134.2136.8138.5137.9136.7137.3138.3138.7140.7142.0145.0147.0151.1156.0160.7163.0166.6169.3170.9169.7169.7170.1See next page for continuation <strong>of</strong> table and for footnotes.307


TABLE C-50.—Wholesale price indexes by stage <strong>of</strong> processing, 1947-74—Continued[1967=100]Finished goodsSpecial groups <strong>of</strong> industrialproductsYear or monthTotalTotalConsumer finished goodsFoodsO<strong>the</strong>rnondurablegoodsDurablegoodsProducerfinishedgoodsCrudematerials3Intermediatematerials,supplies,and components3Con-* sumerfinishedgoodsexcludingfoods1947..1948..1949..74.079.977.680.586.582.582.890.483.180.785.882.374.679.781.855.460.463.479.292.584.070.076.174.279.084.082.21950..1951..1952..1953..1954..79.086.586.085.185.383.991.890.789.289.184.795.294.389.488.783.690.087.888.688.982.788.288.989.690.364.971.272.473.674.593.6102.993.192.488.077.787.084.385.385.783.589.588.389.189.41955..1956..1957...1958..1959..85.587.991.193.293.088.589.892.494.493.686.586.389.394.590.189.491.193.292.694.091.294.397.198.499.676.782.487.589.891.596.6102.3100.996.9102.388.392.695.094.896.490.192.394.694.795.9I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..93.793.794.093.794.194.594.394.694.194.392.191.792.591,491.994.794.794.895.194.899.298.898.397.898.291.791.892.292.493.398.397.295.694.397.196.895.595.395.095.696.396.296.096.095.91965..1966.1967.1968.1969.95.798.8100.0102.9106.696.199.4100.0102.7106.595.4101.6100.0103.7110.095.997.8100.0102.2105.097.998.5100.0102.2104.094.496.8100.0103.5106.9100.9104.5100.0102.0110.696.998.9100.0102.6106.196.798.1100.0102.1104.61970.1971.1972.1973.1974.110.4113.5117.2127.9147.5109.9112.7116.6129.2149.3113.5115.2121.7146.4166.9108.3111.3113.6120.5146.8107.0110.9113.2115.8126.3111.9J16.6119.5123.5141.0118.8122.7131.1155.2219.1110.0114.3118.9128.1159.5107.7111.2113.5118.6138.61973:Jan...Feb..Mar..Apr..May..June.121.0122.5124.7125.4126.2127.4121.2122.9125.7126.3127.1128.6131.8134.1140.2140.7141.9145.0115.4117.4118.1118.8119.5120.2113.8114.0114.5115.3115.7115.9120.6121.2121.7122.3123.1123.4139.1142.3142.5146.8149.6152.8121.2122.6124.8126.4127.9128.6114.8116.0116.6117.4118.0118.4July..Aug_.Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.127,7131.9131.2131.2132.0133.6128.9134.2133.2133.0133.6135.5145.4158.6156.1153.6153.7155.7120.5120.9121.2122.6124.4126.6116.1116.3115.8116.7117.0117.9123.5123.9124.2125.1125.7126.7153.5156.0161.0164.7174.2179.8128.5129.3130.1131.0132.4134.8118.7119.0119.0120.2121.4123.11974:Jan...Feb..Mar..Apr..May...June.137.4140.1141.0142.1143.8144.0139.9143.2143.8144.7146.0145.4162.7167.0164.6163.1162.4157.0130.2134.0137.8141.2144.3147.7119.6120.2120.9122.0123.7125.0128.3129.3130.9132.4135.9138.7188.2202.7212.2224.8216.5217.5137.9140.6145.8150.8156.1159.6125.6128.4131.0133.5136.0138.6July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.148.1150.6152.1155.2157.7158.0149.9152.1153.2156.0158.6158.7164.6167.7168.7171.4177.4175.9150.6153.0154.2155.7156.2156.9126.8127.3128.4133.1133.8135.3141.5145.2148.0151.9154.1155.3228.9229.5229.8229.0228.7221.2164.5169.6170.6172.1173.0173.2141.1142.7143.9146.7147.2148.3* Includes, in addition to subgroups shown, processed fuels and lubricants, containers, and supplies.> Excludes crude foodstuffs and feed stuffs, plant and animal fibers, oilseeds, and leaf tobacco.1 Excludes intermediate materials for food manufacturing and manufactured animal feeds.Note.—For a listing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> commodities included in each sector, see monthly report, "Wholesale Prices and PriceIndexes," January-February 1967.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.308


TABLE C-51.—Percent changes in wholesale price indexes, major groups, 1948-74[Percent change]Year or monthAllcommoditiesIndustrialcommoditiesFarm productsand processedfoods and feedsTotalConsumer finished goodsFoodsAll except foodsDec.toDec 1YeartoyearDec.toDec 1YeartoyearDec.toDec 1YeartoyearDec.toDec. 1YeartoyearDec.toDec 1YeartoyearDec.toDec 1Yeartoyear19481949.1.5-6.18.2-5.05.0-5.08.6-2.1-6.8-8.97.6-11.71.11-5.67.5-4.6-2.4-7.49.2-8.14.C-4.56.3-2.119501951..19521953195414.71.2-3.4.5-.63.911.4-2.7-1.4.214.0.4-1.41.4.23.610.4-2.3.8.217.03.5-8.2-2.3-2.64.813.8-3.9-6.510.22.7-3.1-.1- 61.79.4-1.2-1.7- l13.35.3-5.9-2.2-1.91.912.4-.9-5.2g8 2.9-1.11.631.67.2-1.3.9.31955..19561957195819591.64.52.0.5-.3.23.32.91.4.24.34.21.1.91.22.24.52.8.31.8-6.46.04.2-.2-4.4-4.713.44.7-4.7-.13.13.0.2-.71 52.92 2-.8-2.93.65.3.4-3.7-2.b3.55.8-4.71.72.51.7.2.8.82.42.5.11.319601961..19621963196419651966196719681969.5-.2.0-.1.43.41.71.02.84.8.1.3-.3.22.03.3.22.53.9-.6-.1-.2.5.61.42.21.92.73.9.0-.5.01.32.21.52.53.43.9-.6.6-2.1.C9.5.2-1.83.57.5.2.01.1-1.0-.64.26.6-3.42.45.52 1-.8.1-.4.24.C1.61.23 14.91.0.3\l1.93 4.62 73.75.2-1.8.5-1.3.49.11.4-.44.88.22.2-.4.9-1.2.53.86.5-1.63.76.1.4-.3.1.1.91.72.12 02.9.4-.2.0-.1.81.41.92.12.4197019711972197319742.24.06.515.420.93.73.24.D13.118.93.63.23.610.725.63.83.63.46.822.2-1.46.014.426.711.03.41.97.630.011.51.43.34 513.617.13.22.53 510.815.6-2.55.98 022.513.03.21.5b 620.314.03 91.82 27.42G.53.03.22.14.516.9Change from preceding month1973:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1.31 92.352.12.1-1.35.8-1.7-.741.93.42.01.3.91.5.53.93.5-.11.81.0-.20.91 42.281.92.1-1 46.2-1.51.62.91.51.21.11.3.53.73.9.12.51.20.51 l1.21 l.9- .6.1.5.6.91 21.62.32.13.02.92.72.12.72.4.81.2.6.20.21 l1.191.0.7.1.6.8151.42.02.12.92.82.72.22.72.51.01.1.9.03.33 94.614.75.6-4.117.6-6.0-3.9— 1 42.25.81.6-2.4-3.7-1.3-3.46.86.2-2.33.42.1-1.32.32 84.6.63.85.0-4.419.1-5.6-2.2-1 01.04.6.4-2.4-2.4-2.2-4.06.47.6-1.95.12.5-2.5UnadjustedSeasonallyadjustedUnadjustedSeasonallyadjustedUnadjustedSeasonallyadjustedUnadjusted1.61 42.35.61.2.24.1-.7-.261.33.22.4.6.9-.43.11.5L81.73.71 74.5.4.92.2.39.1-1.6-1.61.34.52.6-1.4-.9-.4-3.34.81.9.61.63.5-.82.31 54.71.1.61.8-.910.5-2.51.0.1.93.02.4-1.3-.1-.6-3.83.63.2-.34.33.5-1.20.21 0.7.5.3.3!o1.01 01.42.02.22.01.91.91.91.81.1.81.9.3.7Seasonallyadjusted1.11 l2.51.0i!o.04.4-.6.6.82.62.11.0.62.81.7.82.71.8.1 -.4UnadjustedSeasonallyadjustedUnadjustedSeasonallyadjusted0.21.0.6.7.4.4.3.4.3.81.21.02.02.12.21.91.72.11.81.31.21.7.4.41 Changes from December to December are based on unadjusted indexes.Note.—The seasonally adjusted changes for all commodities and industrial commodities are based on seasonal adjustmentfactors and seasonally adjusted indexes to two decimal places.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor, Bureau <strong>of</strong> Labor Statistics.309


MONEY STOCK, CREDIT, AND FINANCETABLE C-52.—Money stock measures, 1947-74[Averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures; billions <strong>of</strong> dollars, seasonally adjusted]Overall measuresComponents and related itemsYear andmonthMi(Currencyplusdemanddeposits)Mj(Mi plustimedepositsat commercialbankso<strong>the</strong>r thanlarge CD's)M 3(Mj plusdepositsat nonbankthriftinstitutions)Currency'Deposits at commercial banksDemand2Time and savings 3TotalLargeCD's*O<strong>the</strong>rDepositsat nonbankthriftinstitutions*U.S.Governmentdemanddeposits(unadjusted)s1947: Dec.1948: Dec.1949: Dec.113.1111.5111.226.425.825.186.785.886.035.436.036.41.01.82.81950: Dec...1951: Dec...1952: Dec...1953: Dec...1954: Dec...1955: Dec...1956: Dec...1957: Dec...1958: Dec...1959: Dec...116.2122.7127.4128.8132.3135.2136.9135.9141.1143.4210.9299.425.026.127.327.727.427.828.228.328.628.991.296.5100.110 1 .1104.9107.4108.7107.6112.6114.536.733.241.144.548.350.051.957.465.467.487.488.52.42.74.93.85.03.43.43.53.94.91960: Dec...1961: Dec...1962: Dec...1963: Dec...1964: Dec...1965: Dec...1966: Dec...1967: Dec...1968: Dec...1969: Dec—.144.2148.7150.9156.5163.7171.3175.4186.9201.7208.7217.1228.6242.8258.9277.1301.3317.8349.6382.3392.2314.4336.5362.9393.2426.3462.6485.2532.6576. ff593.529.029.630.632.534.336.338.340.443.446.1115.2119.1120.3124.1129.5134.9137.0146.5158.2162.772.982.797.6112.0126.2H6.3157.9183.1204.1194.52.85.79.612.816.215.420.523.511.072.979.992.0102.3113.4130.1142.5162.7180.6183.597.3107.9120.1134.4149.2161.3167.4183.0194.5201.34.74.95.65.15.54.63.45.05.05.61970: Dec...1971: Dec...1972: Dec...1973: Dec...1974: Dec*..221.4235.3255.8271.5283.8425.3473.1525.7572.2613.9642.8727.9823.2895.3955.049.152.656.961.667.7172.3182.7198.9209.9216.1229.3271.2313.8364.5420.425.433.543.963.890.3203.9237.7269.9300.7330.1217.5254.9297.5323.1341.17.36.97.46.34.61973: JanFeb...MarAprMayJune256.9257.9258.0259.4262.3265.3529.8532.9535.3538.8544.2549.5830.5836.2840.9846.5854.4862.657.257.557.958.658.959.3199.8200.4200.1200.8203.4206.0318.1324.4331.7337.1341.5344.945.249.454.457.759,660.6272.9275.0277.3279.4281.9284.2300.7303.3305.6307.8310.2313.18.19.910.48.38.77.1JulyAugSeptOctNovDec266.1266.0265.7266.6269.4271.5551.9555.1557.2561.6567.2572.2866.8870.7873.9880.0887.8895.359.559.860.260.561.061.6206.6206.2205.5206.1208.4209.9348.3354.3357.6359.6360.8364.562.565.366.164.763.163.8285.8289.0291.5295.0297.7300.7314.9315.6316.7318.4320.6323.16.54.15.36.04.36.31974: JanFebMarAprMayJune270.9273.1275.2276.6277.6279.7575.5580.8585.5589.4591.5596.7900.7907.7914.9920.5923.0929.562.062.763.363.964.364.6208.9210.4211.9212.8213.2215.0371.0375.9378.3386.7392.5398.466.468.268.073.978.581.3304. 6307.7310.3312.7314.0317.0325.2326.9329.5331.1331.5332.78.16.66.46.07.66.1JulyAugSeptOctNovDec*280.2280.5280.8281.7283.3283.8599.4602.0603.6607.8612.6613.9933.4936.6938.9944.3951.1955.064.865.465.866.467.367.7215.4215.1215.0215.3216.0216.1402.8405.3407.6412.3414.9420.483.683.884.886.285.590.3319.2321.5322.8326.1329.3330.1334.0334.5335.3336.6338.5341.15.44.05.43.73.34.61 Currency outside <strong>the</strong> Treasury, <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve Banks, and <strong>the</strong> vaults <strong>of</strong> all commercial banks.2 Demand deposits o<strong>the</strong>r than those due to domestic commercial banks and <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government, less cash items inprocess <strong>of</strong> collection and Federal Reserve float, plus foreign demand balances at Federal Reserve Banks.3 Time and savings deposits o<strong>the</strong>r than those due to domestic commercial banks and <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government. EffectiveJune 1966, excludes balances accumulated for payment <strong>of</strong> personal loans (about $1.1 billion).4 Negotiable time certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit issued in denominations <strong>of</strong> $100,000 or more by large weekly reporting commercialbanks.« Average <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beginning- and end-<strong>of</strong>-month deposits <strong>of</strong> mutual savings banks and savings capital at savings and loanassociations.6 Deposits at all commercial banks.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.310


TABLE C-53.—Commercial bank loans and investments, 1930-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars 1LoansInvestmentsEnd <strong>of</strong> yearor month iTotal loansand investments2Total 2CommercialandindustrialU.S. GovernmentsecuritiesO<strong>the</strong>rsecuritiesLoans plusloans sold tobank affiliates 21930:June48.934.55.09.41933:June30.416.37.56.5193940.717.216.37.11940194119421943-.1944...19451946..19471948 .._43.950.767.485.1105.5124.0114.0116.3114.218.821.719.219.121.626.131.138.142.417.821.841.459.877.690.674.869.262.67.47.26.86.16.37.38.19.09.2Seasonally adjusted19481949113.0118.741.542.062.366.49.210.31950195119521953195419551956195719581959 3124.7130.2139.1143.1153.1157.6161.6166.4181.2188.751.156.562.866.269.180.688.191.595.6110.539.461.160.462.262.267.660.357.256.965.157.712.413.414.214.716.416.816.317.920.520.51960196119621963196419651966196719681969 *197.4212.8231.2250.2272.4300.14 316 1352.0390 2401.7116.7123 6137.3153.7172.9198.24 213 9231.3258 2279.142.143.947.652.158.469.578 686.295 9105.759.965.364.761.560.857.153.559.460.751.520.823.929.235.038.744.8M8. 761.371.371.1283.019701971197219731974 p435.5484.8556.4630.3s 681.2291.7« 320. 3377.8447.38 494.1110.0115.9f 129.7155.8s 180. 557.960.161.952.848.885.9« 104. 4116.7130.28 138. 329*. 7• 323.1380.4451.6s» 498. S1974: Jan -FebMarAprMayJune_ _.638.9647.4657.5666.9673.4s 677. 5452.9458.3468.2476.3481.4s 484.5157.9159.5165.1169.5172.9174.654.556.456.457.157.256.4131.5132.7132.9133.5134.88 136.6457.3463.3473.1481.7487.18 489.9July pAug pSept pOct pNOVP.Dec p686.6P92.0687.0687.1s 688. 5681.2494.3500.2498.2499.5s 500.9494.1177.9180.7180.8182.58 183.0180.555.855.352.249.749.348.8136.5136.5136.6137.98 138.3138.3499.79 505.5503.5504.7s 505.8498. S1 Data are for last Wednesday <strong>of</strong> month or year (except June 30 and December 31 call dates).2 Adjusted to exclude all interbank loans beginning 1948 and domestic bank loans only beginning January 1959.3 Beginning January 1959, loans and investments are reported gross, without valuation reserves deducted, ra<strong>the</strong>r thannet <strong>of</strong> valuation reserves, as in earlier periods.4 Effective June 1966, balances accumulated for payment <strong>of</strong> personal loans (about $1.1 billion) are excluded from loansat all commercial banks, and certain certificates <strong>of</strong> CCC and Export-Import Bank totaling about $1 billion are included ino<strong>the</strong>r securities ra<strong>the</strong>r than in loans.« Beginning June 1969, data include all bank-premises subsidiaries and o<strong>the</strong>r significant majority-owned domesticsubsidiaries; earlier data include commercial banks only.• Beginning June 1971, Farmers Home Administration insured notes totaling about $0.7 billion are classified as o<strong>the</strong>rsecurities ra<strong>the</strong>r than as loans.7 Beginning June 1972, commercial and industrial loans were reduced by about $0.4 billion due to loan ^classificationsatone large bank.8 Beginning June 1974, <strong>the</strong> merger <strong>of</strong> a large mutual savings bank and a nonmember commercial bank increased totalloans and investments by $0.6 billion, loans by $0.5 billion, and o<strong>the</strong>r securities by $0.1 billion.Beginning November 1974, <strong>the</strong> liquidation <strong>of</strong> one large bank reduced total loans and investments by $1.5 billion, totalloans by $1.0 billion, commercial and industrial loans by $0.6 billion, and o<strong>the</strong>r securities by $0.5 billion. In addition, commercialand industrial loans were increased by $0.1 billion due to loan ^classifications at one large bank.9 Beginning August 1974, reflects new definition <strong>of</strong> affiliates included and different group <strong>of</strong> reporting banks. Amount <strong>of</strong>total loans sold was reduced by $0.1 billion.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.311


TABLE C-54.—Total funds raised in credit markets by nonfinancial sectors, 1966-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Item19661967196819691970197119721973Total funds raisedU.S Government . . ....Public debt securities _Agency issues and mortgagesAll o<strong>the</strong>r nonfinancial sectorsCorporate equitiesDebt instruments .Debt capital instruments .State and local government securities_ .Corporate and foreign bondsMortgagesHomeO<strong>the</strong>r residentialCommercialFarm..O<strong>the</strong>r private creditBank loans n.e.c.Consumer creditOpen-market paperO<strong>the</strong>rBy borrowing sector:Total funds raisedForeign . .State and local governmentsHouseholdsNonfinancial businessFarmNonfarm noncorporateCorporateTotal funds advanced to nonfinancial sectorsFinanced directly or indirectly by:Private domestic nonfinancial sectorsDepositsDemand deposits and currency..Time and savings accountsAt commercial banks „ .At savings institutionsCredit market instruments, net~_O<strong>the</strong>r sources:U.S. Government securitiesPrivate credit market instruments...Corporate equitiesLess security debt.Foreign funds..At banks . .. .DirectChange in U.S. Government cashbalanceU.S. Government loans rPrivate insurance and pension reservesO<strong>the</strong>r67 93.62.31.364.31.063.338 95.611.022 311.73.15.71.824.410 76.41.06.264.31.56.322.733.83.15.425 367.941.324.44.120.313.07 316.98.49.2-.9—.31.83.7—1.9—.44.918.12.282 413.08.94.169.42.467.045 77,815.922 011.53.64.72.321.39.54.52.15.169.44.07.919.338.13.65.029.682.450.552.112.839.322.616 7—1.5—1.45.7—4.31.54,92.32.71.24.618.23.095 913 410.33.182 5.082.650 69.514.027 115.13.46.42.232.013 110.01.67 282.52.89.830 039.92.85.631.595.961.448.314.533.921.012 913.08.112.3—6.5.85.12.62.5—1.14.918.86.991 8—3 6—1.32 495 53.991 650 69.913.027 715.74.75.31 941 015 310.43.312 095.53.710.731 749.43.27.438 991.847.75 47.7-2.3-10.38 042.317.027.5—3.8—1.610.69.31.3.42.919.710.698 212 812.9— 185 45.879 757 611.220.625 712.85.85.31.822 16 46.03.85 985.42.711.323 448 03.25.339 598.263.366 610.556.139.216 9—3.4—9.06.5-1.7—.92.4—8.510.92.82.821.85.1147 425 526.0_ 5121 911.5110 484 217.619.746 926.18.810.02.026.39 311.2—.96.6121.94.617.839 859 64.18.746.8147.483.193.712.781.040.640 4—10.6—14.010.7-5.32.123.9-3.227.23.23.224.89.1169 417 313.93 4152 110.5141 694 914.413.267 339.610.314.82.646 721 819.2—1.67 3152.14.314.263 170.54.910.455.3169.4105.8101.916.785.239.345 93.81.612.1—5.44.515.85.210.6-.32.627.118.4187 49 77.72 0177 77.2170 497 113.710.273 243.38.417.04 473 438 622.91.810 0177.77.512.372.885.18.69.367.2187.4124.388.812.676.348.128.235.518. S20.5—8.2—4.410.16.E3.e-l.i3.C29.522.;See footnotes at end <strong>of</strong> table.312


TABLE G-54.—Total funds raised in credit markets by nonfinancial sectors, 7966-74—Continued[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Item1974 unadjustedquarterly flowsIII1974 seasonallyadjusted annual ratesIIITotal funds raised.._U.S. GovernmentPublic debt securities...Agency issues and mortgagesAll o<strong>the</strong>r nonfinancial sectorsCorporate equities35.03.43.0.431.61.630.052.0-6.2-6.4.258.21.157.148.54.54.9-.444.01.442.6177.38.77.01.7168.76.3162.4206.52.11.3.8204.54.5200.0199.115.116.6-1.5184.05.4178.6Debt instruments20.229.323.992.7110.887.7Debt capital instrumentsState and local government securitiesCorporate and foreign bonds..Mortgages.HomeO<strong>the</strong>r residentialCommercialFarm...O<strong>the</strong>r private creditBank loans n.e.cConsumer creditOpen-market paperO<strong>the</strong>r4.04.311.96.61.42.91.09.86.1-2.93.63.04.95.918.511.02.43.71.427.716.25.93.62.13.25.515.29.42.32.41.118.75.74.55.92.715.819.657.333.07.113.43.869.741.78.211.48.419.720.970.241.78.715.14.889.147.117.218.06.812.321.853.531.19.28.84.490.835.215.822.517.3By borrowing sector:Total funds raisedForeignState and local governmentsHouseholdsNonfinancial businessFarmNonfarm noncorporateCorporate31.63.4* 3.76.018.51.7-.417.258.26.54.415.831.63.13.125.444.03.03.013.924.11.82.220.2168.714.114.551.488.76.34.478.0204.525.117.453.6108.38.510.289.7184.013.311.557.6101.58.78.384.6Total funds advanced to nonfinancial sectors35.052.048.5177.3206.5199.1Financed directly or indirectly by:Private domestic nonfinancial sectorsDeposits22.911.433.030.726.73.1132.889.7124.7105.9127.738.7Demand deposits and currency.Time and savings accounts..At commercial banksAt savings institutionsCredit market instruments, net.O<strong>the</strong>r sources:U.S. Government securitiesPrivate credit market instruments...Corporate equitiesLess security debtForeign fundsAt banksDirectChange in U.S. Government cash balance.U.S. Government loansPrivate insurance and pension reserves..O<strong>the</strong>r-12.924.313.910.411.65.25.7.9.22.72.3.4-1.6.46.64.08.222.518.14.42.3-1.04.7-1.2.26.72.73.9.4.59.02.5-5.78.88.4.423.611.410.45.63.22.4-.61.18.86.97.182.645.137.643.119.027.8-2.7.912.411.11.4.22.225.64.09.396.581.015.518.85.318.6-4.11.028.89.519.3-3.81.736.918.32.436.328.77.689.037.444.03.2-4.515.914.21.71.64.335.014.5Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.313


TABLE C-55.—Private liquid asset holdings, nonfinancial investors, 1959-74[Averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures; billions <strong>of</strong> dollars, seasonally adjusted)YearandmonthTotalliquidassetsTotalCurrency and depositsCurrencyiDemanddeposits1Time depositsCommercialbanks»Nonbankthriftinstitutions2U.S. GovernmentsecuritiesShorttermSavingsmarketablebonds 3securities*Negotiablecertificates<strong>of</strong> deposit8Commercialpapers1959: Dec375.4290.628.9104.164.792.946.137.71.01960: Dec1961: Dec.1962: Dec1963: Dec1964: Dec388.1412.5444.5482.5518.4305.7326.3352.3382.3415.129.029.630.632.534.3104.6106.3106.5109.8114.669.977.088.898.6108.9102.2113.5126.4141.5157.345.746.546.948.048.934.034.036.138.535.72.75.39.011.62.83.13.94.77.01965: Dec1966: Dec1967: Dec1968: Dec1969: Dec562.9593.5643.2704.1737.1451.5474.3520.9564.5583.036.338.340.443.446.1119.6121.7130.0140.1144.7125.2137.0156.3174.3177.3170.4177.3194.2206.7215.049.550.151.051.451.138.443.839.546.864.915.014.519.222.59.18.410.712.718.828.91970: Dec1971: Dec.1972: Dec1973: Dec1974: Dec v786.. 5868.3979.81, 093.31,197.2634.4721.0815.9885.4945.649.152.656.961.667.7153.2161.7175.1181.3186.7199.2233.6264.7294.8322.8232.8273.1319.1347.6368.451.353.757.059.962.853.239.539.752.060.623.130.339.958.080.224.523.927.438.047.91973:JanFebMarAprMayJune988.7997.91,008. 51,019.71,031.31, 042.5823.2828.7833.8839.1846.6854.857.257. b57.958.658.959.3175.7175.9175.7176.1178.1180.2267.7269.7272.1273.9276.3278.6322.7325.6328.1330.6333.3336.657.357.657.958.258.558.839.839.941.243.345.046.040.844.649.252.454.154.827.627.026.526.627.228.2JulyAugSeptOct.NovDec1974:JanFebMarAprMay-June1,050.81,061.11,068.81,074.61, 083.11,093.31,102.71,113.21,123.21,137.61,145.31,155.0July1,163.3Aug ._-.-. 1,168.2Sept1,173.4Oct ... 1,182.8Nov1,189.2Dec p 1,197.2858.8862.2865.4870.9878.2885.4890.5897.6904.6910,1912.3918.5922.3925.0927.3933.6941.4945.659.559.860.260.561.061.662.062.763.363.964.364.664.865.465.866.467.367.7180.5179.6178.6178.7180.5181.3180.0181.4182.4183.0182.9184.2184.7184.4184.2185.1186.4186.7280.2283.3285.9289.2291.8294.8298.6301.6304.1306.4307.6310.5312.3314.1315.3318.6322.1322.8338.6339.4340.7342.5344.9347.6350.0351.9354.8356.8357.5359.1360.5361.1362.0363.5365.6368.459.059.259.359.559.759.960.060.360.560.861.061.361.561.762.062.362.562.846.448.650.550.451.152.052.152.153.755.756.356.858.259.360.261.461.060.656.959.760.358.857.258.060.662.562.468.372.875.176.776.176.477.376.080.229.731.433.235.136.938.039.540.841.842.643.043.344.746.247.548.348.247. S1 Money stock components (see Table C-52) after deducting foreign holdings and holdings by domestic financial institutions.The three columns add to M? held by domestic nonfinancial sectors.2 Deposits at nonbank thrift institutions, as published in money stock statistics, plus monthly-average deposits at creditunions.3 Series E and H savings bonds held by individuals.* Short-term marketable U.S. Government securities excluding <strong>of</strong>ficial, foreign, and financial institution holdings.s Certificates over $100,000 at weekly reporting banks, except foreign holdings.6 Commercial paper held outside banks and o<strong>the</strong>r financial institutions.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.314


TABLE C-56.—Federal Reserve Bank credit and member bank reserves, 1929-74[Averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures; millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Reserve Bank credit outstandingMemb sr bank reservesYear and monthTotalMember bankborrowingsTotalSeasonalAllo<strong>the</strong>r,mainlyfloatTotalU.S.GovernmentsecuritiesRequiredExcess1929: Dec1,6434468013962,3952,347481933: Dec2,6692,432951422,588il,82217661939: Dec . . . .2,6122 51039911 4736 4625 0111940: Dec1941: Dec _.1942: Dec1943- Dec1944: Dec1945' Dec1946- Dec1947: Dec1948: Dec1949: Dec2,3052,4046,03511,91419,61224, 74424, 74622,85823,97819,0122 1882,2195,54911 16618, 69323 70823 76721,90523, 00218,2873549026533415722413411811418048265865470282272984260714 04912 81213,15212 74914 16816 02716 51717 26119, 99016,2917 4039 42210, 77611 70112 88414 53615 61716 27519,19315,4886 6463 3902'3761 0481 2841 4919009867978031950: Dec . . .1951: Dec1952: Dec1953: Dec1954: Dec1955: Dec1956: Dec1957- Dec1958: Dec1959: Dec21,60625, 44627,29927,10726,31726, 85327,15626,18628,41229, 43520,34523,40924, 40025, 63924,91724, 60224, 76523 98226,31227, 0361426571,5934412468396887105579061,1191,3801,3061,0271,1541,4121,7031 4941,5431,49317,39120 31021,18019 92019,27919,24019, 53519 42018 8992 18,93216, 36419, 48420,45719 22718, 57618,64618,88318 84318 38318,4501,0278267236937035946525775164821960: Dec1961- Dec1962: Dec1963: Dec1964: Dec1965: Dec1966: Dec1967: Dec1968: Dec1969: Dec29, 06031,21733,21836,61039, 87343, 85346,86451,26856,61064,10027, 24829 09830 54633, 72937,12640, 88543, 76048,89152, 52957, 500871493043272434545572387651,0861,7251 9702,3682,5542,5042,5142,5472,1393,3165,51419, 28320 11820 04020, 74621,60922, 71923, 83025 26027, 22128, 03118, 52719 55019,46820,21021,19822, 26723,43824,91526, 76627, 7747565685725364114523923454552571970: Dec1971: Dec1972: Dec1973: Dec1974: Decp1973:Jan .FebMarAprMayJune .JulyAugSeptOctNovDec .1974: JanFebMarAprMayJune66, 70874, 25576,85185,64293,99378, 05777,59479, 21980,54281,83180, 54783,92982,44381,81083,64483,75685,64286, 56885,49384,94386,90789,40589, 25461,68869,15871,09479,70186,67972,19472, 30774,01975, 35376,75875, 35577,44876,65376,07378,04278, 45779,70180, 79380,80180,68681, 56783,43482, 8123211071,0491,2987041,1641,5931,8581,7211,7861,7882,0512,1441,8611,4651,3991,2981,0441,1861,3521,7142,5803,0004131530771241631471268441181732501021304,6994,9904,7084,6436,6104,6993,6943,3423,4683,2873,4044,4303 6463,8764,1373,9004,6434,7313,5062,9053,6263,3913,44229,26531,3293 31,3533 35,0683 36,9603 32, 95031,73431,96932,27532,33632, 02933, 59033,78334, 02034,91334, 72535,06836, 65535,24234,96635,92936,51936, 39028,99331,16431,13434,80636,62132, 60131, 53731,68232,12632,27731,97033,19933, 54033,77534,69034, 54334,80636,41935,05334, 79035,77136, 32536, 2591111653 2193 2623 3393 3491972871495959391243245223182262236189176158194131JulyAugSeptOctNovDec P91, 55491, 36791,61790,97191, 30293,99384,31384,49384, 38483, 73584,05286,6793,3083,3513,2851,7931,28570414916513911767313,9333,5233,9465,4435,9656,61037,33837,02937,07636,79636,83736,96037,16136, 85136, 88536, 70536, 57936,621177178191912583391 Data are for licensed banks only.2 Beginning December 1959, total reserves held include vault cash allowed.3 Beginning November 1972, includes $450 million <strong>of</strong> reserve deficiencies on which Federal Reserve Banks are allowedto waive penalties for a transition period in connection with bank adaptation to Regulation J as amended effective November9,1972. Beginning 1973. allowable deficiencies included are (beginning with first statement week <strong>of</strong> quarter): firstquarter, $279 million; second quarter, $172 million; third quarter, $112 million; fourth quarter, $84 million. Beginning1974 allowable deficiencies included are: first quarter, $67 million and second quarter, $58 million. Transition periodended after second quarter 1974.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.315


TABLE C-57.—Aggregate reserves and member bank deposits, 1959-74[Averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures; i billions <strong>of</strong> dollars, seasonally adjusted]Year andmonthTotalMember bank reserves 2RequiredNonborrowedAvailable3TotalDeposits subject to reserverequirements *TimeandsavingsPrivateDemandU.S.GovernmentTotalmemberbankdepositsplusnondeposititems «1959: Dec18.5717.6318.0716.62158.254.399.04.8158.21960: Dec1961: Dec_1962: Dec1963: Dec1964: Dec18.8819.7119.6420.2621.1718.8119.5719.3819.9320.9118.1419.1219.0719.7720.7717.0117.7117.5818.2419.09162.5175.5189.0203.2218.758.867.779.992.1103.799.1102.9103.3105.9109.14.64.95.75.25.9162.5175.5189.0203.4220.11965: Dec___1966: Dec._1967: Dec1968: Dec1969: Dec22.2423.3424.8127.2828.0121.8022.8124.5826.5426.9021.8223.0024.4426.8627.7320.2021.4022.4924.8525.39238.5246.7275.5299.6287.7120.5128.6148.8164.3150.5112.8113.9121.2130.3131.95.14.35.55.05 3240 0250.9279.9306.6307 01970: Dec.1971: Dec1972: Dec1973: Dec1974: Deep29.2031.3331.4635.1636.9228.8731.2030.4133.8736.1928.9531.1531.1734.8636.6627.1329.0329.0932.9734.63321.3360.3402.0442.2485.9178.9210.7242.0280.0323.3136.0143.8154.5158.2160.86.45.85.63.91.8333.4365.2406.4448.7494.31973- JanFeb . .MarAprMayJune32.1731.6731.9432.2732.4332.4631.0130.0830.1230.5630.5930.6131.9231.4631.7332.0532.2832.2229.4529.4329.6329.8930.0930.51404.7409.4416.3421.0425.1428.9244.5249.7255.9260.6263.9266.2154.2154.0153.3153.4154.8156.36.05.77.16.96.46.4409 2413.9421.1426.1430.3433.9JulyAug..SeptOctNovDec1974: JanFebMarAprMayJune33.5733.9234.1934.9334.8735.1631.6231.7632.3433.4533.4833.8735.82 34.7735.12 33.9234.98 33.6635.88 34.1536.52 33.9336. 74 33. 7333.2933.7533.9734.7034.6334.8635.6634.9334.8435.7036.3436.5431.2731.9932.3732.8332.7832.9732.8232.9033.1333.6634. 2634.71431.1436.7438.6439.7440.4442.2446.8447.5450.4461.2467.0472.9268.8274.2277.0277.9277.8280.0284.1287.4288.6296.6302.3307.0156.9156.8156.2156.5157.5158.2157.5157.9158.7160.0159.1160.65.45.75.45.25.13.95.12.23.24.65.65.3437.0443.5445.3446.2446.8448.7453.3454.4457.9469.2475.8481.2July. ...AugSeptOctNovDec p37.4037.2737.2836.8636.8736.9234.1033.9334.0035.0435.6236.1937.2437.0837.0936.7336.6736.6634.9635.2735.3034.8934.8734.63475.7478.5480.6480.5483.6485.9310.7312.4314.4317.2318.4323.3160.7159.9159.9159.5160.6160.84.26.26.33.74.61.8484.9487.5489.1488.3491.2494.31 Except as noted in footnote 5.2 Member bank reserves series reflects actual reserve requirement percentages with no adjustment to eliminate <strong>the</strong>effect <strong>of</strong> changes in Regulations D and M.3 Reserves available tc support private nonbank deposits are defined as (1) required reserves for (a) private demanddeposits, (b) total time and savings deposits, and (c) nondeposit sources subject to reserve requirements and (2) excessreserves. This series excludes required reserves for net interbank and U.S. Government demand deposits.4 Deposits subject to reserve requirements include total time and sayings deposits and net demand deposits as definedby Regulation D. Private demand deposits include all demand deposits except those due to <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government, lesscash items in process <strong>of</strong> collection and demand balances due from domestic commercial banks.5 Total member bank deposits subject to reserve requirements, plus Eurodollar borrowings, bank-related commercialpaper (data relate to Wednesday figures), and certain o<strong>the</strong>r nondeposit items. This series for deposits is referred to as"<strong>the</strong> adjusted bank credit proxy."Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.316


TABLE C-58.—Bond yields and interest rates, 1929-74[Percent per annum]Year or monthU.S. Government securities3-monthTreasurybills i3-5yearissues 2Taxablebonds 3Corporatebonds(Moody's)AaaBaaHighgrademunicipalbonds(Standard&Poor's)Averagerate onshorttermbankloansto businessselectedcitiesPrimecommercialpaper,monthsFederalReserveBankdiscountrate*FederalfundsratesFHAnewhomemortgageyields«19294.735.904.275.855.1619330.5152.664.497.764.711.732 561939.023.593.014.962.762.1.591.0019401941..194219431944.014.103.326.373.375.50.731.461.341.332.462.472.482.842.772.832.732.724.754.334.283.913.612.502.102.362.061 862.12.02.22.62.4.56.53.66.69.731.001.007 1.007 1.00M.0019451946194719481949.375.375.5941.0401.1021.181.161.321.621.432.372.192.252.442.312.622.532.612.822.663.293.053.243.473.421.671.642.012.402.212.22.12.12.52.68.75.811.031.441.49M.0071 001.001.341.504.34195019511952 .1953.19541.2181.5521.7661.931.9531.501.932.132.561.822.322.572.882.942.552.622.862.%3.202.903.243 413.523.743.511.982.002.192.722.372.693.113.493.693.611.452.162.332.521.581.591.751.751.991.604.174 214.294.614.6219551956195719581959I96019611962196319641.7532.6583.2671.8393.4052.9282.3782.7783.1573.5492.503.123.622.904.333.993.603.573.724.062.843.083.473.434.074.013.903.954.004.153.063.363.893.794.384.414.354.334.264.403.533.884.714 735.055.195.085.024.864.832.532.933.603.563.953.733.463.183.233.223.704.204.624.34«5.005.164.975.005.014.992.183.313.812.463.973.852.973.263.553.971.892.773.122.153.363.533.Q03.003.233.551.782.733.111.573.303.221.%2.683.183.504.644.795.425 495.716.185.805.615.475.45196519661967.19681969 . .1970 .19711972197319743.9544.8814.3215.3396.6776.4584.3484.0717.0417.8864.225.165.075.596.857.375 775.856.927.814.214.664.855.256.106.595.745.636.306.994.495.135.516.187.038.047.397.217.448.574 875.676.236.947.819.118.568.168.249.503.273.823.984.515.816.515.705.275.186.095.066.008 6.006.688.218.488 6.325.828.3011.284.385.555.105.907.837.725.114.698.159.874.044.504.195.175.875.954.884.506.447.834.075.114.225.668.217.174.674.448.7410.515.466.296.557.138.199.057.787.538.089.47See next page for continuation <strong>of</strong> table and for footnotes.317563-280 O - 75 - 21


TABLE C-58.—Bond yields and interest rates, 1929-74— Continued[Percent per annum]Year or monthU.S. Government securities3-monthTreasurybills i3-5yearissues 2Taxablebonds 3Corporatebonds(Moody's)AaaBaaHighgrademunicipalbonds(Standard&Poor's)Averagerate onshorttermbankloansto businessselectedcitiesPrimecommercialpaper,monthsFedera!ReserveBankdiscountrate 4FederalfundsratesFHAnewhomemortgageyields«1972' JanFebMarADTMa/;::::June3 4033.1803.7233 7233.6483.8745.335.515.746.015.695.775.625.675.665.745.645.597.197.277.247.307.307.238.238.238.248.248.238.205.255.335.305.455.265.375.525.594.083.934.174.584.514.644.504.504.504.504.504.503 503.293.834 174.274.467 597.497.467 457.507.53JulyAugSeptOctNovDec4.0594.0144 6514.7194.7745.0615.865.926.166.116.036.075.575.545.705.695.505.637.217.197.227.217.127.088.238.198.098.067.997.935.395.295.365.205.035.035.846.334.854.825.145.305.255.454.504.504.504.504.504.504.554.804.875.045.065.337.547.547 557.567.577.571973* JanFeb .. .MarAprMayJune5 3075.5586.0546.2896.3487.1886.296.616.856.746.786.765.946.146.206.116.226.327.157.227.297.267.297.377.907.978.038.098.068.135.055.125.305.165.125.156.527.355.786.226.857.147.277.994 775.055.505.505.906.335 946.587.097.127.848.497 567.557.567.637.737.79JulyAugSeptOctNovDec8.0158.6728 4787.1557.8667.3647.497.757.166.816.966.806.536.816.426.266.316.357.457.687.637.607.677.688.248.538.638.418.428.485.395.475.115.055.175.129.2410.089.1810.2110.238.928.949.086.987.297.507.507.507.5010.4010.5010.7810.0110.039.957.898.199.188.978.861974- JanFebMarAprMayJune7 7557.0607 9868.2298.4308.1456.946.777.337.998.248.146.566.546.817.047.077.037.837.858.018.258.378.478.588.598.658.889.109.345.205.195.365.675.%6.089.9111.158.667.838.429.7910.6210.%7.507.507.507.608.008.009.658.979.3510.5111.3111.938.788.548.669.179.46JulyAugSeptOctNovDec7.7528.7448.3637 2447.5857.1798.398.648.387.987.657.227.187.337.307.226.936.788.729.009.249.278.908.899.559.7710.1210.4110.5010.556.546.586.656.466.476.9312.4011.6411.7211.6511.239.368.818.988.008.008.008.008.007.8112.9212.0111.3410.069.458.539.469.8510.3010.3810.131 Rate on new issues within period. First issued in December 1929.2 Selected note and bond issues.3 First issued in 1941. Series includes bonds which are nei<strong>the</strong>r due nor callable before a given number <strong>of</strong> years asfollows: April 1953 to date, 10 years; April 1952-March 1953,12 years; October 1941-March 1952,15 years.* Average effective rate for <strong>the</strong> period.6 Based on seven-day averages for weeks ending Wednesday. Beginning with statement week ending July 25, 1973,weekly averages are based on <strong>the</strong> daily average <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> rates on a given day weighted by <strong>the</strong> volume <strong>of</strong> transactionsat <strong>the</strong>se rates. For earlier statement weeks, <strong>the</strong> averages were based on <strong>the</strong> daily effective rate—<strong>the</strong> rate consideredmost representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day's transactions, usually <strong>the</strong> one at which most transactions occurred.« Data for first <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> month, based on <strong>the</strong> maximum permissible interest rate (9 percent beginning November 25, 1974).Through July 1961, computed on 25-year mortgages paid in 12 years and <strong>the</strong>reafter, 30-year mortgages paid in 15 years.7 From October 30, 1942, to April 24, 1946, a preferential rate <strong>of</strong> 0.50 percent was in effect for advances secured byGovernment securities maturing in 1 year or jess.s Series revised. Not strictly comparable with earlier data.Mote.—Yields and rates computed for New York City except for short-term bank loans.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Housing and Urban Development, Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury, Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Federal Reserve System, Moody's Investors Service, and Standard & Poor's Corporation.318


1929..1933..1939..1940..1941..1942..1943,.1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951.,1952.1953..1954.1955.1956.1957.1958.1959.I960..1961.1962.1963.1964.1965.1966.1967.1968.1969.TABLE C—59.—Short- and intermediate-term consumer credit outstanding, 1929—74End <strong>of</strong> year ormonth1970...1971...1972..1973..1974 4.1973: Jan...Feb..Mar..Apr..May..June.July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.1974: Jan...Feb...Mar..Apr..May..June..JulyAugSeptOctNovDec*_Total7,1163,8857,2228,3389,1725,9834,9015,1115,6658,38411, 59814, 44717,36421,47122,71227, 52031,39332,46438, 83042,33444,97145,12951, 54456,14157,98263, 82171,73980,26889,88396,239100, 783110,770121,146127,163 102,064138,394 111,295157, 564 127, 332180,486 147, 437190,400 156,200157,227157, 582159, 320161,491164,277167, 083169,148171,978173, 035174,840176,969180,486178,686177, 522177,572179, 495181,680183,425184,805187,369187,906188,023188,084190,400Total3,5241,7234, 5035,5146,0853,1662,1362,1762,4624,1726,6958,99611, 59014,70315, 29419,40323,00523, 56828, 90631, 72033, 86833,64239, 24742,96843,89148, 72055,48662,69270,89376, 24579,42887, 74597,105127, 368127,959129,375131,022133, 531136, 018138,212140, 810142,093143,610145,400147,437146, 575145,927145,768147,047148, 852150,615152,142154,472155,139155,328155,166156,200Automobilepaper1,384[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Instalment credit4931,4972,0712,4587423553974559811,9243,0184,5556,0745,9727,7339,8359,80913,46014,42015, 34014,15216,42017,65817,1?519 8 38122, 25424,93428,43730,01029,79632,94835, 52735,18438,66444.12951.13051,80044,35344,81745,61046, 47847, 51848,54949,35250,23250,55751,09251,37151,13050,61750, 38650,31050,60651,07651,64152,08252,77252,84852,73652,32551,800O<strong>the</strong>r Iconsumergoodspaper1,5447991,6201,8271,9291,1958197918161,2902,1432,9013,7064,7994,8806,1746,7796,7517,6418,6068,8449,02810,63111, 54511, 86212,62714,17716,33318,48320,73222,38924,62628,31331,46534,35340,08047, 53051,90039,95239,79539,95140,44141,09641,85342,57543, 50544,01944,63245,59247, 53047, 30346,78146,53647,01747, 58848,09948,59249,32249,66449,98650,40151,900Homeimprovementloans i27152983713762551301191824057188531,0161,0851,3851,6101,6161,6931,9052,1012,3462,8093,1483 f 2213,2983,4373,5773,7363,8414,0084,2394,6135,0705,4136,2017,3528,2006,1936,2396,3286,4086,5416,6886,8457,0097,1207,2357,3217,3527,3037,3437,4307,5737,7867,9308,0688,2148,2528,2878,2608,200Personalloans5694161,0881,2451,3229748328691,0091,4961,9102,2242.4312,8143,3574,1114,7815,3926,1126,7897,5828 f 1169,38610,61711,67313,41415,61817,84820,23721,66223, 23525,93228,65230,34532,86536,92241,42544,30036,87037,10837,48637,69538, 37638,92839,44040,06440,39740,65141,11641,42541,35241,41741,49241, 85142,40242,94543,40044,16444,37544,31944,18044,300Noninstalment creditTotal3,5922,1622,7192,8243,0872,8172,7652,9353,2034,2124,9035,4515,7746,7687,4188,1178,3888,8969,92410,61411,10311,48712,29713,17314,09115,10116,25317,57618,99019,99421,35523, 02524, 04125,09927,09930,23233,04934,20029,85929,62329,94530 t 46930,74631,06530,93631,16830,94231,23031,56933,04932,11131, 59531,80432,44832,82832,81032,66332,89732,76732,69532,91834,2001,9961,2861,4141,4711,645l t 4441,4401,5171,6122,0762,3812,7222,8543,3673,7004,1304,2744,4854,7954,9955,1465. 0605,1045,3295,3245,6845,9036,1956,4306,6867 r 0707,1937,3737,9688,3509,0029.82910; 4008,3577,6467,7028,0368,3198,5558,4798,6058,3358,5908,7859,8298,8758,0187,9398,4348,9479,1069,1409,2659,1539,1839,31810,400O<strong>the</strong>r 21,5968761,3051,3531,4421,3731,3251,4181,5912,1362,5222,7292,9203,4013,7183,9874,1144,4115,1295,6195,9576,4277,1937,8448,7679,41710,35011,38112, 56013,30814,28515,83216,66817,13118, 74921, 23023,22023,80021, 50221,97722,24322,43322, 42722,51022,45722,56322,60722,64022,78423,22023,23623, 57723,86524,01423,88123,70423,52323,63223,61423, 51223,60023,8001 Holdings <strong>of</strong> financial institutions only; holdings <strong>of</strong> retail outlets are included in o<strong>the</strong>r consumer goods paper.2 Single-payment loans and service credit3 Data are annual statement asset values. These loans are not included in consumer credit series.4 Preliminary; by Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.Sources: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System and Institute <strong>of</strong> Life Insurance (except as noted).319ChargeaccountsAddendum:Policyloans bylife insurancecompanies32,3783,7693,2483,0912,9192,6832,3732,1341,9621,8941,9372,0572,2402,4132,5902,7132,9143,1273,2903,5193,8694,1884,6185,2315,7336,2346,6557,1407,6789,11710,05911,30613,82516,06417,06518, 00320,19918,08018,16318, 28418,42518,55613,71318,89519,25219,59719,87020, 03920,19920,24220,38220,53820,83021,06721, 32121, 58121,88822,20222,50322, 710


TABLE C-60.—Instalment credit extended and repaid, 1946-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or monthTotalAutomobilepaperO<strong>the</strong>r consumergoods paperExpendedRepaidExtendedRepaidExtendedRepaidHome improvementloansPersonalloansExtendedRepaidExtendedRepaid1946..1947..1948..1949..8,49512,71315, 58518,1086,78510,19013, 28415, 5141,9693,6925,2176,9671,4432,7494,1235,4303,0774,4985,3835,8652,6033,6454,6255,0604237047147342003915796893,0263,8194,2714,5422,5393,4053,9574,3351950..1951..1952..1953..1954..21, 55813, 57629, 51431, 55831,05118,44522,98525, 40527,95630,4888,5308,95611,76412,98111,8077,0119,05810,00310, 87911,8337,1507,4859,1869,2279,1176,0577,4047,8928,6229,1458358411,2171,3441,2617177729171,1191,2555,0436,2947,3478,0068,8664,6605,7516,5937,3368,2551955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..38,97239, 86642,01940,11048, 04849, 79349,04856,19163, 59170,67033,63437,05639, 87040, 33942,60346,07348,12451, 36056,82563,47016,73415,51516, 46514, 22617,77917,65716, 02919,69422,12624,04613,08214, 55515,54515,41515, 57916,41916,55217,44719, 25421, 36910,64211,72111,81011,73813,98114, 52514,55115,70117, 92020, 8219,75210, 75811,57411,55712, 40213,61314, 23514,93516, 36918,6661,3931,5821,6741,8712,2222,2152,0922,0842,1862,2251,3161,3701,4771,6261,7651,8762,0152,0102,0462,08610, 20311,05112,06912,27514, 07015, 39616,37718,71021, 35923, 5789,48410,37311,27611,74112, 85714,16515,31916,96919,15621,3491965..1966..1967..1968..1969.78,66182, 83287,17199,984109,14670,46377,48083,98891,66799,78627,20827,19226,32031,08332, 55323,70625,61926,53427,93129,97422,85726,32929, 50433,50738,33220,70724,08027,84731,27034,6452,2702,2232,3692,5342,8312,1122,1182,2022,3032,45726.32627,08828,97832,86035,43023,93825,66327,40530,16332,7101970..1971-1972..1973..1974 i.112,158124,281142. 951165,083165,850107,199115,050126,914144,978157,07529,79434, 87340,19446,45342,62530,13731, 39334, 72939,45241,95043, 87347,82155, 59966,85970, 52540,72144,93349,87259,40966,1502,9633,2444,0064,7284,6502,5062,9013,2183,5773,8C035, 52838,34343,15247,04348,05033,83535, 82339,09542,54045,175Seasonally adjusted1973: Jan..Feb..Mar..Apr..May..June.13,30413,43413, 85213,46513, 93213,64611,35511,43711,80812, 06111,94112, 0344,0063,9724,0013,8223,9893,7623,0973,1453,2253,2183,2613,2535,2825,2455,3495,5635,5045,5054,6494,6274,7554,9634,9174,9553293644063653744002672752862942903003,6873,8534,0963,7154,0653,9793,3423,3903,5423,5863,4733,526July..Aug..Sept.Oct..Nov..Dec.14, 54214,29413,69114,14914,27512,67712, 54412,39912, 33212,44912,54912,2673,9303,9683,9393,9123,8193,3153,3343,2933,4063,4273,4713,3385,9435,9615, 5375,9115,9785,2545,1415,1685,0725,1495,1545,0014334084104154024293082983223083013324,2363,9573,8053,9114,0763,6793,7613,6403,5323,5653,6233,5961974: Jan_.Feb..Mar_.Apr..May.June.13,71413, 54113, 82314,17914,66914, 38712,79712,87013,20613,02613,40713,3013,4923,3893,4843,5453,7693,7313,4333,3943,5443,4983,6013,5775,6625,6475,9336,0346,1566,0435,1935,3405,5965,4835,6075,6153734094244474684253563233083123153354,1874,0963,9824,1534,2764,1883,8153,8133,7583,7333,8843,774July.Aug..Sept.Oct..Nov.Dec*14, 63514,39414,08913,62612,60912,70013,31012,88213,41213,22413,00913,0003,8123,8873,8353,3693,0623,1003,5633,4433,6043,4703,4233,4006,1645,9935,9355,9485,7C05,7005,6105,4445,7005,4995,5615,6004163883023483213003203092793213253004,2434,1264,0173,9613,5263,6003,8173,6863,8293,9343,7003,700* Preliminary; December by Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Advisers.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System (except as noted).320


TABLE C-61.—Mortgage debt outstanding by type <strong>of</strong> property and <strong>of</strong> financing, 1939—74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Nonfarm propertiesNonfarm properties by type <strong>of</strong> mortgageGovernment underwrittenConventional 2End <strong>of</strong> yearor quarterAllpropertiesTotal1- to 4-familyhousesFarmpropertiesMultifamilypropertiesCommercialpropertiesiTotal1- to 4-family housesTotalFHAinsuredVAguaranteedTotal1- to 4-familyhouses193935.56.628.916.35.67.01.81.81.827.114.519401941...19421943194436.537.636.735.334.76.56.46.05.44.930.031.230.829.929.717.418.418.217.817.95.75.95.85.85.66.97.06.76.36.22.33.03.74.14.22.33.03.74.14.22.33.03.74.14.227.728.227.125.825.515.115.414.513.713.71945194619471948194935.541.848.956.262.74.84.95.15.35.630.836.943.950.957.118.623.028.233.337.65.76.16.67.58.66.47.79.110.210.84.36.39,813.618.14.36.19.312.515.04.13.73.85.36.90.22.45.57.28.126.530.634.137.339.014.316.918.920.822.619501951195219531954.72.882.391.4101.3113.76.16.77.27.78.266.775.684.293.6105.445.251.758.566.175.710.111.512.312.913.511.512.513.414.516.322.126.629.332.136.218.922.925.428.132.18.69.710.812.012.810.313.214.616.119.344.649.054.961.569.226.328.833.138.043.61955195619571958.1959129.9144.5156.5171.8190.89.09.810.411.112.1120.9134.6146.1160.7178.788.299.0107.6117.7130.914.314.915.316.818.718.320.723.226.129.242.947.851.655.159.338.943.947.250.153.814.315.516.519.723.824.628.430.730.430.078.086.894.6105.5119.449.355.160.467.677.019601961.196219631964..206.8226.3248.6274.3300.112.813.915.216.818.9194.0212.4233.4257.4281.2141.3153.1166.5182.2197.620.323.025.829.033.632.436.441.146.250.062.365.669.473.477.256.459.162.265.969.226.729.532.335.038.329.729.629.930.930.9131.7146.8164.1184.0204.084.893.9104.3116.3128.319651966196719681969325.8347.4370.2397.5425.321.223.325.527.529.5304.6324.1344.8370.0395.9212.9223.6236.1251.2266.837.240.343.947.352.254.560.164.871.476.981.284.188.293.4100.273.176.179.984.490.242.044.847.450.654.531.131.332.533.835.7223.4240.0256.6276.6295.7139.8147.6156.1166.8176.61970.1971197219731974 »451.7499.8564.8635.0686.931.232.935.439.344.2420.5466.9529.4595.6642.8280.2307.2345.4386.2414.858.067.476.585.492.282.392.3107.5124.0135.8109.2120.7131.1135.097.3105.2113.0116.259.965.768.266.237.339.544.750.0311.3346.2398.3460.6182.9202.0232.4270.01972: 1IfIIIIV511.6528.9546.9564.833.534.435.035,4478.1494.5511.9529.4313.8324.2335.2345.469.171.673.876.595.298.8102.9107.5123.7126.6129.0131.1107.5109.6111.5113.066.867.668.468.240.742.043.144.7354.4367.9382.9398.3206.3214.5223.7232.41973: 1IIML...IV579,3600.0619.8635.036.437.738.639.3542.9562.3581.2595.6353.8366.0378.2386.278.481.183.585.4110.7115.2119.5124.0132.5133.6133.8135.0113.7114.7115.1116.267.967.566.966.245.847.248.250.0410.4428.7447.4460.6240.0251.4263.1270.01974:1II ._..IllIV P. .645.9663.4677.2686.940.241.642.944.2605.7621.8634.4642.8391.7402.0410.1414.886.788.490.492.2127.2131.4133.8135.8136.6137.7117.7118.466.065.551.752.9469.0484.1274.0283.61 Includes negligible amount <strong>of</strong> farm loans held by savings and loan associations.> Derived figures.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, estimated and compiled from data supplied by variousGovernment and private organizations.321


TABLE C-62.—Mortgage debt outstanding by lender, 1939-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Private financial institutionsO<strong>the</strong>r lendersEnd <strong>of</strong> yearor quarterTotalTotalSavingsandloanassociationsMutualsavingsbanksCom*mercialbanksiFederalandrelatedagencies 3LifeinsurancecompaniesIndividualsando<strong>the</strong>rs193935.518.63.84 84.35.75.011.9194019411942 ... .1943194419451946 ..19471948194936.537.636 735.334.735.541.848.956.262.719.520.720.720.220.221.026.031.837.842.94.14.64 64.64.85.47.18.910.311.64.9\ 81 61 41.3U1.4i q5.86.74.64.94 74.54.44.87.29.410.911.66.06.46.76*76.76.67.28.710.812.94.94.74 33 63.02.42.01.81.92.412.012.211 711.511.512.113.815.316.517.41950195119521953195472.882.391.4101.3113.751.759.5f Includes former Federal National Mortgage Association and new Government National Mortgage Association, as well asFederal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration, Public Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration,and in earlier years Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Homeowners Loan Corporation, and Federal Farm Mortgag eCorporation. Also includes U.S.-sponsored agencies such as new FNMA, Federal Land Banks, GNMA (Pools), and FederalHome Loan Mortgage Corporation. O<strong>the</strong>r U.S. agencies (amounts small or current separate data not readily available)included with "individuals and o<strong>the</strong>rs."Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, based on data from various Government and private organizations.322


TABLE C-63.—Net public and private debt, 1929-73 *[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]PublicPrivateIndividual and noncorporateEnd <strong>of</strong> yearTotalFederalGovernment2Federalfinancialagencies'TotalTotalFarm*TotalNonfarmStateandlocalgovernmentsCorporateMortgageCommercialandfinancial8Consumer1929191.916.513.6161.888.972.912.260.731.222.47.11933... .168.524.316.3127.976.951.09.141.926.311.73.91939._. .183.342.616.4124.373.550.88.842.025.09.87.21940194119421943... .1944189.8211.4258.6313.2370.644.856.3101.7154.4211.916.416.115.414.513.9128.6139.0141.5144.3144.875.683.491.695.594.153.055.649.948.850.79.19.39.08.27.743.946.340.940.542.926.127.126.826.126.09.510.08.19.511.88.39.26.04.95.119451946... .194719481949405.9396.6415.7431.3445.8252.5229.5221.7215.3217.60.7.6.713.413.715.017.019.1140.0153.4178.3198.4208.485.393.5108.9117.8118.054.759.969.480.690.47.37.68.610.812.047.452.360.769.778.427.031.837.242.447.114.712.111.912.913.95.78.411.614.417.419501951195219531954486.2519.2550.2581.6605.9217.4216.9221.5226.8229.1.71.31.31.41.321.724.227.030.735.5246.4276.8300.4322.7340.0142.1162.5171.0179.5182.8104.3114.3129.4143.2157.212.313.715.216.817.592.0100.6114.2126.4139.754.861.768.976.786.415.816.217.818.420.821.522.727.531.432.519551956...195719581959 ._665.8698.4728.3769.6833.0229.6224.3223.0231.0241.42.92.42.42.53.741.144.548.653.759.6392.2427.2454.3482.4528.3212.1231.7246.7259.5283.3180.1195.5207.6222.9245.018.719.420.223.223.8161.4176.1187.4199.7221.298.7109.4118.1128.1141.024.024.424.326.528.738.842.345.045.151.51960 ..196119621963196419651966 .1967196819691970.197119721973874.2930.3996.01,070.91,151.61,243.61,338.71,438.71,582.51,736.01,868.92,045.82,270.22, 525.8239.8246.7253.6257.5264.0266.4271.8286.5291.9289.3301.1325.9341.2349.13.54.05.37.27.58.911.29.021.430.638.839.941.459.864.970.577.083.990.498.3104.8113.4123.9133.3145.0162.4175.0184.5566.1609.1660.1722.3789.7870.0950.81,029.91,145.41,282.91,384.01,517.61,712.71,932.4302.8324.3348.2376.4409.6454.3506.6553.7631.5734.2797.7869.3978.31,111.1263.3284.8311.9345.8380.1415.7444.2476.2513.9548.7586.3648.3734.4821.325.127.530.233.236.039.342.448.351.855.558.763.267.877. 3238.2257.3281.7312.6344.1376.4401.8427.9462.1493.2527.6585.1666.6744.0151.3164.5180.3198.6218.9236.8251.6266.9284.9303.9332,1373.4426.0480.130.834.837.642.345.049.753.960.266.468.168.373.482.983.456.158.063.871.780.389.996.2100.8110.8121.1127.2138.4157.6180.5i Net public and private debt is a comprehensive aggregate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> indebtedness <strong>of</strong> borrowers after eliminating certaintypes <strong>of</strong> duplicating governmental and corporate debt.3 Net Federal Government and agency debt is <strong>the</strong> outstanding debt held by <strong>the</strong> public, as defined in <strong>the</strong> "Budget <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>United States Government, for <strong>the</strong> Fiscal Year ending June 30,1976."3 This comprises <strong>the</strong> debt <strong>of</strong> federally sponsored agencies, in which <strong>the</strong>re is no longer any Federal proprietary interest.The obligations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Land Banks are included beginning with 1947, <strong>the</strong> debt <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Home Loan Banksis included beginning with 1951, and <strong>the</strong> debts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Intermediate CreditBanks, and Banks for Cooperatives are included beginning with 1968.* Farm mortgages and farm production loans. Farmers'financial and consumer debt is included in <strong>the</strong> nonfarm categories.« Financial debt is debt owed to banks for purchasing or carrying securities, customers'debt to brokers, and debt owedto life insurance companies by policyholders.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury, Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture,Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Federal Land Banks, Department<strong>of</strong> Housing and Urban Development, and Federal National Mortgage Association.323


GOVERNMENT FINANCETABLE C-64.—Federal budget receipts and outlays, fiscal years 1929-76[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Fiscal yearReceiptsOutlaysSurplus ordeficit (-)1929...3,8623,1277341933...1,9974,598-2,6021939...4,9798,841-3,8621940..1941..1942..1943..1944..1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954...1955...1956-.1957...1958...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970..1971..1972..1973..1974..19751.19761.6,3618,62114,35023,64944,27645,21639,32738,39441,77439,43739,48551,64666,20469,57469,71965,46974,54779,99079,63679,24992,49294,38999,676106,560112,662116,833130,856149,552153,671187,784193,743188,392208,649232,225264,932278,750297, 5209,45613,63435,11478, 53391,28092,69055,18334, 53229,77338,83442,59745, 54667,72176,10770,89068,50970,46076,74182,57592,10492,22397,795106,813111,311118,584118,430134,652158,254178,833184,548196,588211,425231,876246, 526268,392313,446349, 372-3,095-5,013-20,764-54,884-47,004-47,474-15,8563,86212,001603-3,1126,100-1,517-6,533-1,170-3,0414,0873,249-2,939-12,855269-3,406-7,137-4,751-5,922-1,596-3,796-8,702-25,1613,236-2,845-23,033-23,227-14, 301-3,460-34,696-51, 852i Estimate.Note.—Data for 1929-39 are according to <strong>the</strong> administrative budget and those for 1940-76 according to <strong>the</strong> unified budget.Certain tnterfund transactions are excluded from receipts and outlays beginning 1932. For years prior to 1932 <strong>the</strong> amounts<strong>of</strong> such transactions are not significant.Refunds <strong>of</strong> receipts are excluded from receipts and outlays.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury and Office <strong>of</strong> Management and Budget.324


TABLE C-65.—Federal budget receipts, outlays, and debt, fiscal years 1965-76[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars; fiscal years]DescriptionActual1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970BUDGET RECEIPTS AND OUTLAYS:Total receipts116,833130,856149, 552153,671187, 784193,743Federal fundsTrust funds _Interfund transactions.90,94329,230-3,339101,42732,997-3,568111,83542,935-5, 218114,72644,716-5,771143,32152,009-7, 547143,15859,362-8,778Total outlays.Federal fundsTrust funds.Interfund transactions.Total surplus or deficit (-)_Federal funds..Trust funds...OUTSTANDING DEBT, END OF YEAR:118,43094,80726,962-3,339-1, 596-3,8642,268134,652106,51231,708-3, 568-3,796-5,0851,289158,254126,77936,693-5,218-8,702-14,9446,242178,833143,10541, 499-5,771-25,161-28, 3793,217184, 548148,81143, 284-7,5473,236-5, 4908,725196,588156,30149,065-8,778-2,845-13,14310, 297Gross Federal debt_Held by Government agencies..Held by <strong>the</strong> publicFederal Reserve System.O<strong>the</strong>rs323,15461, 540261,61439,100222,514329,47464,784264,69042,169222, 521341,34873,819267, 52946,719220,810369,76979,140290,62952, 230238,399367,14487,661279,48354, 095225, 388382,60397,723284,88057,714227,166BUDGET RECEIPTS.Individual income taxes.Corporation income taxesSocial insurance taxes and contributions...Excise taxesEstate and gift taxesCustoms duties_Miscellaneous receipts:Deposit <strong>of</strong> earnings by Federal ReserveSystem...Allo<strong>the</strong>rBUDGET OUTLAYS..National defense.International affairsGeneral science, space, and technologyNatural resources, environment, and energy.AgricultureCommerce and transportationCommunity and regional developmentEducation, manpower, and social services..HealthIncome securityVeterans benefits and servicesLaw enforcement and justice.._General governmentRevenue sharing and general purpose fiscalassistanceInterestAllowancesUndistributed <strong>of</strong>fsetting receiptsComposition <strong>of</strong> undistributed <strong>of</strong>fsetting receipts:Employer share, employee retirement..Interest received by trust fundsRents and royalties on <strong>the</strong> Outer Continental Shelf..116,83348,79225,46122,25814, 5702,7161,4421,372222118,43048,5814,1215,8902,9683,9486,8941,2552,1041,79025,7415,7225291,46022910, 359-3,162-1,329-1,780-53130,85655,44630,07325, 56713,0623,0661,7671,713162134,65255,8564,5546,7903,0742,4418,9561,5404,0932,63828,8955,9215541,42624211,286-3,613-1,447-1,917-248149,55261, 52633,97133,34913,7192,9781,9011,805303158,25469,1014,6956,3113,3792,9829,2051,6516,0236,75930,8216,8996101,56928812,533-4, 573-1,661-2,275-637153,67168, 72628,66534,62214,0793,0512,0382,091400178,83379,4094,6125,6103,6244,54110,6372,1897,0049,70833,6806,8826501,68431113,751-5,460-1,825-2,674-961187,78487,24936,67839, 91815, 2223,4912,3192,662247184, 54880,2073,7845,1083,5035,7797,0652,5316,87111,75837,2817,6407611,64936515,793-5, 545-2,018-3,099-428193,74390,41232,82945,29815,7053,6442,4303,266158196, 58879,2843,5644,6113,6115,1649,0903,4957,88813,05143,0668,6839521,93445118, 312-6, 567-2,444-3, 936-187See next page for continuation <strong>of</strong> table and for footnotes.325


TABLE C-65.—Federal budget receipts, outlays, and debt, fiscal years 1965-76—Con.[Miiiions <strong>of</strong> dollars; fiscal years]Description19711972Actual197319741975Estimate1976BUDGET RECEIPTS AND OUTLAYS:Total receiptsFederal funds...„Trust fundsInterfund transactionsTotal outlays.Federal fundsTrust funds._Interfund transactions.Total surplus or deficit (-)Federal fundsTrust fundsOUTSTANDING DEBT, END OF YEAR:Gross Federal debtHeld by Government agencies.Held by <strong>the</strong> publicFederal Reserve System.O<strong>the</strong>rsBUDGET RECEIPTS(Individual income taxes _; Corporation income taxes: Social insurance taxes and contributions..Excise taxesEstate and gift taxesCustoms dutiesMiscellaneous receipts:- Deposit <strong>of</strong> earnings by Federal ReserveSystemAlio<strong>the</strong>r_BUDGET OUTLAYSNational defense.International affairsGeneral science, space, and technologyNatural resources, environment, and energy.AgricultureCommerce and transportation _Community and regional developmentEducation, manpower, and social services..HealthIncome security_.Veterans benefits and servicesLaw enforcement and justiceGeneral government..Revenue sharing and general purpose fiscalassistance _InterestAllowances....Undistributed <strong>of</strong>fsetting receiptsComposition <strong>of</strong> undistributed <strong>of</strong>fsettingreceipts:Employer share, employee retirement-Interest received by trust fundsRents and royalties on <strong>the</strong> Outer ContinentalShelf188,392133,78566,193-11,586211,425163,65159,361-11,586-23,033-29,8666,832409,467105,140304,32865,518238,810188,39286,23026,78548,57816,6143,7352,5913,533325211,42576,8073,0934,2944,4494,28810,3974,0109,04514, 71655, 4239,7761,2992,15919,609"-8,427-2,611-4, 765-1,051208,649148,84672,959-13,156231,876177,95967, 073-13,156-23, 227-29,1145,886437,329113,559323, 77071,426252,344208,64994,73732,16653,91415,4775,4363,2873,252381231,87677,3563,7234,2995,0195,27910,6014,69911,69617, 47163,91110, 7301,6502,46653120, 582-8,137-2, 768-5, 089-279Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury and Office <strong>of</strong> Management and Budget.232,225161,35792,193-21, 325246,526186,40381, 447-21,325-14,301-25,04610,746468.426125,381343,04575,182267,863232, 225103,24636,15364,54216, 2604,9173,1883,495426246,52675,0722,9564,1695,4614,8559,9385,86911,87418,83272, 95812,0132,1312,6827,22222, 813-12,318-2,927-5,436-3,956264,932181,219104,846-21,133268,392198,69290,833-21,133-3,460-17,47314,013486,247140,194346,05380,649265,404264,932118,95238,62076,78016,8445,0353,3344,845524268.39278,5693,5934,1546,3902,23013,1004,91011,60022,07484,43113,3862,4623,3276,74628,072-16,650-3,319-6,583-5,478278,750185,966118,681-25,897313,446229,005110,338-25,897-34,696-43,0398,343538,541148,988389,553278,750117,70038,50086,22519,9474,8003,9105,7001,968313,44685,2764,8534,1839,4121,77311,7964,88714,71426,486106,70215,4663.0262; 6467,03331,331700-16,839-4,070-7,769-5,000297,520199,278126,510-28,268349,372254,215123,425-28,268-51,852-54,9373,085605,925152,872453,053297,520106,30047,70091,55032,1454,6004,3006,1004,825349,37294,0276,2944,58110,0281,81613,7235,92014,62328,050118,72415,5923,2883,1807,24934,4198,050-20,193-3,888-8,305-8,000326


TABLE C—66.—Relation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal budget to <strong>the</strong> Federal sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national income andproduct accounts, fiscal years 1973-76[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars; fiscal years]Receipts and expendituresActual1973 1974Estimate1975 1976RECEIPTSTotal receipts, budget..232.2264.9278.8297.5Government contribution for employee retirement(grossing)O<strong>the</strong>r netting and grossingAdjustment to accrualsO<strong>the</strong>r3.81.63.3-.54.31.93.1-.65.02.12.6-.85.42.21.1-1.1Federal sector, national income and product accounts,receipts240.4273.6287.6305.1EXPENDITURESTotal outlays, budget246.5268.4313.4349.4Lending and financial transactionsGovernment contribution for employee retirement(grossing)O<strong>the</strong>r netting and grossingDefense timing adjustmentBonuses on Outer Continental Shelf land leases...O<strong>the</strong>r-1.73.81.62.73.6-1.2-2.94.31.96'.0.2-1.25.02.1-.34.2.5-4.25.42.2.36.91.0Federal sector, national income and product accounts,expenditures255.4278.3323.7361.0Note.—See Special Analysis A, "Budget <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States Government for <strong>the</strong> Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1976,"for description <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se categories.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis), Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury, and Office <strong>of</strong> Managementand Budget.327


TABLE C-67.—Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national income and productaccounts, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Total governmentFederal GovernmentState and localgovernmentCalendar year or quarterReceiptsExpendituresSurplusordeficitnationalincomeandproductaccountsReceiptsExpendituresSurplusordeficitnationalincomeandproductaccountsReceiptsExpendituresSurplusordeficitnationalincomeandproductaccounts192911.310.31.03.82.61.27.67.8-0.21933. .9.310.7-1.42.74.0-1.37.27.2-.1193919401941— .19421943...19441945...194619471948194915.417.725.032.649.251.253 250.956 858.956.017.618.428.864.093.3103.092 745.542 450.359.1-2.2-.7-3.8-31.4-44.1-51.8-39 55.414 48.5-3.26.78.615.422.939.341.042.539.143 243.338.98.910.020.556.185.895.584.635.629.834.941.3-2.2-1.3—5.1-33.1-46.6-54.5—42 13.513 48.4-2.49.610.010.410.610.911.111 612.915 317.619.39.69.39.18.88.48.59.011.014 317.420.00).61.31.82.52.72.61.91 0-.719501951—19521953. .195419551956195719581S59196019611962 .1963 . .196419651966 . .19671968196968.784.889.894.389.7100 4109.0115 6114.7128.9139 8144.6157.0168.8174.1189.1213.3228 9263.5296.760.879.093.7101.296.797.6104.1114 9127.2131.0136.1149.0159.9166.9175.4186.9212.3242.9270.3287.97.95.8-3.8-6 9-7.02 74.97-12.5-2.13 7—4 3-2.91.8—1 42.21.1—13.9-6.88.849.964.067.270.063.872.177:681 678,789.796 598.3106.4114.5115.0124.7142.5151.2175.0197.340.857.871.077.069.768.171.979.688.991.093.0102.1110.3113.9118.1123.5142.8163 6181.5189.29.16.2-3.8-7.0-5.94.05.72.1-10.2-1.23.5—3.8-3.8.7-3.01.2-.2-12.4-6.58.121.123 325.227.228.831.434.738 241.646.049 953.658.663.469.575.585.293.5107.1119.722.323.725.327.029.932.735.639 544.046.849.654.157.662.267.874.583.995.1107.5119.0-1.2. 4(2).1-1.1—1.3—.9—1 4—2.3-.82—.5.91.21.71.01.3-1.6.71970 ....1971197219731974*302.5321 6367.0411.5455.0312.7340.2372.1408.0460.9-10.1-18.5-5.13.5-5.9192.0198.5227.2258.5291.1203.9220.3244.7264.2298.6-11.9-21.9-17.5-5.6-7.6135.0152.2177.2193.5207.7133.2148.8164.9184.4206.01.83.412.39.21.7Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972: l._.IllIV355.3362.4369 8380.5363.5367.6370.4387.0—8.2-5.2— 6-6.5220.9224.1228.4235.6235.8243.7238.2261.2-14.9-19.6—9.8-25.6166.1176.2175.8190.8159.5161.7166.5171.76.714.49.219.11973: 1HIIV1974: 1IIIllIV*398.1406.9416.5424.6435.9450.7470.3396.1403.9409.8422.3435.5451.7470.0486.22.13.06.72.3.4—1.0249.1255.0261.8268.3278 1288.6302.8260.2262.4263.4270.6281 0291.6304.7317.3-11.2-7.4-1.7-2.3—2.8-3.0-1.9190.3192.0194.6197.3200 6205.3210.9177.0181.7186.2192.7197.4203.3208.8214.413.210.48.44.63.22.02.1i Surplus <strong>of</strong> $32 million.'Deficit <strong>of</strong> $41 million.Note.—Federal grants-in-aid to State and local governments are reflected in Federal expenditures and State and localreceipts and expenditures. Total government receipts and expenditures have been adjusted to eliminate this duplication.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.328


TABLE C-68.—Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> th& Federal Government sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national incomeand product accounts, 1949—76[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year or quarterFiscal year:1949....1950....1951....1952....1953....1954....1955....1956....1957....1958....1959....I960....1961....1962....1963....1964....1965....1966....1967....1968....1969....1970197119721973....1974197521976 2Calendar year:194919501951.......1952195319541955..1956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968196919701971197219731974 P1973: III....III...IV...1974: I....II....III ..IV p..Total40.042.060.865.169.365.867.275.880.777.985.494.895.3104.2110.2115.5120.5132.8147.2160.6190.4195.2192.5213.2240.4273.6287.6305.138.949.964.067.270.063.872.177.681.678.789.796.598.3106.4114.5115.0124.7142.5151.2175.0197.3192.0198.5227.2258.5291.1249.1255.0261.8268.3278.1288.6302.816.316.523.228.831.430.329.733.636.736.338.242.543.647.349.650.751.357.664.571.490.093.687.5100.7106.8123.122.111.16.18.26.31.032.229.031.435.237.436.839.943.644.748.651.548.653.861.767.579.794.892.289.9108.2114.1131.2107.9110.3116.7121.6124.1129.4134.8136 6Receipts11.011.921.519.319.717.318.721.120.617.821.522.320.322.923.525.727.731.031.233.737.433.332.334.141.245.641.039.917.021.518.519.517.020.620.620.218.022.521.721.822.724.626.429.332.130.736.736.631.033.436.643.749.142.844.743.843.545.949.255.48.08.29.59.710.710.410.010.811.711.611.913.213.314.215.015.616.915.715.817.118.619.220.120.020.721.633.154.78.08.99.410.310.99.710.711.211.811.512.513.513.614.615.316.116.515.716.318.019.019.320.420.021.222.020.921.421.021.321.521.922.522.24.85.56.67.37.57.88.710.211.712.213.816.718.119.922.123.524.628.535.738.344.449.152.658.571.783.391.499.44.95.97.17.47.48.19.310.612.212.414.817.718.220.523.123.825.133.036.740.746.949.554.662.579.588.7Total i39.642.444.666.075.874.267.369.876.083.190.991.398.0106.4111.4116.9118.5131.9154.5172.5185.7195.9212.4232.9255.4278.3323.7361.041.340.857.871.077.069.768.171.979.688.991.093.0102.1110.3113.9118.1123.5142.8163.6181.5189.2203.9220.3244.7264.2298.6PersonaltaxandnontaxreceiptsCorporatepr<strong>of</strong>itstaxaccrualsIndirectbusinesstaxandnontaxaccrualsContributionsforsocialinsurancePurchases<strong>of</strong>goodsandservices19.319.025.146.656.153.243.945.247.750.754.752.755.560.963.465.764.471.785.394.999.498.095.8103.2105.3110.3121.1136.120.118.437.751.857.047.444.145.649.553.653.753.557.463.464.265.266.977.890.798.898.896.297.6104.9106.6116.4ExpendituresTransferpaymentsToper-8.111.38.18.59.310.512.112.814.417.819.820.623.625.126.427.328.331.837.242.748.554.867.475.786.7101.3128.2143.08.710.88.58.89.511.512.413.415.719.520.121.524.925.527.027.830.333.440.046.150.361.072.380.192.9114.4T<strong>of</strong>oreigners(net)5.04.33.12.62.11.72.11.81.91.71.81.82.12.12.12.22.22.32.22.12.22.02.32.82.72.93.54.05.13.63.12.12.01.82.01.91.81.81.81.92.12.22.22.22.22.32.22.12.12.22.62.72.62.6Seasonally adjusted annual rates77.478.680.281.886.788.190.090.0260.2262.4263.4270.6281.0291.6304.7317.3106.4106.2105.3108.4111.5114.3117.2122.889.991.593.996.3104.0110.8118.4124.42.13.32.72.52.52.72.42.7Grantsin-aidto Stateandlocalgovernments2.12.42.42.52.82.93.03.23.74.76.26.86.97.68.49.810.912.714.817.819.222.626.832.640.241.547.050.82.22.32.52.62.82.93.13.34.25.66.86.57.28.09.110.411.114.415.818.720.324.429.037.440.543.741.240.139.841.042.943.243.445.54.34.44.64.84.85.04.95.15.55.75.97.06.86.87.58.18.59.09.910.912.314.014.313.414.517.419.823.04.44.54.74.74.95.04.95.35.75.66.47.16.67.27.78.38.79.510.211.713.114.613.613.516.318.814.815.916.817.617.918.719.119.7NetinterestSurplusSubsidiesdefi-orless citcurrentna-


TABLE C-69.—Receipts and expenditures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State and local government sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nationalincome and product accounts, 1946—74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Calendaryear orquarterTotalPersonaltaxandnontaxeceiptsReceiptsCorporatepr<strong>of</strong>itstaxccrualsndirectbusinesstaxandnontaxccrualsTotal *ExpendituresNetnterestpaidContributionsforsocialinsuranceFederalgrantsn-aidPurchases<strong>of</strong>goodsandservicesTransferpaymentstopersonsSubsidieslesscurrentsurplus<strong>of</strong> governmententerprisesSurplusordeficit(->,nationalncomeandproductaccounts1946194719481949 .. ... .1950195119521953195419551956195719581959 - .1960 . .1961196219631964196519661967 ---1968196919701971197219731974 v12.915.317.619.321.123 325.227.228.831.434.738.241 646.049.953.658 663.469.575.585 293.5107.1119.7135.0152.2177.2193 5207.71.51.82.12.42.62 93.13.43.74.14.75.25.66.37.37.78.79.410.811.813.715.518.321.724.427.734.237.239.50.5.6.6.8.9.8.8.81.01.01.01 01.21.31.41.41.71.92.12.22.43.23.43.84.15.06.16.79.310.612.113.314.515.817.318.719.721.423.625.527.028.931.734.136.939.442.345.949.954.160.667.074.182.290.098.0104.90.5.6.81.01.21.31.51.71.82.02.32.52.73.03.23.53.84.14.55.05.76.47.38.39.210.611.712.81.11.72.02.22.32.52.62.82.93.13.34.25.66.86.57.28.09.110.411.114.415.818.720.324.429.037.440.543.711.014.317.420.022.323.725.327.029.932.735.639.544.046.849.654.157.662.267.874.583.995.1107.5119.0133.2148.8164.9184.4206.09.812.615.017.719.521.522.924.627.430.133.036.640.643.346.150.253.758.263.570.179.089.4100.8111.2123.3136.6150.8169.8192.41.72.32.92.93.53.03.23.33.43.73.84.24.64.85.15.55.76.06.56.97.78.710.011.614.116.718.620.120.20.3.3.3.3.3.3.3.3.4.5.5.5.6.7.8.8.8.5.3.2.0-.2-.4-.2-.3-.8-1.6-0.7— 8— 8-.9-.91 i—1 1-1.2—1 4-1.6—1 7-1 8—1 8—2 0—2 2-2.3—2 6-2 8-2.9-3.0—3 1-3 2-3.4-3.5-3.8-4.1-4.4-4.7-5.01.91 0 1-.7-1.2 4.11 i-1.3_ 9—1 42 3— 82-.5 §1 21 71 01 3-1 6- 3.71.83.412.39 21.7Seasonally adjusted annual rates1972- 1 IIIIIIV1973: 1 .IIIIIIV166.1176.2175.8190.8190.3192.0194.6197.332.733.934.635.536.236.937.438.24.64.85.05.46.06.26.16.087.089.291.093.095.697.299.4100.010.110.410.711.011.311.611.912.131.737.834.445.841.240.139.841.0159.5161.7166.5171.7177.0181.7186.2192.7145.5147.9152.4157.4162.6167.1171.6177.917 918.418.919.219.519.920.320.8-0.2-.3-.3-.3-.5-.7-.9-1.2-4.2-4.3-4.4-4.5-4.6-4.7-4.8-4.96.714.49.219.113.210.48.44.61974: 111......IIIIVP200.6205.3210.937.838.840.341.16.36.77.3101.2104.0107.0107.612.412.713.013.342.943.243.445.5197.4203.3208.8214.4184.8190.1195.1199.619.119.820.421.4-1.5-1.6-1.6-1.5-4.9-5.0-5.0-5.03.22.02.11 Wage accruals less disbursements have been subtracted from total. These were (in billions <strong>of</strong> dollars, at seasonallyadjusted annual rates) -.6, -.1, .0, and .0 in <strong>the</strong> 4 quartets <strong>of</strong> 1972; .0, -.1, .0, and .0 in <strong>the</strong> 4 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1973;and .0 in each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 4 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974.2 Deficit <strong>of</strong> $41 million.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.330


TABLE C-70.—State and local government revenues and expenditures, selected fiscal years, 1927—73[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]General revenues by source 2General expenditures by function *Fiscal year 1TotalPropertytaxesSalesandgrossreceiptstaxesIndividualncometaxesCorporationnetincometaxesRevenuefrom: ederalGovernmentAllo<strong>the</strong>rrevenues3TotalEducationHighwaysPublicwelfareAllo<strong>the</strong>r , 763 ?fi. 098 8, 318 4, 6506, 252 27 910 9,390 4,9876, 897 30 701 10, 557 5,5276,4526, 9537 8168, 5679, 5929910114?884435713611 15011,66412,22112,77013,93214,48115,41716,42718,09519,01018,6151514448898271,0691,1561,2251,1331,4092,0992,9402,7882,9143,0603,1683,1393,4853,8184,1364,4044,7205,0845,4815,4205,7666,3156,7578,2189,85712,11014,67918,22621,07023, 5823, 01S3, ?69?, 95?3 ?153, 5473, 86?3 8893 7374 5917, 1708,1010111?n14161719212286734?6195571973999405478763?506354924,42323,67825 58627 44730333641475461690?92819159635089409073161 Fiscal years not <strong>the</strong> same for all governments. See footnote 5.3 Excludes revenues or expenditures <strong>of</strong> publicly owned utilities and liquor stores, and <strong>of</strong> insurance-trust activities.Intergovernmental receipts and payments between State and local governments are also excluded.3 Includes licenses and o<strong>the</strong>r taxes and charges and miscellaneous revenues.* Includes expenditures for health, hospitals, police, local fire protection, natural resources, sanitation, housing andurban renewal, local parks and recreation, general control, financial administration, interest on general debt, and unallocableexpenditures.5 Data for fiscal year ending in <strong>the</strong> 12-month period through June 30. Data for 1963 and earlier years include local governmentamounts grouped in terms <strong>of</strong> fiscal years ended during <strong>the</strong> particular calendar year.Note.—Data are not available for intervening years.See Table C-63 for net debt <strong>of</strong> State and local governments.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census.331


TABLE C-71.—Public debt securities by kind <strong>of</strong> obligation, 1946-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Interest-bearing public debtEnd <strong>of</strong> year ormonthTotalpublicdebtsecuritiesMarketable public issuesby maturity classWithin1 year1 to 10years10yearsandoverU.S.savingsbondsandnotesNonmarketable publicissuesO<strong>the</strong>rForeignandinternationalGovernmentaccountseries*Maturedpublicdebtanddebtbearingnointerest1946194719481949259 1256.9252.8257.154.849.644.649.461.756.155.151.860 160.057.753.949.852.155.156.76.77.46.39.324.629.031.733.91 52.72.22.11950195119521953195419551956195719581959256 7259 4267.4275 2278.7280 8276.6274.9282 9290 849 447.157.773 962.861 768.675.372 679.950.556.762.250 464.768 658.956.971 083 752.538.828.730 330.232 932.932.032 024.658.057.657.957.757.757.956.352.551.248.210.120.919.619 317.712 711.910.49 27.833.735.939.141.242.643.945.645.844.843.52.42.32.12.33.03.02.42.02.13.11960196119621963196419651966196719681969290 2296.2303.5309 3317.9320 9329.3344.7358 0368.275.385.987.389.488.593.4105.2104.4108 6118.189 584.795.694 2100.495 687.597.0103 493.324.225.420.124 023.625 625 425.124 824.447.247.547.548.849.750 350.851.752.352.20.5.71.31.82.41.53.24.44.76 35.34.63.83.52 92.72.62 62.544.343.543.443.746.146.352.057.259.171.03.43.54.34.14.44.44.33.52.92.0197019711972197319741973:JanFebMarAprMayJune_389 2424.1449.3469.92 492.7450.1454.8458.6457.1457.3458.1123.4119.1130.4141.6148.1131.5130.2130.2128.4125.7122.8104 9123.0117.7106.8113.2117.7117.8117.8117.7117.8119.319 419.921.421.821.622.021.921.821.722.420.852.554.958.160.863.858.458.759.059.359.759.96.517.421.326.922.821.226.129.129.229.029.22.42.42.42.83.02.52.52.52.52.52.578.185.795.9107.1119.195.095.896.496.498.3101.71.91.82.02.12 1.11.91.91.81.81.91.8JulyAugSept . .Oct_NovDec459.0461.8461.4462.5464.0469.9122.6129.1129.1130.9139.4141.6119.3111.7111.7111.6109.0106.820.821.621.621.521.821.860.260.360.360.560.860.828.828.628.928.426.726.92.52.52.52.62.82.8103.0106.1105.4105.1101.6107.11.81.92.01.92.02.11974: JanFebMar . ..AprMay _ .June468.2470.7474.5471.9474.7475.1141.6141.4145.5140.9142.9139.9106.8106.0106.0107.5104.1104.221.722.222.122.022.622.561.061.361.661.962.162.426.226.326.126.626.925.92.82.82.92.92.92.9106.2108.6108.5108.4111.3115.41.92.11.91.81.91.8JulyAugSeptOct .-NovDec2 475.3481.8481.5480.2485.4492.7142.2142.9143.4144.4143.4148.1104.2108.4108.4108.4112.6113.222.420.820.820.821.521.662.762.863.063.363.663.824.423.223.223.123.122.83.03.03.03.03.03.0115.5119.6118.3116.2116.9119.121.01.11.41.11.21.11 Prior to July 1974, this series was shown as "Speciaj issues."2 Beginning July 1974, excludes <strong>the</strong> non-interest-bearing notes issued to International Monetary Fund to conform withBudget presentation.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury.332


1946194719481949End <strong>of</strong> year ormonth1950195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965196619671968 ...1969197019711972197319741973: Jan _FebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeDtOctNovDec1974: JanFebMarAprMayJuneJuly .-AugSeptOctNov .DecTABLE C-72.—Estimated ownership <strong>of</strong> public debt securities, 1946-74_Total259.1256 9252.8257.1256.7259 4267.4275.2278.7280.8276.6274.9282.9290.8290.2296.2303.5309.3317.9320.9329.3344.7358.0368.2389.2424.1449.3469.98 492.7450.1454.8458.6457 1457.3458.1459.0461.8461.4462.5464.0469.9468.2470.7474.5471.9474.7475.1s 475.3481.8481.5480.2485.4492.7HeldHeld byn ^ FederalGovernmentBanksReserveaccounts27.430.833.735.936.039.342.945.446.749.051.252.852.151.452.852.553.255.358.459.765.873.176.689.097.1106.0116.9129.6141.2116.2117.1117.9117.9120.1123.4125.0128.7127.8127.4127.1129.6128.7131.3131.2131.1133.9138.2137.5141.6140.6138.4139.0141.2[Par values,i billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]23.322 623 318.920.823 824 725.924 924 824.924 226 326.627.428 930.833 637.040.844 349.152.957.262.170.269.978.580.572.072.674.375 574.175.077.176.176 278.577.278.578.278.279.580.081.480.578.181.181.079.481.080.5Total208.3203 6195 8202.4199.9196 3199 8203.8207 1207 0200.5197 9204.5212.7210.0214.8219.5220 5222.5220.5219 2222.4228.5222.0229.9247.9262.5261.78 271.0261.8265.1266.4263 7263.1259.7256.9257.1257.4256.5259.8261.7261.2261.1263.8260.7259.4256.4s 259.7259.0260.1262.5265.3271.0Total public debt securities 2Commercialbanks a74.568 762 466.861.861 563 463.769 162 059.559 567 560.362.167.267.164 263 960.757 463 866.056.862.765.367.760.355.566.462.862.060.558.958.856.555.155.456.358.560.360.259.059.556.854.453.253.953.052.953.554.555.5Held by private investorsMutualsavingsbanksand insurancecompanies36 735 932 731.529.626 225 525.124 123 121.220 119 819.418.117 617.617 016 815.814 513 212.210.710 510.110 09.38.410.09.99.99.79.69.69.59.29.29.29.19.39.18.88.98.68.68.58.38.38.38.48.48.4O<strong>the</strong>rcorporations415.314 114.816.819.720 719.921.519 123.218.717.718.121.418.718.518.618.718.215.814.912.214.210.47.311.49.810.911.510.310.911.210.010.89.810.311.59.210.211.110.910.710.911.710.511.210.811.311.010.511.211.011.5Stateand localgovernments«6.37 37.98.18.89 611.112.714 415.416.316 616.518.018.719.020.121 121.122.924 324.124.927.227.825.428.929.229.530.029.429.429.228.628.828.427.729.028.528.929.229.930.730.630.129.228.328.829.229.328.828.729.5IndividualsB64.165.765.566.366.364.665.264.863.565.065.964.963.769.466.165.865.968.069.571.974.273.575.180.881.273.273.977.384.674.975.075.375.475.775.976.777.077.277.077.277.377.477.978.479.280.080.781.682.683.383.884.384.6Miscellaneousinvestorsi11.411.912.512.913.613.714.716.116.918.318.919.118.924.326.526.930.231.633.033.433.935.736.136.140.462.572.374.8881.570.177.178.678.979.576.875.576.577.475.475.174.873.973. S74.775.675.975.08 75.775.075.776. i78.481.51 U.S. savings bonds, series A-F and J, and U.S. savjngs notes are included at current redemption value.2 Not all <strong>of</strong> total shown is subject to statutory debt limitation.3 Includes commercial banks, trust companies, and stock savings banks in <strong>the</strong> United States and Territories and islandpossessions; figures exclude securities held in trust departments. Since <strong>the</strong> estimates in this table are on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> parvalues and include holdings <strong>of</strong> banks in United States Territories and possessions, <strong>the</strong>y do not agree with <strong>the</strong> estimatesin Table C-53, which are based on book values and relate only to banks within <strong>the</strong> United States.* Exclusive <strong>of</strong> banks and insurance companies.* Includes trust, sinking, and investment funds <strong>of</strong> State and local governments and <strong>the</strong>ir agencies, and <strong>of</strong> Territoriesand possessions.s Includes partnerships and personal trust accounts.7 Includes savings and loan associations, nonpr<strong>of</strong>it institutions, corporate pension trust funds, dealers and brokers,Federal oriented agencies not included in Government accounts, and investments <strong>of</strong> foreign balances and internationalaccounts in this country. Beginning with December 1946, <strong>the</strong> international accounts include investments by <strong>the</strong> InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development, <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund, <strong>the</strong> International Development Association,<strong>the</strong> Inter-American Development Bank, and various United Nations' funds, in special non-interest-bearing notes andbonds issued by <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government. See also footnote 8.8 Beginning July 1974, excludes non-interest-bearing notes issued to International Monetary Fund to conform withBudget presentation.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury.333


TABLE C-73.—Average length and maturity distribution <strong>of</strong> marketable interest-bearingpublic debt, 1946-74End <strong>of</strong> year or monthAmountoutstandingWithin1 yearIto5yearsMaturity class5 to 10years10 to 20years20 yearsAverage lengthMillions <strong>of</strong> dollarsYearsMonthsFiscal year:1946194719481949.—1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..1955..1956-1957..1958-1959..I960-1961..1962-1963-1964..1965..1966-1967-1968-1969-1970-1971-1972..1973..1974.189,606 I168,702160,346155.147155,310137,917140,407147,335150,354155, 206154,953155,705166,675178,027183, 845187.148196,072203,508206,489208,695209,127210,672226, 592226,107232,599245,473257, 202262,971266,57561,97451,21148,74248,13042,33843,90846,36765, 27062,73449, 70358,71471,95267, 78272,95870,46781,12088,44285, 29481,42487,63789,13689,648106, 407103,910105,530112,772121,944122, 803139,94224,76321, 85121,63032, 56251, 29246,52647,81436,16129, 86639,10734,40140,66942, 55758,30472,84458,40057, 04158,02665,45356,19860,93371,42464,47062,77089,61589,07489,00488, 22377,19941,80735, 56232,26416,7467,7928,70713,93315,65127,51534, 25328,90812,32821,47617,05220,24626,43526,04937,38534,92939,16933, 59624, 37830,75434,83715, 88224, 50326,85231,11126,95717,46118, 59716, 22922,82128,03529,97925,70028,66228,63428,61328, 57826,40727,65221,62512,63010, 2339,3198,3608,3558,4498,4398,4258,4078,37410, 5248,4559,34314,47717,40343, 59941,48141,48134,88825, 8538,7976,5941,5921,6063,5304,3514,3497,2088,0887,65810,96015,22114,44416,32817,24117,02316,79716, 55316, 21711,04810,67010,0596,3575,0741529284610493746111041973:Jan...Feb..Mar-Apr-May-^June.July—Aug-Sept.Oct..Nov..Dec.1974: Jan—Feb.-Mar..Apr-May..June..271,121269,881269,775267,847265,919262,971262,708262,405262,356264,047270,234270,224270,131269,650273,596270,452269,550266, 575131,454130,205130,187128,359125,697122,803122,602129,072129,114130,940139,433141,571141,590141,444145,453140, 905142,864139,94288, 57295,42295,42595,39288,22288,22388,22380,59480,57680,53583,81781,71581,71679,04579,04580,57077,16577,19929,14222,35722,35622,35629,62031,11131,10831,10631,10331,10225,13625,13425,13226,96826,96526,96126,96026,95715,27116,11416,05816,02215,99614,47714,45715,34515,31715,26915,67915,65915, 59616,12916,09216,03617,45817,4036,6825,7835,7485,7186,3856,3576,3186,2886,2456,2016,1696,1456,0986,0636,0405,9815,1035,07411720862011003223211000111100July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.268,782272,111272,608273, 529277,538282,891142,245142,900143,400144,373143,381148,12277,20079,36679,36179,36984,73085,27326,95328,99729,04429,02727,91627,89917,34614,95214,92414,89414,86514,8325,0395,8975,8795,8666,6456,765110011011Mote.—All issues classified to final maturity except partially tax-exempt bonds, which were classified to earliest calldate (<strong>the</strong> last <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se bonds were called on August 14,1962 for redemption on December 15,1962).Source: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury.334


CORPORATE PROFITS AND FINANCETABLE G-74.—Pr<strong>of</strong>its before and after taxes, all private corporations, 1929-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Year orquarterCorporate pr<strong>of</strong>its (before taxes) andinventory valuation adjustmentAllindustriesManufacturingTotalDurindustriesNondurablegoodsindustriesTransportation,communication,andpublicutilitiesAllo<strong>the</strong>rindustriesCorporatepr<strong>of</strong>itsbeforetaxesCorporatetaxliabilityiCorporate pr<strong>of</strong>itsafter taxesTotalDividendsUndistributedpr<strong>of</strong>itsCorporatecapitalconsumptionallowances2Pr<strong>of</strong>itspluscapitalconsumptionallowances31929.1933.19391940.1941.1942.1943.1944.1945.1946.1947.1948.1949.1950.1951.195219531954.19551956.1957.1958195919601961196219631964196519661967196819691970197119721973197410.5-1.26.39.815.220.324.423.819.219.325.633.030.837.742.739.939.638.046.946.145.641.151.749.950.355.758.966.376.182.478.784.379.869.278.792.2105.1105.41972:1.IIIIIIV1973: IIV1974: I IIIII—_IV p..86.589.592.999.8103.9105.0105.2106.4107.7105.6105.85.2-.43.35.59.511.813.813.29.79.013.617.616.220.924.621.622.019.926.024.724.019.326.324.423.326.628.832.739.342.638.741.736.627.832.340.847.646.82.6-.41.73.16.47.28.17.44.52.45.87.58.112.013.211.711.910.514.312.813.39.313.612.011.414.115.817.822.824.020.722.418.810.514.521.826.116.02.6.01.72.43.14.65.75.95.26.67.810.08.18.911.49.910.19.411.811.910.710.012.712.411.912.513.014.916.618.618.019.317.717.317.819.021.530.81.8.01.01.32.03.44.43.92.71.82.23.03.04.04.64.95.04.75.65.95.85.97.07.57.98.59.510.111.111.910.810.610.17.88.39.29.28.73.42.03.03.75.16.26.76.78.59.912.511.612.713.513.312.613.415.215.615.815.918.417.919.120.520.623.525.627.929.132.033.133.738.142.248.349.910.01.07.010.017.721.525.124.119.724.631.535.228.942.641938.940.638.348.648.847.241.452.149.750.355.459.466.877.884.279.887.684.974.083.699.2122.7141.01.4.51.42.87.611.414.112.910.79.111.312.510.417.822.319.420.317.721.621.721.219.023.723.023.124.226.328.331.334.333.239.940.134.837.541.549.855.88.6.45.67.210.110.111.111.29.015.520.222.718.524.921.619.620.420.627.027.226.022.328.526.727.231.233.138.446.549.946.647.844.839.346.157.772.985.25.82.03.84.04.44.34.44.64.65.66.37.07.28.68.68.99.310.511.311.711.612.613.413.815.216.517.819.820.821.423.624.324.725.027.329.632.72.8-1.61.83.25.75.96.66.54.49.913.915.611.316.013.011.011.511.316.515.914.210.815.913.213.516.016.620.626.729.125.324.220.514.621.130.343.352.5Seasonally adjusted annual rates37.739.640.845.148.648.447.146.446.246.848.619.321.521.425.127.626.925.724.319.317.115.318.418.119.420.020.921.521.422.126.929.733.38.58.99.59.48.89.59.27.18.08.640.341.042.644.845.947.848.650.854.550.848.792.396.0100.2108.2120.4124.9122.7122.7135.4139.0157.038.940.341,845.248.950.949.949.552.255.962.753.455.758.463.171.574.072.973.283.283.194.326.427.127.828.228.729.129.830.731.632.533.233.327.128.630.634.942.844.943.142.551.650.561.14.23.83.73.84.25.05.46.16.44.75.87.07.98.810.311.513.215.017.418.920.822.023.524.926.230.131.833.936.439.543.046.851.956.060.466.371.276.763.966.466.768.269.270.871.673.174.175.777.679.4i Federal and State corporate income and excess pr<strong>of</strong>its taxes.> includes depreciation and accidental damages.3 Corporate pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes plus corporate capital consumption allowances.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.335


TABLE C-75.—Sales, pr<strong>of</strong>its, and stockholders* equity, all manufacturing corporations, 1947—74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]All manufacturingcorporationsDurable goods industriesNondurable goodsindustriesYear orquarterSales(net)Pr<strong>of</strong>itsBeforeFederalincometaxesAfterFederalincometaxesStockholders'equity 1Sales(net)Pr<strong>of</strong>itsBeforeFederalincometaxesAfterFederalincometaxesStockholders'equity 1Sales(net)Pr<strong>of</strong>itsBeforeFederalincometaxesAfterFederalincometaxesStockholders'equity *19471948194919501951..195219531954.1955..195619571958..195919601961196219631964.1965..196619671968196919701971197219731972:1.. ..II IIIIV1973:1IIIllIVNew series: 2150.7165.6154.9181.9245.0250.2265.9248.5278.4307.3320.0305.3338.0345.7356.4389.9412.7443.1492.2554.2575.4631.9694.6708.8751.4849.51,017.2197.2213.2210.6228.6232.5256.3253.2275.116.618.414.423.227.422.924.420.928.629.828.222.729.727.527.531.934.939.646.551.847.855.458.148.153.263.281.413.916.715.117.518.322.219.521.410.111.59.012.911.910.711.311.215.116.215.412.716.315.215.317.719.523.227.530.929.032.133.228.631.336.548.17.99.68.810.110.513.011.613.065.172.277.683.398.3103.7108.2113.1120.1131.6141.1147.4157.1165 4172.6181.4189.7199.8211.7230.3247.6265.9289.9306.8320.9343.4374.1332.6340.4347.4353.1361.1370.8378.3386.466.675.370.386.8116.8122.0137.9122.8142.1159.5166.0148.6169.4173.9175.2195.5209.0226.3257.0291.7300.6335.5366.5363.1382.5435.8527.3100.0111.5106.2118.1121.2136.5129.5140.17.68.97.512.915.412.914.011.416.516.515.811.415.814.013.616.718.521.226.229.225.730.631.523.026.533.643.67.39.67.59.210.312.79.910.84.55.44.56.76.15.55.85.68.18.37.95.88.17.06.98.69.511.614.516.414.616.516.912.914.518.424.83.95.34.25.15.77.15.76.331.134.137.039.947.249.852.454.958.865.270.572.877.982.384.989.193.398.5105.4115.2125.0135.6147.6155.1160.6171.4188.7165.5170.3173.6176.3181.9187.1191.3194.784.190.484.695.1128.1128.0128.0125.7136.3147.8154.1156.7168.5171.8181.2194.4203.6216.8235.2262.4274.8296.4328.1345.7368.9413.7489.997.2101.7104.4110.4111.3119.9123.7135.09.09.57.010.312.110.010.49.612.113.212.411.313.913.513.915.116.418.320.322.622.024.826.625.226.729.637.86.67.27.68.38.09.59.710.65.66.24.66.15.75.25.55.67.07.87.56.98.38.28.59.210.011.613.014.614.415.516.415.716.718.023.34.14.34.65.04.85.85.96.734.038.140.643.551.153.955.758.261.366.470.674.679.283.187.792.396.3101.3106.3115.1122.6130.3142.3151.7160.3172.0185.4167.1170.1173.9176.8179.2183.7186.9191.71973:IV1974:1.IIIll236.5242.2269.6271.920.621.125.825.013.113.516.315.5367.5378.7389.6401.8122.7120.6137.1134.710.19.412.510.56.25.77.56.2185.8190.6195.3201.0113.9121.6132.5137.210.511.713.414.57.07.88.89.3181.7188.0194.2200.81 Annual data are average equity for <strong>the</strong> year (using four end-<strong>of</strong>-quarter figures).2 See "Quarterly Financial <strong>Report</strong> for Manufacturing Corporations, First Quarter 1974," Federal Trade Commission.Note.—Data are not necessarily comparable from one period to ano<strong>the</strong>r due to changes in accounting procedures,industry classifications, sampling procedures, etc. For explanatory notes concerning compilation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> series, see "QuarterlyFinancial <strong>Report</strong> for Manufacturing Corporations," Federal Trade Commission.Source: Federal Trade Commission.336


TABLE C-76.—Relation <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes to stockholders' equity and to sales, all manufacturingcorporations, 1947-74Year or quarterRatio <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after Federalincome taxes (annual rate)to stockholders' equity—percent 1AllmanufacturingcorporationsDurablegoodsindustriesNondurablegoodsindustriesPr<strong>of</strong>its after Federal income taxesper dollar <strong>of</strong> sales—centsAllmanufacturingcorporationsDurablegoodsindustriesNondurablegoodsindustries19471948194915.616.011.614.415.712.116.616.211.26.77.05.86.77.16.46.76.85.41950195119521953195415.412.110.310.59.916.913 011.111.110.314.111 29.79.99.67.14 84.34.34.57.75 34.54.24.66.54 54.14.34.4195519561957 . _ .1958195912.612.310.98.610.413.812.811.38.010.411.411.810.69.210.45.45.34.84.24.85.75.24.83.94.85.15.34.94.44.9196019611962196319649.28.99.810.311.68.58.19.610.111.79.89.69.910.411.54.44 34.54.75.24.03.94.44.55.14.84.74.74.95.41965196619671968196913.013.411.712.111.513.814.211.712.211.412.212.711.811.911.55.65.65.05.14.85.75.64.84.94.65.55.65.35.25.0197019711972 ... _19739.39.710.612.88 39.010.813.110.310.310.512.64.04.14.34.73.53.84.24.74.54.54.44.81972: 1 .IIIIIIV9.511.310.111.59.312.49.711.69.810.210.511.44.04.54.24.43.94.74.04.34.24.34.44.61973- 1IIIIIIV11.614.012.313.412.515.311.812.910.812.712.714.04.55.14.64.74.75.24.44.54.34.94.85.0New series: 21973: IV14.313.315.35.65.06.11974: IIIIII.14.316.715.512.015.412.416.518.018.65.66.05.74.85.54.66.46.66.81 Annual ratios based on average equity for <strong>the</strong> year (using four end-<strong>of</strong>-quarter figures). Quarterly ratios based on equityat end <strong>of</strong> quarter only.2 See "Quarterly Financial <strong>Report</strong> for Manufacturing Corporations, First Quarter 1974," Federal Trade Commission.Note.—Based on data in millions <strong>of</strong> dollars.For explanatory notes concerning compilation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> series, see "Quarterly Financial <strong>Report</strong> for ManufacturingCorporations," Federal Trade Commission. See also Note, Table C-75.Source: Federal Trade Commission.337


TABLE C-77.—Relation <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after taxes to stockholders* equity and to sales, all manufacturingcorporations, by industry group, 1973-74IndustryRatio <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its after Federalincome taxes (annualrate) to stockholders'equity—percent 11973IV1974IIIPr<strong>of</strong>its after Federal incometaxes per dollar<strong>of</strong> sales—cents1973IV1974IIIAll manufacturing corporations.Durable goods industries..Stone, clay, and glass products.Primary metal industriesIron and steelNonferrous metals..Fabricated metal products __Machinery, except electricalElectrical and electronic equipment..Transportation equipmentMotor vehicles and equipmentAircraft, guided missiles, and parts..Instruments and related productsO<strong>the</strong>r durable manufacturing products..Nondurable goods industriesFood and kindred productsTobacco manufacturesTextile mill productsPaper and allied productsPrinting and publishingChemicals and allied products..Industrial chemicals and syn<strong>the</strong>tics..DrugsPetroleum and coal productsRubber and miscellaneous plastics products..O<strong>the</strong>r nondurable manufacturing products14.313.311.512.711.115.314.413.914.610.912.09.616.514.615.315.017.08.113.015.015.513.718.717.014.613.414.312.06.013.711.317.314.213.412.08.07.211.316.614.416.512.513.810.115.811.618.116.620.120.514.011.116.715.414.819.518.520.920.115.312.511.210.112.616.517.318.013.617.212.020.514.821.321.320.020.017.611.515.512.415.019.020.816.318.512.110.74.72.59.815.211.118.615.515.97.220.113.018.919.419.023.214.414.25.65.05.05.64.77.04.26.75.13.74.32.89.44.16.13.08.92.55.65.37.97.312.613.85.02.65.64.82.85.94.77.64.26.34.33.03.03.410.24.56.42.58.73.16.64.18.78.312.913.45.02.46.05.56.07.46.78.55.46.64.23.73.83.49.34.86.62.710.83.57.95.39.69.713.311.75.62.45.74.65.97.67.57.65.15.63.81.71.02.98.53.36.83.09.02.37.84.78.38.612.213.74.62.91 Ratios based on equity at end <strong>of</strong> quarter.Note.—Industry data are not available prior to 1973 IV on a basis comparable with figures shown here. Beginning 1973IV, <strong>the</strong>re are fewer industry categories because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recent merger movement and o<strong>the</strong>r forms <strong>of</strong> corporate diversification.See "Quarterly Financial <strong>Report</strong> for Manufacturing Corporations, First Quarter 1974," Federal Trade Commission.Source: Federal Trade Commission.338


TABLE G—78.—Sources and uses <strong>of</strong> funds, nonfarm nonfinancial corporate business, 1946-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]SourcesUsesPeriodTotalInternal 1TotalIIxternalCredit market fundsTotalLongtermsShortterm3O<strong>the</strong>rTotalPurchase<strong>of</strong>physicalassets 4IncreaseinfinancialassetsDiscrepancy(sourceslessuses)194619471948194919501951195219531954195519561957195819591960196119621963196419651966196719681969197019711972197318.327.028.219.641.135.529.127.228.852.544.342.241.255.147.454.559.265.072.491.397.394.0113.6118.1103.7120.4148.0176.27.812.618.719.117.919.921.221.123.329.228.930.629.535.034.435.641.843.950.556.661.261.561.760.759.468 078.784.610.514.49.6.623.215.67.96.15.523.315.411.611.720.112.919.017.421.121.934.836.132.551.957.444.252 569.391.66.88.66.33.27.210.09.25.66.310.312.912.010.612.611.912.312.512.114.520.425.329.631.538.939.546 855 367.23.45.56.45.13.85.97.85.96.66.57.510.310.58.17.510.89.58.28.89.215.721.618.420.030.741 839.334.53.33.1-.1-1.83.44.11.4-.3-.33.8. 5.41.7.04.64.51.52.93.95.611.29.68.013.218.98.85 016.032.73.75.83.3-2.715.95.6-1.3.5-.813.02.5-.41.27.51.06.74.99.07.414.410.93.020.418.54.85.714.024.516.525.525.218.740.437.228.926.826.447.839.738.737.850.841.449.554.759.365.082.589.188.2104.0112.197.0110.3133.3162.417.917.220.215.224.029.824.324.521.531.335.734.527.036.738.736.343.645.251.662.376.571.475.083.784.087.2102.5121.5-1.48.45.03.516.47.44.62.34.916.54.04.210.814.22.713.211.114.213.420.212.616.829.028.412.923.130.840.91.81.43.0.9.7-1.7.2.42.54.64.63.53.44.36.05.04.55.67.48.98.25.89.66.06.710.214.813.8Seasonally adjusted annual rates1973: 1IIIllIV1974: 1!lIII175.6182.3173 4173.6200.1206.7204.483 783.684 886.383.878.572.891 998.788 687.3116.3128 2131.673 970.766 157.978.089.784.631.338.935.332.536.741.335.342 531.730 725.541.448 349.218 028.122 429.338.338 547.1159.8167.9158.1163.7187.1192.4189.7112.7117.7120 4135.2128.8131 4123.447.150.237 728.558.361 066.315.714.315.310.013.114.314.7* Undistributed pr<strong>of</strong>its (after inventory valuation adjustment) and capital consumption allowances.2 Stocks, bonds, and mortgages.3 Bank loans, commercial paper, finance company loans, bankers' acceptances, and Government loans.« Plant and equipment, residential structures, and inventory investment.Source: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.339


TABLE C-79.—Current assets and liabilities <strong>of</strong> U.S. corporations, 1939-74[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Current assetsCurrent liabilities1939End <strong>of</strong> yearor quarter1940..19411942194319441945194619471948194919501951.19521953....19541955195619571958195919601961196119621963196419651966..1967196819691970197119721973....1973:1II..IllIV1974:1IIIIITotal54.560.372.983.693.897.297.4108.1123.6133.0133.1161.5179.1186.2190.6194.6224.0237.9244.7255.3277.3289.0306.8254.7269.7288.2305.6336.0364.0386.2426.5473.6492.3518.8563.1631.4579.2596.8613.6631.4653.9673.3696.0Cashonhandandinbanks*10.813.113.917.621.621.621.722.825.025.326.528.130.030.831.133.434.634.834.937.436.337.241.134.837.139.840.542.841.945.548.247.950.255.760.565.261.262.362.265.262.862.263.9U.S.Governmentsecurities22.22.04.010.116.420.921.115.314.114.816.819.720.719.921.519.223.519.118.618.822.820.120.016.516.816.715.814.413.010.311.510.67.710.79.910.710.89.69.510.711.710.410.7ReceivablesfromU.S.Government342.443.00.1 23.9.6 27.44.0 23.35.0 21.94.7 21.82.7 23.2.738.3 30.01.12.72.82.62.42.32.62.82.82.93.13.43.43.73.63.43.94.55.15.14.84.23.53.43.53.22.93.03.53.23.43.555.758.864.665.971.286.695.199.4106.9117.7126.1135.894.599.5106.9116.5130.2142.1150.2168.8192.2201.9208.8230.5255.8235.7245.6254.2255.8265.6278.7284.1NotesandaccountsreceivableInventoriesO<strong>the</strong>rcurrentassets*TotalAll corporations »18.019.825.627.327.626.826.337.644.648.945.355.164.965.867.265.372.880.482.281.988.491.895.21.41.51.41.31.31.42.41.71.61.61.41.72.12.42.43.14.25.96.77.59.110.611.430.032.840.747.351.651.745.851.961.564.460.779.892.696.198.999.7121.0130.5133.1136.6153.1160.4171.2Nonfinancial corporations«95.0100.5106.8113.1126.6142.8153.1166.0186.4193.3200.3215.1247.0222.8230.3238.2247.0258.9269.7282.710.512.114.416.318.119.722.026.931.635.039.743.649.345.546.046.649.351.648.851.1123.7132.4145.5156.6178.8199.4211.3244.1287.9304.9313.9338.8386.1347.4359.1371.7386.1400.7415.8432.4Advancesandprepayments,U.S.Government30.6.82.02.21.8.9.137.639.337.5.41.32.32.22.42.32.42.31.71.71.81.81.82.02.52.73.14.45.86.47.36.64.94.04.34.14.54.44.34.54.75.122.625.624.024.125.024.831.547.953.657.057.359.373.881.584.388.799.3105.0112.882.686.794.5102.2118.4133.1141.3162.4191.9204.7207.3221.6251.9222.8232.5240.8251.9256.7268.3276.6NotesandaccountspayableFederalincometaxliabilities1.22.57.112.616.615.510.48.510.711.59.316.721.318.118.715.519.317.615.412.915.013.514.113.314.315.716.218.317.413.214.312.610.012.214.116.615.713.915.316.618.717.420.5O<strong>the</strong>rcurrentliabilities6.97.17.28.78.79.49.711.813.213.514.014.916.518.720.722.525.729.031.133.337.040.142.526.029.432.835.539.044.551.061.076.083.689.599.1113.3104.7108.1111.2113.3120.7125.3130.2Networkingcapital24.527.532.336.342.145.651.656.262.168.672.481.686.590.191.894.9103.0107.4111.6118.7124.2128.6135.6131.0137.3142.7149.0157.2164.6174.9182.4185.7187.4204.8224.3245.3231.8237.7241.9245.3253.2257.4263.6i Includes time certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit.3 Includes Federal agency issues.3 Receivables from and payables to <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government do not include amounts <strong>of</strong>fset against each o<strong>the</strong>r on corporations'booksor amounts arising from subcontracting which are not directly due from or to <strong>the</strong> U.S. Government. Whereverpossible, adjustments have been made to include U.S. Government advances <strong>of</strong>fset against inventories on corporations'books.4 1 ncludes marketable investments (o<strong>the</strong>r than Government securities and time certificates <strong>of</strong> deposit) as well as sundrycurrent assets.s Excludes banks, savings and loan associations, and insurance companies.° Excludes banks, sayings and loan associations, insurance companies, investment companies, finance companies(personal and commercial), real estate companies, and security and commodity brokers, dealers, and exchanges.Note.—Year-end data through 1970 are based on "Statistics <strong>of</strong> Income" (Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury), covering virtuallyall corporations in <strong>the</strong> United States. "Statistics <strong>of</strong> Income" data may not be strictly comparable from year to year because<strong>of</strong> changes in <strong>the</strong> tax laws, basis for filing returns, and processing <strong>of</strong> data for compilation purposes. All o<strong>the</strong>r figures shownare estimates based on data compiled from many different sources, including data on corporations registered with <strong>the</strong>Securities and Exchange Commission.Source: Securities and Exchange Commission.340


TABLE C-80.—State and municipal and corporate securities <strong>of</strong>fered, 1934-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Corporate securities <strong>of</strong>fered for cashYear or quarterState andmunicipalsecurities<strong>of</strong>feredfor cash(principalamounts)Type <strong>of</strong> corporate securityTotalcorporate<strong>of</strong>feringsCommonstockPreferredstockBondsandnotesIndustry <strong>of</strong> corporate issuerwater >Manufacturing^Electric,Transportation»CommunicationO<strong>the</strong>r1934939397193716713317619391,1282,16487981,9806041,27118610319401941194219431944194519461947194819491,2389565244356617951,1572,3242,6902,9072,6772,6671,0621,1703,2026,0116,9006,5777,0786,05210811034561633978917796147361831671121243697581,1277624924252,3862,3909179902,6694,8554,8825,0365,9734,8909928485395101,0612,0263,7012,7422,2261,4141,2031,3574724771,4222,3192,1583,2572,1872,320324366481616091,454711286755800902571159964211092113292931,008946195019511952195319543,5323,1894,4015,5586,9696,3617,7419,5348,8989,5168111,2121,3691,3261,2136318385644898164,9205,6917,6017,0837,4881,2003,1224,0392,2542,2682,6492,4552,6753,0293,7138134949925957783996127608827201,3001,0581,0682,1382,037195519561957195819595,9775,4466,9587,4497,68110,24010,93912,88411,5589,7482,1852,3012,5161,3342,0276356364115715317,4208,0029,9579,6537,1902,9943,6474,2343,5152,0732,4642,5293,9383,8043,2588937248248249671,1321,4191,4621,4247172,7572,6192,4261,9912,733196019611962196319647,2308,3608,55810,10710,54410,15413,16510,70512,21113,9571,6643,2941,3141,0112,6794094504223434128,0819,4208,96910,85610,8652,1524,0773,2493,5143,0462,8513,0322,8252,6772,7607186945679579821,0501,8341,3031,1052,1893,3833,5272,7613,9574,9801965196619671968196911,14811,08914,28816,37411,46015,99218,07424,79821,96626,7441,5471,9391,9593,9467,71472557488563768213,72015,56121,95417,38318,3485,4177,07011,0586,9796,3562,9363,6654,9355,2816,7361,0131,9722,0671,8752,1469472,0031,9791,7662,1885,6803,3644,7596,0649,31919701971197219731974 »._17,76224,37022,94422,95322,72638,94343,44639,88832,12837,6117,2389,56110,7237,7414,0821,3933,6823,3403,3752,23530,31230,20325,82521,01231,29410,51311,6246,4824,83710, 31611,01611,74611,31410,27012,7852,2181,3149371,1271,0325,1385,8154,8354,9053,91510,05812,94716,32010,9899,5631973: I.ILIIIIV5,6295,5895,0966,6397,9688,1336,2319,7962,7331,8191,2961,8931,1415974471,1904,0945,7174,4886,7131,3661,1151,4902,4282,9042,0412,8971852343403681,2129628691,8623,2772,6671,8663,1791974: I.II.IIIIV6,3496,4414,0635,8739,2469,1997,45311,7139591,0028351,2868185344594247,4697,6636,15910,0031,9262,5341,8653,9913,5693,1902,3493,677171701476448741,3139997292,7062,0922,0932,672* Prior to 1948, also includes extractive, radio broadcasting, airline companies, commercial, and miscellaneous companyissues.* Prior to 1948, also includes telephone, street railway, and bus company issues.3 Prior to 1948, includes railroad issues only.Note.—Covers substantially all new issues <strong>of</strong> State, municipal, and corporate securities <strong>of</strong>fered for cash sale in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates in amounts over $100,000 and with terms to maturity <strong>of</strong> more than 1 year; excludes notes issued exclusively tocommercial banks, intercorporate transactions, investment company issues, and issues to be sold over an extended period,such as employee-purchase plans.Sources: Securities and Exchange Commission, "The Commercial and Financial Chronicle," and "The Bond Buyer."341


TABLE C-81.—Common stock prices, earnings, and yields, and stock market credit, 1949-74Year or monthTotal(500stocks)Standard & Poor's common stock dataPrice indexes iIndustrials(425stocks)Publicutilities(55stocks)Railroads(20stocks)Dividendyield(percent)2Price/earningsratiosMargin credit at brokers and banks(end <strong>of</strong> period) *Regulated«Total Brokers BanksUnregulated;nonmarginstockcreditatbanks •1941-43=10Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars194915.2315.0017.8712.836.596.49195019511952195319541955195619571958195918 4022 3424.5024 7329.6940.4946 6244.3846.2457 3818 3322 6824.7824 8430.2542 4049 8047 6349.3661 4519 9620 5922.8624 0327.5731.3732 2532 1937.2244 1515 5319 9122.4922 60'23.9632.9433 6528.1127.0535.096 576 135.805 804.954 084 094 353.973 237 158.5710.579 7711.7512.5913 2512.7316.3317.32196019611962196319641965196619671968196955 8566 2762 3869 8781 3788 1785 2691 9398 7097 8459 4369 9965 5473 3986 1993 4891 0899.18107 49107 1346 8660 2059 1664 9969 9176 0868 2168 1066 4262 6430 3132 8330.5637 5845 4646 7846 3446.7248 8445 953 472 983.373 173 013 003 403.203 073 2416 9821 6817.3918 2018.8117 9215 1517.4817 6616.481970197119721973197483 2298.29109 20107.4382.8591 29108.35121 79120.4492.9154 4859.3356 9053.4738.9132 1341.9444.1138.0137.533 833.142.843.064.4715 6918.5018.2014.226,5359,0456,3825,7008,1805,2518358651 1311,8661973: JanFeb.MarAprMayJune118.42114 16112.42110.27107 22104.75132.55127 87126.05123.56119 95117.2060.0157 5255.9455.3455 4354.3742.8740 6139.2938.8836 1434.352.692.802.832.903.013.0616.4014.428,8408,6408,3478,1657,6507,3697,9757,7737,4687,2936,7846,4168658678798728669531,9321,9511,8621,9521,9921,973JulyAug .SeptOctNovDec1974: JanFeb .MarAprMayJune .105.83103.80105 61109.84102 0394.7896 1193.4597.4492 4689.6789.79118.65116 75118 52123.42114 64106.16107 18104.13108.98103 66101.17101.6253.3150 1452 3153.2248 3045.7348 6048.1347.9044 0339 3537.4635.2233 7635 4938.2439 7441.4844 3741.8542.8040 2637.0437.313.043.163 133.053.363.703 643.813.653.864.004.0214 1011 9511.169.717,2997,0816,9547,0936,7746,3826,3436,4626,5276,5676,3816,2976,2436,0565,9495,9125,6715,2515,3235,4235,5195,5585,3615,2601,0561,0251 0051,1811,1031,1311,0201,0391,0081,0091,0201,0371,9571,9521,9091,8781,9171,8661,8451,8431,8691,8681,8582,072JulyAug .SeptOctNovDec82.8276.0368 1269 4471.7467.0793.5485.5176 5477 5780.1774.8035.3734.0030 9333 8034.4532.8535 6335.0631 5533 7035.9534.814.424.905 455 385.135.436.865,9485,6255,0974,9254,6724,1734,0804,1031,0239539242,0912,1192,060> Monthly data are averages <strong>of</strong> daily figures and annual data are averages <strong>of</strong> monthly figures,a Aggregate cash dividends (based on latest known annual rate) divided by aggregate market value based on Wednesdayclosing prices. Monthly data are averages <strong>of</strong> weekly figures; annual data are averages <strong>of</strong> monthly figures.* Ratio <strong>of</strong> price index for last day <strong>of</strong> quarter to quarterly earnings (seasonally adjusted annual rate). Annual ratios areaverages <strong>of</strong> quarterly data.* Margin credit includes all credit extended to purchase or carry stocks or related equity instruments and secured atleast in part by stock. Credit extended by brokers is end-<strong>of</strong>-month data for member firms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> New York Stock Exchange.June data for banks are universe totals; all o<strong>the</strong>r data fcr banks represent estimates for all commercial banks,which accounted for 60 percent <strong>of</strong> security credit outstanding at banks on June 30,1971.* In addition to assigning a current loan value to margin stock generally, Regulations T and U permit special loan valuesfor convertible bonds and stock acquired through exercise <strong>of</strong> subscription rights.* Nonmargin stocks are those not listed on a national securities exchange and not included in <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Governors<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System's list <strong>of</strong> over-<strong>the</strong>-counter margin stocks. At banks, loans to purchase or carry nonmarginstocks are unregulated; at brokers, such stocks have no loan value.Sources: Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System, New York Stock Exchange, and Standard & Poor's Corporation.342


1929193331939 3194019411942 .. .1943194419451946194719481949195019511952195319541955 .195619571958195919601961—1962196319641965....19661967196819691970...1971197219731974Year or month1973:JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec1974:JanFeb. .MarAprMayJune ... .JulyAugSept..OctNovDec...TABLE C-82.—Business formation and business failures, 1929-74Index<strong>of</strong> netbusinessformation(1967-100)112.687.893.193.398.294.491.399.195.290.489.596.892.488.390.793.397.298.698.2100.0109.8116.2108.0111.0117.9117.9^113.4Newbusinessrations(numkor\132.916112,89796,34685,64093,09283,77892,946102,706117,411139,915141,163137,112150 781193,067182,713181,535182,057186,404197, 724203,897200,010206,569233,635274,267264,209287,577316,601329,3584294,279Seasonally adjusted119.1119.9120.8119.3118.8118.5118.2117.2115.6116.2117.6113.8113.0113.1114.0116.1116.7115.8118.8114.8110.5106.9107.427, 79628,75228,96428, 52228, 28627,99927,47726,68926, 24026, 80926,71824, 62726,20927,14226,57829,40628,01225, 87728,03626,13926,14325,30325,434nessfailure103.9100.369.663.054.444.616.46.54.25.214.320.434.434.330.728.733.242.041.648.051.755.951.857.064.460.856.353.253.351.649.038.637.343.841.738.336.438.434.936.035.935.236.338.235.739.138.637.034.735.735.537.540.834.139.737.037.733.445.247.036.337.0Total22,90919,85914,76813,61911,8489 4053,2211,2228091 1293 4745,2509,2469,1628,0587 6118,86211 08610 96912,68613, 73914 96414,05315 44517 07515, 78214 37413 50113 51413,06112 3649 6369 15410 74810 3269 5669 3459,915Number <strong>of</strong> failures772753874796838840714837717772739693795797971802925789782709839993785728Business failures 1Liability sizeclassUnder$100,00022,16518,88014,54113,40011,6859 2823,1551,1767591 0033 1034,8538,7088,7467,6267,0818,07510 22610 11311,61512,54713 49912,70713 65015,00613,77212 19211,34611,34010,83310 1447,8297,1928,0197 6117 0406,6276,733534557647598559608520580502519513490505559686606619521522474559634544503$100,000andover744979227219163123664650126371397538416432530787860 "8561,0711,1921 4651,3461 7952,0692,0102 1822,1552,1742,2282 2201,8071,9622,7292 7152,5262,7183,182238196in 198279232194257215253226203290238285196306268260235280359241225Amount <strong>of</strong> currentliabilities (millions<strong>of</strong> dollars)Total483.3457.5182.5166.7136.1100.845.331.730.267.3204.6234.6308.1248.3259.5283.3394.2462.6449.4562.7615.3728.3692.8938.61, 090.11,213.61,352.61,329.21,321.71,385.71,265.2941.01,142.11,887.81,916.92,000.22,298.63,053.1205.8137.2252.3119.3167.9180.2206.2190.1189.5185.7218.7245.6337.3213.1204.6209.8375.7215.5153.4232.7217.0306.8344.7242.6Liability sizeclassUnder$100,000261.5215.5132.9119.9100.780.330.214.511.415.763.793.9161.4151.2131.6131.9167.5211.4206.4239.8267.1297.6278.9327.2370.1346.5321.0313.6321.7321.5297.9241.1231.3269.3271.3258.8235.6256.919.119.323.120.719.020.419.620.418.518.719,617.219.322.225.522.123.619.819.818.122.523.921.818.3$100,000andover221.8242.049.746.835.420.515.117.118.851.6140.9140.7146.797.1128.0151.4226.6251.2243.0322.9348.2430.7413.9611.4720.0867.11,031.61,015.61,000.01,064.1967.3699.9910.81,618.41,645.61,741.52,063.02,796.3186.7117.9229.298.7149.0159.8186.6169. £171.0167.0199.1228.4317.9191.0179.1187.7352.1195.7133.6214.6194.5282.9322.9224.31 Commercial and industrial failures only. Excludes failures <strong>of</strong> banks and railroads and, beginning 1933, <strong>of</strong> real estate,insurance, holding, and financial companies, steamship lines, travel agencies, etc.3 Failure rate per 10,000 listed enterprises.3 Series revised; not strictly comparable with earlier data.« Preliminary; based on seasonally adjusted data through November.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Dun & Bradstreet, Inc.343


1929193319391940194119421943194419451946194719481949195019511952195319541955195619571958_.1959Year orquarter196019611962196319641965 .19661967_ .19681969 ..-.19701971 . .. _19721973 . . ..1974 PFromallsourcesAGRICULTURETABLE G-83.—Income <strong>of</strong> farm people and farmers, 1929-74Personal incomereceived by totalfarm population7.47.610.114.116.516.617.220.021.123.819.520.322.722.019.718.317.417.617.519.217.418.219.019.819.819.722.623.722.623.926.627.128.233.750.446.7Fromfarmsources 14.84.86.810.112.112.212.815.515.818.013.314.116.115.313.312.411.211.110.812.510.411.111.411.411.110.112.112.711.011.312.912.913.216.531.325.8Fromnonfarmsources 22.62.83.33.94.44.44.44.65.35.86.26.36.56.76.45.96.26.66.66.77.17.17.68.48.89.710.511.011.612.713.714.215.017.219.020.9Realized grossTotal 3Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars13.97.110.611.113.918.823.424.425.829.534.134.731.632.337.136.835.133.733.334.434.238.137.938.540.241.742.743.145.550.649.951.756.358.660.669.997.0102.011.35.37.98.411.115.619.620.521.724.829.630.227.828.532.932.531.029.829.530.429.733.533.634.235.236.537.537.339.443.442.844.248.250.552.961.088.695.0Income received from farming7.74.46.36.97.810.011.612.313.114.517.018.818.019.522.322.821.521.822.222.723.725.827.227.428.630.231.531.733.536.438.339.542.244.647.652.464.774.8Net to farmoperatorsCashreceiptsfrommarketingsProductionexpensesExcludingnetinventorychange6.32.74.34.26.18.811.812.112.815.017.115.913.612.814.814.013.611.911.111.710.512.310.711.111.611.511.211.412.014.111.612.214.214.013.017.532.227.2Seasonally adjusted annual ratesIncludingnetinventorychange *6.22.64.44.56.59.911.711.712.315.115.417.712.813.615.915.013.012.411.311.311.113.210.711.512.012.111.910.613.014.112.312.314.314.014.418.436.229.6Net income perfarm, includingnet inventorychangeCurrentdollarsDollars9453796857061,0311,5881,9271,9502,0632,5432,6153,0442,2332,4172,9362,8782,6042,5792,4292,4932,5363,1112,6062,8963,1273,2773,3183,0643,8834,3163,8774,0184,7534,7524,9576,41012,74410,4601967dollars 51,9691,1151,8511,8582,5783,4523,7063,6113,6194,0373,5343,9032,9773,1803,5373,4263,1003,0702,8922,9332,8823,4962,9283,2183,4743,6013,6073,2954,0874,4043,8773,8634,3614,1684,1665,1699,2356,5001972: 1IIIIIIV66.068.969.575.457.460.060.266.450.552.152.554.615.516.817.020.816.617.717.821.55,7806,1706,2007,4904,7404,9804,9605,9401973: 1IIIIIIV86.293.2101.8106.777.584.893.698.560.162.967.069.026.130.334.837.729.633.339.342.710,41011,71013,82015,0107,9508,6109,87010, 3501974: 1IIIIIIV v105.098.4102.1102.598.091.394.596.272.174.576.576.132.923.925.626.436.926.927.626.913,0409,5009,7509,5008,5805,9705,9505,5901 Net income to farm operators including net inventory change, less net income <strong>of</strong> nonresident operators, plus wages andsalaries and o<strong>the</strong>r labor income <strong>of</strong> farm resident workers, less contributions <strong>of</strong> farm resident operators and workers tosocial insurance.2 Consists <strong>of</strong> income received by farm residents from nonfarm sources, such as wages and salaries from nonfarm employment,nonfarm business and pr<strong>of</strong>essional income, rents from nonfarm real estate, dividends, interest, royalties,unemployment compensation, and social security payments.3 Cash receipts from marketings, Government payments, and nonmoney and o<strong>the</strong>r farm income furnished by farms(excluding net inventory change).4 Includes net value <strong>of</strong> physical change in inventory <strong>of</strong> crops and livestock valued at average prices for <strong>the</strong> year.5 Income in current dollars divided by <strong>the</strong> index <strong>of</strong> prices paid by farmers for family living items on a 1967 base.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.344


TABLE C-84.—Farm production indexes, 1929-74[1967=100]Year1929....1933....1939....1940.._1941...1942...1943...1944...1945...1946 ...1947__.1948.__1949...1950...1951...1952...1953...1954...1955...1956...1957...1958...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963...1964...1965...1966...1967...1968...1969...1970...1971...1972...1973...1974 P..Farmoutput!535158606370697170726976747476798080838381878991929296959895100102102101111110112109Crops 2Total 3625664676876727573777384797778828180838281898993929296939995100103104101112113119110Feedgrains48445152566458615964497163635962616468677380838677788574878910095998911611211592 Hayandforage69616676758280798277747373788179818186828989859090939494989610099101100106105110104Foodgrains5235485259625466697284816965648275666365629173867974778588881001059891107102112120Vegetables736572747579868284938186838580808482859188908990969494909697100104101101100101103110Fruitsandnuts7072918893928092841009587929394919393939789969993979795951009810098116109116104124122Cotton204178162173148176157168124119163205220137208208208226188202183150157170195204211232205130100148137139145187174157Tobacco7770977464727199101118107101100103119114105114112111858891991051181191139496100879197868889100Oilcrops10925272940413635343947454647464749536058696468777881819597100114116117121131155129Livestock and products 2Total 3545759616471777473717068727578798082848583858988919295989597100100101105108108105109Meatanimals525859606372817370686766697479797881868380828885899095989296100101102108112110109117Dairyproducts7680828589929193959493909393929297989910110110110010110410510410510410110099981001011029898 Poultryandeggs323235363945525254505049545759606164636970747676828284879096100981001061071091061061 Farm output measures <strong>the</strong> annual volume <strong>of</strong> net farm production available for eventual human use through sales fromfarms or consumption in farm households.2 Gross production.3 Includes certain items not shown separately.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.345563-280 O - 75 - 23


TABLE C-85.—Farm population, employment, and productivity, 1929-74Farm population(April l)iFarm employment(thousands) 3Farm outputYearNumber(thousands)As percent<strong>of</strong>totalpopulation»TotalFamilyworkersHiredworkersPerunit <strong>of</strong>totalinputCropPer man-hour productionperLivestockacre*Total CropsandproductsIndex, 1967=1001929.1933.1939.1940.1941..1942.1943..1944.1945..1946..1947..1948..1949..1950..1951..1952..1953..1954..30,58032,39330,84030, 54730,11828,91426,18624, 81524,42025,40325, 82924,38324,19423,04821, 89021, 74819, 87419, 01925.125.823.523.122.621.419.217.917.518.017.916.616.215.214.213.912.511.712,76312,73911,33810,97910,66910,50410,44610, 21910, 00010, 29510,38210,3639,9649,9269,5469,1498,8648,6519,3609,8748,6118,3008,0177,9498,0107,9887,8818,1068,1158,0267,7127,5977,3107,0056,7756,5703,4032,8652,7272,6792,6522,5552,4362,2312,1192,1892,2672,3372,2522,3292,2362,1442,0892,0815455616264706869707370767373737677781716202122242425272929323334353840421717212224262627293131353637364041432625272728303231313233343637394041435650606263706468677167757069707372711955..1956..1957..1958..1959..I960..1961..1962..1963..1964..1965..1966..1967..1968..1969..1970...1971...1972...1973...1974 P..19, 07818, 71217,65617,12816,59215, 63514,80314,31313,36712,95412,36311, 59510, 87510,45410, 3079,7129,4259,6109,4729,26411.511.110.39.89.48.78.17.77.16.86.45.95.55.25.1.78,3817,8527,6007,5037,3427,0576,9196,7006,5186,1105,6105,2144,9034,7494,5964,5234,4364,3734,3374,?946,3455,9005,6605,5215,3905,1725,0294,8734,7384,5064,1283,8543,6503,5353,4193,3483,2753,2283,1693,1162,036,952,940,982,952,885,890,827,780,604,482,360,253,213,176,175,161,146,168,17880828289899394959998102971001011011001081071061034548515760656872778191931001061091111231261291254650546263687074798193951001051061061151191261164648505458626671778286931001051121211301381441407476778685899295979510097100105106104112115115104i Farm population as defined by Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, i.e., civilian populationliving on farms, regardless <strong>of</strong> occupation.' Total population <strong>of</strong> United States as <strong>of</strong> July 1 including Armed Forces overseas.3 Includes persons doing farmwork on all farms."~ . These data, published by <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Statistical<strong>Report</strong>ing Service, differ from those on agricultural employment by <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Labor (see Table C-24) because <strong>of</strong>differences in <strong>the</strong> method <strong>of</strong> approach, in concepts <strong>of</strong> employment, and in time <strong>of</strong> month for which <strong>the</strong> data are collected.See monthly report on "Farm Labor."* Computed from variable weights for individual crops produced each year.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census).346


TABLE C-86.—Indexes <strong>of</strong> prices received and prices paid by farmers, and parity ratio, 1929-74[Index, 1967 = 100, except as noted]Prices received by farmersPrices paid by farmersParity ratio *Year or monthAll farmproductsCropsLivestockandproductsAll items,interest,taxes, andwage ratesFamilylivingitemsProductionitemsActualAdjusted 219295865574748519219332831253234346466193937423936374277851940 . .194119421943. .19441945194619471948..19493949637678819310911398445570858792104122127111395062717176871041149836394450535661707673384046525457637478754345525760616778878381931051131081091131151101008898109116110111115116111100195019511952.. .19531954195519561957 . .19581959.1021191131009791919298951031171181061071021049999981011211109790848288999375828481818181848687768384848484858889898695958989878790929310110710092898483828581102108101938985848588821960196119621963 .1964196519661967. .196819699494969693981051001031089910010310610610310510010197919192898594105100104117888890919294981001041099090919293959810010410992939495949699100102106807980787677807473748283838180828679798019701971.19721973.19741973:Jan 15Febl5. . ...Mar 15Apr 15.May 15June 15July 15Augl5Sept 15Oct 15Novl5Dec 1511011212617218314514915915816317217320819118418118510010711516421213113113814315417016219618218018119511811613417916315516217416917017418121819818818317911412012714516813413613814114314614615115015115215411411912413816112913113313413613813814114214314614711011512214617213213413813914314914815715415315315672697488818082858385878810295918990777479918183848886889091105979492921974: Jan 15Feb 15Mar 15Apr 15May 15June 15198202194183175165208220216205201199193190179169158142157159161164165166149153155157159160161161162167166168949490837974949490837974July 15Aug 15Sept 15Oct 15Nov 15Dec 151751811781851821772042142112282242111551601541551531531681731751761781791611641661671711731701781821831831847778757876737878757876731 Percentage ratio <strong>of</strong> index <strong>of</strong> prices received by farmers to index <strong>of</strong> prices paid, interest, taxes, and wages rates on1910-14=100 base.2 The adjusted parity ratio reflects Government payments made directly to farmers.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.347


TABLEYear19291933 . . .193919401941194219431944 - . .194519461947194819491950195119521953195419551956195719581959196019611962196319641965 .196619671968196919701971197219731974 vC-87.—Selected measures <strong>of</strong> farm resources and inputs.Cropsharvested(millions<strong>of</strong>acres) i365340331341344348 '357362354352355356360345344349348346340324324324324324302295298298298294306300290293305296322326Manhours<strong>of</strong>farmwork(billions)23.222.620.720.520.020.620.320.218.818.117.216.816.215.115.214.514.013.312.812.011.110.510.39.89.49.08.78.27.46.96.86.56.46.26.15.95.95.91929-74Index numbers <strong>of</strong> inputs (1967=100)Total100949697981011021031009999100102101104105104103103101989810098979797979698100101101101102102106105Farmlabor32431629028828429128728526725624223622821421420519718918217216015314914313713112712010810210097949290878787Farmrealestate1029610110210199979797101102102103104104103103104103101101991009999999999999910099989897959797Mechanicalpowerandmachinery383239414451545758576371798389949595969796979795939492939499100102101101103101111109Agriculturalchemicals210612131415172020212426283033363738404141445050545966727786100106no110120125131135Feed,seed,andlivestockpurchases3312841"434649535355545657636468707072737675818484878989919297100101104109109110109108Taxesandinterest697167686869727475767674777777798080828281828687899092949598100103105106104107105104Miscellaneous9288838484828488858788939893100999996100961001051091091081101101121091041001061051071051131201201 Acreage harvested (excludini2 Fertilizer, lime, and pesticides.3 Nonfarm portion <strong>of</strong> feed, seed, and livestock purchases.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.in fruits, tree nuts, and farm gardens.348


TABLE C-88.—Comparative balance sheet <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farming sector, 1929-75[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]AssetsClaimsO<strong>the</strong>r physical assetsFinancial assetsBeginning <strong>of</strong>yearTotalRealestateCrops 2U.S.savingsbondsTotalRealestatedebtO<strong>the</strong>rdebtLivestock^MachineryandmotorvehiclesHouseholdequipmentandfurnishingsDepositsandcurrencyInvestmentin cooperativesProprietors'equities192948.06.63.29.8193330.83.02.58.5193934.15.13.26.8194019411942194319441945194619471948194952.955.062.973.784.694.2103.5116.4127.9134.933.634.437.541.648.253.961.068.573.776.65.15.37.19.69.79.09.711.913.314.43.13.34.04.95.46.55.45.37.410.12.73.03.85.16.16.76.37.19.08.64.24.24.95.05.35.66.17.78.59.13.23.54.25.46.67.99.410.29.99.60.2.4.51.12.23.44.24.24.44.60.8.9.91.01.11.21.41.51.71.952.955.062.973.784.694.2103.5116.4127.9134.96.66 56.46 05.44 94.84.95.15.33.43.94.14 03.53.43.23.64.26.142.944 652.463 775.785 995.5107.9118 6123.51950195119521953195419551956195719581959I96019611962 . .196319641965 ... .1966 . .196719681969197019711972197319741975 v132.5151.5167.0164.3161.2165.1169.6177.9185.8202.1203.5204 2212.8221.4229.3237.3253.8266.8280.3295.2306.0317.5343.1386.8478.8530.975.386.695.196 595.098.2102.9110.4115 9124.4130.2131 8138.0143.8152.1160.9172.2181.7191.9201.4206.9214.9231.5260.6325.3374.112.917.119.514.811.711.210.611.013.917.715.215.516.417.315.814.417.518.918.820.223.423.827.334.145.812.214.116.717.418.418.619.320.220.221.822.722.222.523.423.924.825.927.429.831.332.334.436.639.143.6126.87.67.98.89.09.29.68.48.37.69.37.78.08.89.39.89.29.710.09.610.610.910.711.814.522.18.69.710.39.99.910.010.510.09.99.89.68.99.19.08.98.68.68.49.09.69.710.111.011.913.69.19.19.49.49.49.49.59.49.510.09.28.78.89.29.29.610.010.310.911.511.912.413.214.014.94.74.74.74.64.75.05.25.15.15.24.74.64.44.44.24.24.03.93.83.83.73.63.74.04.030.02.12.32.52.72.93.13.23.53.73.94.24.54.85.05.45.65.96.26.56.87.27.68.08.69.5132.5151.5167.0164.3161.2165.1169.6177.9185.8202.1203.5204.2212.8221.4229.3237.3253.8266.8280.3295.2306.0317.5343.1386.8478.8530.95.66.16.77.27.78.29.09.810.411.112.112.813.915.216.818.921.223.325.527.429.230.332.235.841.347.46.87.08.08.99.29.49.89.510.012.512.713.414.816.518.118.620.422.424.927.629.731.635.639.142.847.5120.1138 4152.3148 2144.3147.5150.8158.6165.4178.5178.7178.0184.1189.7194.4199.8212.2221.1229.9240.2247.1255.6275.3311.9394.7436.01 Beginning with 1961, horses and mules are excluded.2 Includes all crops held on farms and crops held <strong>of</strong>f farms by farmers as security for Commodity Credit Corporationloans. The latter on January 1,1975 totaled approximately $0.3 billion.Note.—Beginning 1969, data include Alaska and Hawaii.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.349


INTERNATIONAL STATISTICSTABLE C-89.—U.S. balance <strong>of</strong> payments, 1946-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]YearorquarterExportsMerchandise 13ImportsNetbalanceMilitary transactionsDirectexpendituresSalesNetbalanceNet investmentincomePrivatesU.S.GovernmentNettravelandtransportationexpendituresO<strong>the</strong>rservices,net 3Balanceongoodsandservices14Remittances,pensions,ando<strong>the</strong>runilateraltransfersiBalanceoncurrentaccount1946...1947...1948...1949...1950...1951...1952...1953...1954...1955...1956...1957...1958...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963...1964...1965...1966...1967...1968...1969...1970...1971...1972 ...1973...197412..11,76416,09713, 26512,21310, 20314, 24313,44912,41212, 92914,42417, 55619, 56216,41416,45819,65020,10820,78122,27225, 50126,46129, 31030,66633,62636, 41441,94742, 75448, 76870,27794,696-5,067-5,973-7, 557-6, 874-9,081-11,176-10,838-10,975-10,353-11,527-12,803-13,291-12,952-15,310-14,758-14,537-16,260-17,048-18,700-21,510-25, 493-26,866-32,991-35, 807-39, 788-45, 476-55, 754-69,806-100,3796,69710,1245,7085,3391,1223,0672,6111,4372,5762,8974,7536,2713,4621,1484,8925,5714,5215,2246,8014,9513,8173,8006356072,159-2, 722-6, 986471-5,683-493-455-799-621-576-1,270-2,054-2,615-2,642-2,901-2,949-3, 216-3,435-3,107-3, 087-2, 998-3,105-2,961-2,880-2,952-3, 764-4, 378-4, 535-4,856-4,855-4,819-4, 759-4,620-4,989(10)(10)(10)(10)200 -2, 701161 -2, 788375 -2, 841300 -3,135302 -2,805335 -2,753402 -2, 596656 -2, 448657 -2, 304747 -2,1338291,1501,3921,5121,4781,9121,1542,3542,839-493-455-799-621(10) -576-1,270(10) -2,054192 -2,423182 -2, 460830 -2,122-2, 935-3, 228-3,143-3, 344-3, 377-2,908-3,604-2,266-2,1505548079759891,1461,3171,2671,2831,5941,7752,0542,1742,0082,1472,2702,8323,1773,2273,9264,1433,7284,0874,2073,6553,8955,9766,4138,29812,64965085737815114016621318040416868733946374230-12029883-238-269-297-361-189-633-82126 _ 1,28455 — 1,33241 — 1,75163 1,548156 -1,763-111 -2,023-955 -2,341-1,887 -3, 055-3, 008 -2,710-3,133 -2,35531014517520824225430930730529944748248657317105-964-978632649134 — 1,155 86098 1,312 1,0079 - 1,149 1,0881,4261, 5361,7101,7662,0342,3882,7813,1103,5403,8377,80711,6176,5186,2181,8923,8172,3565321,9592,1534,1455,9012,3563104,0945,5845,0885,9418,5427,1404,8684,6571,9801,344-2,922-2,625-4,525-5,638-4, 017-3, 515-2, 531-2,481-2,280-2,498-2,423-2,345-2,361-2,448-2,300-2, 514-2,628-2, 742-2,754-2,853-2,925-3,113-2,943-2,9784,8858,9921,993580-2,125302-175-1,949-321-3451,7223,556-5-2,1381,7943,0702,4603,1995,7884,2871,9431,544-962-1,6332,932-170-6,0104,327-3,256-3,647-3, 797-3,876-324-3,817-9,8074503,165 13-8,136 13-4,971Seasonally adjusted1972:1IIIIL'IIV..-11,65511,53412, 35713,222-13,482-13,329-13,953-14,990-1,827-1,795-1,596-1,768-1,222-1,242-1,10914-1,185326281252295-896-961-857"-8901,4261,4661,7021,819-406-448-490-543-807-737-741-770747 -1,763753 -1,722788 -1,194822 -1,330-990-954-958-896-2, 753-2,676-2,152-2,2261973:IL.II111...IV...15,23016,67918,15220, 216-16,184-17,042-17,574-19,006-954-3635781,210-1,175.14-1,209-1, 067-1,1693424465201,046-833H-763-547-1232,0811,9682,0522,197-634-760-795-819-686-781-613-630841815984901-1851161,6592,736-761-1,056-897-1,164-946-9407621, 5721974:1nV.'.Ilib..IV*..22, 29924, 08924,63426,109-22, 373-25, 720-27,191-27,631-74-1,631-2, 557-5,763-1,166-1,319-1,257673655801-493-664-4563,8432,6353,009-767-789-794-533-730-5039219959622,897-184-33913-2,951-1,902-1,24913-54-2, 086-1,588i Excludes military grants.3 Adjusted from Census data for differences in timing and coverage.3 Fees and royalties from U.S. direct investments abroad or from foreign direct investments in <strong>the</strong> United States areexcluded from net investment income and included in o<strong>the</strong>r services, net.4 In concept, equal to net exports <strong>of</strong> goods and services in <strong>the</strong> national income and product accounts, although <strong>the</strong> twoseries may differ because <strong>of</strong> revisions, special handling <strong>of</strong> certain items, etc.& Excludes liabilities to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficial reserve agencies.6 Private foreigners exclude <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund (IMF), but include o<strong>the</strong>r international and regionalorganizations.i Includes liabilities to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies reported by U.S. Government and U.S. banks and U.S. liabilities to <strong>the</strong>IMF arising from reversible gold sales to, and gold deposits with, <strong>the</strong> United States.s Official reserve assets include gold, special drawing rights, convertible currencies, and <strong>the</strong> U.S. gold tranche positionin <strong>the</strong> IMF. Minus sign indicates increase.(Footnotes continued on following page.)350


TABLE G-89.—U.S. balance <strong>of</strong> payments,[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]1946-74—ContinuedYear orquarterLong-termcapitalflows,netU.S.GovernmentsPrivatesBalanceon currentaccountandlongtermcapitalNonliquidshorttermprivatecapitalflows,net«Allocations<strong>of</strong>specialdrawingrights(SDR)Errorsandomissions,netNetliquiditybalance**Liquidprivatecapitalflows,net*Officialreservetransactionsbalance•*Changesin liabilitiest<strong>of</strong>oreign<strong>of</strong>ficialagencies,net 7Changesin U.S.<strong>of</strong>ficialreserveassets,net 8U.S.<strong>of</strong>ficialreserveassets,net(end <strong>of</strong>period) 91946...1947194819491950 .1951....1952195319541955....195619571958....1959I960....1961....1962.....1963 ...1964....19651966...19671968.1969....1970....19711972....19731974 12..-884-886-882-1,151-1,353-1,539-1,479-2, 336-2,164-1,933-2,025-2,362-1,330-1,5393 2, 571-2,100-2,182-2,606-3, 376-4,511-4, 577-2,575-2,9321,191-70-1,191 n-1,4052 n-1,200-1,028 ii -657-1,328 ii -968-75 -1,643-1,829-2,110-3,723-1,935-3,637-1,429 -3,778-4, 381 -10, 559-98 -11,23562 -1,026-3,287 -5,687-253-236-13115875-227-41183-556-328-479-174-145-89-154-104-522231-640-482-2, 347-1,541-4,276-14,7518671117101558611,115717-124354497220603713901,012361260-1,081-1,053-1,179-418-978-49464-43994-1,805-458-9, 776-1,790-2,3034,783"-3,677"-2,252n-2,864n-2,713-2,696-2,478-2,151-4, 683-1,611-6, 081-3,851-21, 965-13,856-7,606-15,655H273H904ii 214ii 7791,1621,1882,3701,2653,2528,820-5, 988-7, 7883,5022,30210, 573-3,403-1,348-2,650-1,934-1, 534-1,290219-3,4181,6412,739-9, 839-29, 753-10,354-5,304-5,0821,2587421,1171,5571,36367-7873,366-761-1,5527,36227,40510, 3225,0957,176-623-3,315-1,736-2661,758-33-4151,256480182-869-1,1652,2921,0352,1456061,5333771711,22256852-880-1,1872,4772,34832209-2, 09520,70624,02125,75826,02424,26524, 29924,71423,45822,97822,79723,66624,83222, 54021, 50419, 35918,75317, 22016, 84316,67215, 45014, 88214,83015,71016, 96414,48712,16713,15114,37815,883Seasonally adjustedUnadjusted1972:1IIIII....IV....-309-105-370-544-836 -3, 898398 -2, 383-386 -2, 908726 -2, 044-423301-42C-99S178178177177816-442-1,294-870-3, 327-2, 346-4,445-3,7361801,474-2772,125-3,147-872-4,722-1,6112,7181,1034,7771,722429-231-55-11112,27013, 33913, 21713,1511973:1IL-.III....IV....-37194-398-862309-3241,527-1,451-1,008-1,1701,891-741-1,663-1,45797-1,253-3,943850-3361,125-6,614-1,7771,652-869-3, 5812,0632903,530-10,1952861,9422,6619,975-303-1,929-2,64622017-13-1512,93112,91412,92714, 3781974:1II .. .IllpIVJ>31, 34C58(i506-973-1,9981,79*-2,47$-3, 581-3,966—5,42S-1,66*1,1181,686783-1,053-6,222-4,4662,0951,6974,1381,042-4,525-328-832 -2104,883 -3581,331 -1.C0314, 58814,94615,89315, 8839 Includes increases as follows: for 1969, $67 million resulting from revaluation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German mark in October 1969;for 1971, $28 million in dollar value <strong>of</strong> foreign currencies revalued to reflect market exchange rates as <strong>of</strong> December 31,1971; for second quarter and year 1972, $1,016 million resulting from change in par value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar on May 8, 1972;and for fourth quarter and year 1973, $1,436 million resulting from change in par value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar on October 18,1973.Beginning July 1974, valuation <strong>of</strong> SDR and reserve position in <strong>the</strong> IMF based on a weighted average <strong>of</strong> exchange ratesfor <strong>the</strong> currencies <strong>of</strong> 16 member countries. On a pre-July 1974 basis, reserve assets for September 30, 1974 are $15,949million and for December 31,1974, $15,812 million.i° Not available separately.n Coverage <strong>of</strong> liquid banking claims for 1960-63 and <strong>of</strong> nonliquid nonbanking claims for 1960-62 is limited to foreigncurrency deposits only; o<strong>the</strong>r liquid items are not available separately and are included with nonliquid claims.1 2 First 3 quarters on a seasonally adjusted annual rates basis (except reserve assets are for end <strong>of</strong> December).1 3 Includes extraordinary U.S. Government transactions with India.14 Includes return import into <strong>the</strong> United States, at a depreciated value <strong>of</strong> $21 million in 1972 IV, and $22 million in 1973 II,<strong>of</strong> aircraft originally reported in 1970 III sales as a long-term lease to Australia.**These balances have been used to measure exchange market pressures on <strong>the</strong> dollar. Under current floating exchangerate conditions, <strong>the</strong>se pressures are inadequately reflected in <strong>the</strong> balances.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis) and Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury.351


TABLE C-90.— U.S. merchandise exports and imports by commodity groups, 1958-74Year or quarterTotal, includingreexports 2Merchandise exports lTotaj 2 a[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Domestic exportsSeasonallyadjustedUnadjustedFood,beverages,and tobaccoCrudematerialsandfuels*Manufacturedgoods 6Total sMerchandise importsGeneral imports sSeasonallyadjustedUnadjustedFood,beverages,and tobaccoCrudematerialsandfuels *Manufacturedgoods 6Grossmerchandisetradebalance,seasonallyadjustedi195819591960 . ..196119621963196419651966196719681969197019711972._19731974.1972:1IIIIIIV1973:1II. .IllIV1974:IIIIIIIV11,76711,67312,44213,33315,33716,78318,32720,41322, 35824,21224, 95826,45516,37516,42619,65920, 22620,98622,46725,83226,74229,49031,03034,06337,33242,65943,54949,19970,82397, 90711,89012,04011,57013,70015, 52317,44817, 08120,77122, 61525,12823,19226, 97216,21116,24319,45919,98220,71722,1822 i 5,47926,39929,05430,64633,62636,78842,02542,91148,39969,73096, 54411,72411,82611,37113,47915, 28817,14516, 81720, 48122, 32924, 76122, 85826, 5972,6882,8523,1673,4663,7434,1884,6374,5195,1864,7104,5924,4465,0585,0766,56912,93815, 2311,4161,4321,6252,0952,3822,7733,5584,2253,8613,6513,3734,3453,0522,9963,9423,8643,3563,7754,3374,2734,4044,7264,8655,0066,6926,4417,09110,73515, 8001,7041,6881,5362,1632,5722,7452,2163,2023,6954,2143,5334,35911,54711,17912,58312,78413,66814,29716,52917,43319,21820,84423,81826,78529,34430,44333,74044,73163, 5268,3408,4308,0098,96010, 06811, 25610, 73012,67714, 33416,39815, 44317, 35213,42413,37013,90314, 88816,14016, 83917,48318, 97221,71325,16127, 06027,14513, 39215,69015,07314,76116,46417,20718,74921,42725,61826,88933,22636,04313,30213,74313,53215,00615,96917,30116,98319,22321,17325, 82726, 61427, 3583,5503,5803,3923,4553,6743,8634,0224,0134,5904,7015,3655,30839,951 6,23045, 563 6,40455, 583 7,37969.476 9,235100, 972 10, 7011,8101,7691,8071,9932,0842,3182,1902,6442,7262,7722,5422,6614,1644,6154,4184,3344,6914,7555,0295,4405,7185,3676,0316,3916,5427,2688,83813, 44631, 8092,1302,1052,1952,4082,7803,0763,3404,2516,0828,3748,7608,5925,3117,1176,8636,5377,6498,0709,10611,24414,44615, 75620,62423,01125,90730,41437,76745, 00156, 2108,9859,4789,13510,16910,66311,47210,99811, 86811,89414,14614, 72915, 4412,9837364,5865,4654,5225,2607,0835,3153,8724,1418371,2892,708-2,014-6, 3841,348-3, 065-1,657-1,697-1,462-1,555-804-568441,441645-949-2,102-6901 Beginning 1960, data have been adjusted for comparability with <strong>the</strong> revised commodity classifications effective in 1965.2 Totals exclude Department <strong>of</strong> Defense shipments <strong>of</strong> grant-aid military supplies and equipment under <strong>the</strong> MilitaryAssistance Program.3 Total includes commodities and transactions not classified according to kind.* Includes fats and oils.5 Includes machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, metals, and o<strong>the</strong>r manufactures. Export data for <strong>the</strong>se itemsinclude military grant-aid shipments.« Total arrivals <strong>of</strong> imported goods o<strong>the</strong>r than intransit shipments.7 Exports, excluding military grant-aid, less general imports; quarterly data seasonally adjusted.Note.—Data are as reported by <strong>the</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census adjusted to include silver ore and bullion reported separatelyprior to 1969. Export statistics cover all merchandise shipped from <strong>the</strong> U.S. customs area, except supplies for U.S. ArmedForces. Export values are f.a.s. port <strong>of</strong> export and include shipments under Agency for International Development andFood for Peace programs as well as o<strong>the</strong>r private relief shipments. Import values are defined generally as <strong>the</strong> marketvalue in <strong>the</strong> foreign country, excluding <strong>the</strong> U.S. import duty and transportation costs such as ocean freight and marineinsurance.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census and International <strong>Economic</strong> Policy and Research).352


TABLE C-91.—U.S. merchandise exports and imports by area, 1968-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Area 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974Exports (including reexports and special categoryshipments): TotalDeveloped countries..Developing countries..Canada^O<strong>the</strong>r Western Hemisphere-Western Europe 2Eastern EuropeAsiaAustralia and OceaniaAfricaUnidentified countries iGeneral imports: Total_Developed countries..Developing countries..CanadaO<strong>the</strong>r Western Hemisphere-Western Europe 2Eastern EuropeAsiaAustralia and OceaniaAfricaUnidentified countries*71,33934,636 38,006 43,224 44,130 49,75851 4023,600 26,479 30,877 30,335 34,319 47,20910,821 11,277 12,993 13,410 14,556 20,9638,072 9,137 9,079 10,365 12,415 15,1045,339 5,576 6,532 6,484 7,275 9,92911,132 12,392 14,463 14,178 15,361 21,359215 249 354 384 819 1,8017,582 8,261 10,028 9,855 11,278 18,4191,026 998 1,189 1,168 1,034 1,7441,269 1,392 1,579 1,694 1,576 2,30667733,226 36,043 39,952 45,563 55,583 69,47624,130 26,460 29,259 33,744 40,822 48,5309,373 10,442 11,549 14,356 20,3139,005 10,384 11,092 12,691 14,927 17,7155,143 5,163 5,836 6,038 7,003 9,60710,139 10,138 11,169 12,658 15,423 19,286198 195 226 223 321 5266,911 8,275 9,621 11,779 15,117 18,157697 828 871 895 1,145 1,5621,122111,046121,113241,236411,595 2,58398,50663,01832,69819,93215,81228,6381,43225, 7842,6973,659552100, 97260,47939,47122,28218,42023, 74589127, 5001,50366 i?w , . I oilseeds through Canada are shown as exports to unidentifiedcountries.2 Includes Finland, Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey.3 Consists <strong>of</strong> certain low-valued shipments not identified by country.Note.—Developed countries include Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and <strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong>South Africa. Developing countries include rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world except Communist areas in Eastern Europe and Asia andunidentified countries.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census and International <strong>Economic</strong> Policy and Research).353


TABLE C-92.—U.S. overseas loans and grants, by type and area, fiscal years, 1962-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Type <strong>of</strong> program and fiscal periodYotalNearEastandSouthAsiaLatinAmericaEastAsiaandVietnamAfricaEuropeO<strong>the</strong>randinterregionalTOTAL ECONOMIC LOANS AND GRANTS (OBLI-GATIONS AND LOAN AUTHORIZATIONS)*1962-73 averageLoansGrants1974 —.LoansGrants ...OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TO LESSDEVELOPED COUNTRIES aObligations and loan authorizations:1962-73 average1974Loan repayments and interest receipts:1962-73 average.19745,3013,0162,2867,7755,0622 7133,9943,7874821,2421,3579863719196492701,1994652536781,1367154211,410986424887600721151,1914837081,8871,3355529511,18869300403203200577344233340299546517291,5371,524136681115561,4452241,2215661,223Agency for International DevelopmentObligations and loan authorizations:1962-73 average1974..Loan repayments and interest receipts:1962-73 average1974 .Food for PeaceObligations:1962-73 average1974.Loan repayments and interest receipts:1962-73 average...1974Contributions and subscriptions to internationalfinancial institutions 3Obligations:1962-73 average1974O<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong>ficial development assistance, includingPeace Corps*Obligations:1962-73 average1974OTHER ECONOMIC LOANS AND GRANTS TO LESSDEVELOPED COUNTRIESObligations:1962-73 average...19742,1901,7862646421,2699731926003278002082287212,5616062191464585822401032201584544822321345119827524981059067333349132260122583194133124141306327848126436315516485012952575131Loan repayments and interest receipts1962-73 average.1974480950982752783243416650109ECONOMIC LOANS AND GRANTS TO DEVELOPEDCOUNTRIESObligations:1962-73 average..1974....5861,4271191163681,089 2221 Some data are preliminary.2 Official development assistance is defined as concessional aid for development purposes. Countries have beenclassified "less developed" on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> standard list <strong>of</strong> less developed countries used by <strong>the</strong> DevelopmentAssistance Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperation and Development. On this basis, "less developed"countries include all countries receiving U.S. loans or grants except <strong>the</strong> following which are considered "developed":Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Republic <strong>of</strong> South Africa, Canada, and all <strong>of</strong> Europe except Malta, Spain, and Yugoslavia.3 Includes paid-in capital subscriptions and contributions to <strong>the</strong> Inter-American Development Bank, <strong>the</strong> InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development, <strong>the</strong> International Development Association, and <strong>the</strong> Asian Development Bank.4 Data for certain programs from Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.Source: Agency for International Development (except as noted).354


TABLE C-93.—International reserves, 1949, 1953, and 1969-74[Millions <strong>of</strong> U.S. dollars; end <strong>of</strong> period]Area and country 19491953196919701971197219731974NovemberAll countries._46,03751,84078,12692,604130,581158,714183,848216,118Developed areas37,27441,47862,63674, 318107,197126, 596139,151140,682United States26,02423,45816, 96414,48713,19013,15014,37815, 845United Kingdom ...1,7512,6702,5272,8276,5825,6476,4767,917O<strong>the</strong>r Western Europe ...6,50210,59733,61344,65462,02375,37592,60191, 347AustriaBelgium__.FranceGermanyItalyNe<strong>the</strong>rlandsScandinavian countries (Denmark,Finland, Norway,and Sweden)SpainSwitzerlandO<strong>the</strong>r139785801967233865371221,6921,2752771,1448291,7738481,2301,0261501,7681,5521,5302,3883,8337,1295,0452,5292,2141,2814,4253,2391,7512,8474,96013,6105,3523,2412,5381,8175,1323,4062,3433,4738,25318,6576,7873,7963,7013,2686,9664,7792,7193,87010,01523,7856,0794,7854,5135,0147,4887,1072,8735,1008, 52933,1476,4346,5476,0716,7728,0789,0503,1255,4128,99032,8666,4247,1505,2956,2777,5638,245Canada1,1971,9093,1064,6795,7016,0505,7685,797Japan2268923,6544,84015, 36018,36512,24613, 738Australia, New Zealand, and SouthAfrica1,5721,9522,7722,8314,3428,0097,6826,038Less developed areas»8,76310,36215,49018,28523,38432,11944,69775,436Latin AmericaMiddle EastO<strong>the</strong>r AsiaO<strong>the</strong>r Africa 22,8001,5343,6426393,4161,2563,7421,7874,4703,0354,7423,0945,6413,2465,0924,1826,5845,2495,9205,49710,5497,6257,8295,98116,31011, 54710,1326,55818,85130,13213,02513, 2781 Includes areas in addition to those listed.2 All Africa except South Africa.Note.—International reserves is comprised <strong>of</strong> monetary authorities' holdings <strong>of</strong> gold, special drawing rights (SDR),reserve positions in <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund, and foreign exchange. Conversions from national currencies to U.S.dollars from December 1971 through January 1973 are calculated at <strong>the</strong> cross rates reflecting <strong>the</strong> parities and centralrates agreed in December 1971. From February 1973 through June 1974, <strong>the</strong> intention is to reflect <strong>the</strong> cross rates <strong>of</strong> paritiesor central rates for countries having effective parities or central rates and market rates for o<strong>the</strong>rs. Beginning July 1974,foreign exchange is valued at end-<strong>of</strong>-month market rates or in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> market rate quotations at prevailing <strong>of</strong>ficialrates. Gold is valued throughout at SDR 35 per ounce, equivalent to US$38 per ounce from December 1971 through January1973, to US$42.22 per ounce from February 1973 through June 1974, but to <strong>the</strong> respective US$/SDR transactions value asmeasured by <strong>the</strong> "basket" valuation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SDR beginning July 1974. Data exclude U.S.S.R., o<strong>the</strong>r Eastern Europeancountries, Mainland China, and Cuba (after 1960).Source: International Monetary Fund, "International Financial Statistics."355


TABLE C-94.— US. reserve assets, 1946-74[Millions ot dollars]End <strong>of</strong> year ormonthTotal reserveassetsTotal 2Gold stock iTreasurySpecialdrawingrights(SDR) aConvertibleforeigncurrencies *Reserveposition inInternationalMonetary Fund 519461947...19481949...19501951195219531954195519561957195819591960196119621963196419651966196719681969197019711972197319741974: JanFeb .. ..MarAprMay ..JuneJuly ...AugSeptOctNovDec20,70624,02125,75826,02424, 26524, 29924,71423, 45822,97822,79723,66624, 83222, 54021, 50419, 35918,75317, 22016, 84316, 67215, 45014, 88214, 83015,7107 16,96414, 487«12,1679 13,151io 14,378"15,88314 56514,64314,58814 64214,87014,946ii 14,912ii 15,460ii 15,893ii 15,890ii 15 840ii 15,'88320,70622, 86824 39924, 56322, 82022, 87323, 25222,09121 79321. 75322, 05822, 85720, 58219 50717 80416 94716 05715 59615 4710 13 80613 23512, 06510 89211,85911,07210, 206»10,487ioil,65211,65211 65211,65211,65211 65211,65211,65211,65211,65211,65211,65211 652H',65220, 52922,75424, 24424, 42722, 70622,69523,18722,03021,71321,69021,94922,78120, 53419 45617,76716 88915,97815 51315, 3889 13 73313,15911,98210 36710,36710, 73210,1329 10,41010 11,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711,56711 56711,5678511,1009 1,95810 2,166H2,3742,1662,1662,1662 1572,1632,195ii 2, 227ii 2,200ii 2, 282ii 2, 306ii 2 329ii 2', 374116992124327811 3212,3453 528? 2, 781629•27624185596899669412224246193431 1531 3591,4611 4451 4261 4621 3671 1851 0441 6081 9751 9581 9971 5551 69010641 035'769o 8633264201 2902,3241,935585• 46510 552"1,8526887577618249891,005ii 1,021n 1,384ii 1,713ii 1,739» 1 816ii 1,8521 Includes gold sold to <strong>the</strong> United States by <strong>the</strong> International Monetary Fund (IMF) with <strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> repurchase andgold deposited by <strong>the</strong> IMF to mitigate <strong>the</strong> impact on <strong>the</strong> U.S. gold stock <strong>of</strong> purchases by foreign countries for gold subscriptionson increased IMF quotas.2 Includes gold in Exchange Stabilization Fund.3 Includes initial allocation on January 1, 1970 <strong>of</strong> $867 million, second allocation on January 1, 1971 <strong>of</strong> $717 million,and third allocation on January 1, 1972 <strong>of</strong> $710 million <strong>of</strong> special drawing rights (SDR) in <strong>the</strong> Special Drawing Accountin <strong>the</strong> IMF, plus or minus transactions in SDR.«Includes holdings <strong>of</strong> Treasury and Federal Reserve System.8 The United States has <strong>the</strong> right to purchase foreign currencies equivalent to its reserve position in <strong>the</strong> Fund automaticallyif needed. Under appropriate conditions <strong>the</strong> United States could purchase additional amounts equal to <strong>the</strong>United States quota.8 Reserve position includes, and gold stock excludes, $259 million gold subscription to <strong>the</strong> Fund in June 1965 for a U.S.quota increase which became effective on February 23,1966. In figures published by <strong>the</strong> Fund from June 1965 throughJanuary 1966, this gold subscription was included in <strong>the</strong> U.S. gold stock and excluded from <strong>the</strong> reserve position.7 Includes gain <strong>of</strong> $67 million resulting from revaluation <strong>of</strong> German mark in October 1969, <strong>of</strong> which $13 million representsgain on mark holdings at time <strong>of</strong> revaluation.8 Includes $28 million increase in dollar value <strong>of</strong> foreign currencies revalued to reflect market exchange rates as <strong>of</strong>December 31,1971.9 Includes $1,016 million increase in total reserve assets resulting from <strong>the</strong> change in par value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. dollar onMay 8,1972. consisting <strong>of</strong> $828 million total gold stock, $822 million Treasury gold stock, $155 million SDR, and $33 millionreserve position in <strong>the</strong> IMF.10 Includes $1,436 million increase in total reserve assets resulting from <strong>the</strong> change in par value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar on October18, 1973, consisting <strong>of</strong> $1,165 million total gold stock, $1,157 million Treasury gold stock, $217 million SDR, and $54million reserve position in IMF.n Beginning July 1974, <strong>the</strong> IMF adopted a technique for valuing <strong>the</strong> SDR based on a weighted average <strong>of</strong> exchangerates for <strong>the</strong> currencies <strong>of</strong> 16 member countries. SDR holdings and reserve position in <strong>the</strong> IMF are also valued on thisbasis beginning July 1974. At valuation used prior to July 1974 (SDR 1=$1.20635), end <strong>of</strong> month values are (in millions):July..Aug..Sept..Oct...Nov..Dec.Totalreserveassets$14,92115,52315,94915,91915,82815,812SDR$2,2332,2402,3182,3262,3262,338Reservepositionin IMF$1,0241,4071,7331,7481,8071,817Note.—Gold held under earmark at Federal Reserve Banks for foreign and international accounts is not included in<strong>the</strong> gold stock <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treasury and Board <strong>of</strong> Governors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve System.356


TABLE C-95.—International investment position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States at year-end, 1960 and1969-73[Billions <strong>of</strong> dollars]Type <strong>of</strong> investment 1960 19691 1970 l 1971 1972 19732Net international investment position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>United States s44.767.369.157.751.263.0U.S. assets abroad85.6158.3166.8180.8200.6226.1Nonliquid assets66.2138.6149.9164.7181.8204.2U.S. Government.16.930.732.134.236.138.8Long-term credits .Foreign currencies and o<strong>the</strong>rshort-term assets14.02.928.22.529.62.431.82.434.12.036.22.6Private long-term.44.596.5105.0115.9129.0143.5Direct investments abroad _Foreign securitiesO<strong>the</strong>r claims *Private short-term nonliquid claims 4 .Liquid assetsPrivate claims iU.S. monetary reserve assets.GoldSpecial drawing rights (SDR)Convertible currenciesGold tranche position in IMF31.99.63.1M.819.419.417.81.671.018.76.811.419.62.717.011.92.82.378.219.67.212.816.92.414.511.1.9.61.986.221.78.014.616.14.012.210.21.1.3.694.324.99.716.718.85.66 13.26 10.562.0.26.5107.325.211.021.922.07.68 14.4611.762.2U.S. liabilities to foreigners.40.990.997.7123.1149.4163.1Nonliquid liabilities to o<strong>the</strong>r than foreign<strong>of</strong>ficial agencies19.845.050.755.366.570.5U.S. Government..Private long-term..818.42.439.62.044.81.549.81.860.22.962.2Direct investments in <strong>the</strong> UnitedStatesU.S. securitiesO<strong>the</strong>r liabilities *6.910.01.611.822.94.813.325.65.913.730.16.114.338.87.117.736.87.7Private short-term nonliqiid 7 _.63.03.93.94.55.4Liquid liabilities to private foreigners andliquid, o<strong>the</strong>r readily marketable, andnonliquid liabilities to foreign <strong>of</strong>ficialagencies21.045.947.067.882.992.6To private foreignersTo foreign <strong>of</strong>ficial agencies.LiquidO<strong>the</strong>r readily marketableNonliquid, reported by U.S.Government9.111.911.928.917.013.01.52.522.624.420.6.73.116.651.247.6.13.521.461.657.3.53.725.866.861.91.73.21 Data dp not reflect revisions made in balance-<strong>of</strong>-payments statistics in June 1974.2 Preliminary.3 Includes U.S. gold stock.< <strong>Report</strong>ed by U.S. banks and nonbanking concerns.5 Liquid claims are not available separately and are included with nonliquid claims.6 Reserve assets include increases from changes in <strong>the</strong> par value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dollar, as <strong>of</strong>ficially implemented; on May 8,1972,<strong>the</strong> increase totaled $1,016 million, consisting <strong>of</strong> $828 million gold stock, $155 million SDR. and $33 million gold trancheposition in IMF; and on October 18, 1973, <strong>the</strong> increase was $1,436 million, consisting <strong>of</strong> $1,165 million gold stock, $217million SDR, and $54 million gold tranche position in IMF.7 <strong>Report</strong>ed by U.S. nonbanking concerns.Source: Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce, Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>Economic</strong> Analysis.357


TABLE G-96.—Price changes in international trade, 1966-74[1963=100]Area or commodity class1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 19731974ThirdquarterUnit value indexes by areaDeveloped areasTotal:ExportsTerms <strong>of</strong> trade *105100105101104101108101114102119101130102156101v 201United States:ExportsTerms <strong>of</strong> trade l10710111010211110311510312110112599129951509419778Developing areasTotal:Exports.Terms <strong>of</strong> trade i1041011031001031011061011091001161021211001461043 2242 124Latin America:ExportsTerms <strong>of</strong> trade *._1081031051001069910910011510112210112910214310021752 98Sou<strong>the</strong>rn and Eastern Asia:ExportsTerms <strong>of</strong> trade *101100999997100102102106104108104in1001351022 1652 92World export price indexesPrimary commodities: TotalFoodstuffs104105101104100101103104108111115117130132188191293236C<strong>of</strong>fee, tea, and cocoa..Cereals ....1121031081051101001199813696119100132111174203200249O<strong>the</strong>r agriculturalcommodities 31049696101101105120184228Fats, oils, and oilseeds.Textile fibersWoolRubberMinerals .Metal ores111929091104105102887775103109998874741021081018573981041141188363781111221188557641271261161098865141134197186183129181161P332181130U62480204Manufactured goods: Total *—106107107110117124134156189Nonferrous base metals«...1561421501751801541542222571 Terms <strong>of</strong> trade indexes are unit value indexes <strong>of</strong> exports divided by unit value indexes <strong>of</strong> imports.2 Data are for second quarter 1974.3 Includes forest products.* Data are an average for first 3 quarters <strong>of</strong> 1974.» Data for manufactured goods are unit value indexes.Note.—Data exclude trade <strong>of</strong> Communist areas in Eastern Europe (except Yugoslavia) and Asia.Sources: United Nations and Department <strong>of</strong> Commerce (International <strong>Economic</strong> Policy and Research and Bureau <strong>of</strong>Resources and Trade Assistance).358


TABLE C-97.—Consumer price indexes in <strong>the</strong> United States and o<strong>the</strong>r major industrial countries.1955-74[1970=100]PeriodUnitedStatesCanadaJapanFranceGermanyItalyNe<strong>the</strong>rlandsUnitedKingdom1955195619571958195969.070.072.574.575.169.970.973.275.075.952.652.854.454.254.750.451.453.261.265.070.171.973.375.075.762.264.365 267.066.757.858 962 763.864.359.061 964 266.266.51960 .. .19611962196319641965196619671968196976.377.077.978.879.981.383.686.089.694.476.777.178.079.480.882.885.988.992.696.856.759.763.869.271.976.780.683.888.392.967.369.572.976.479.081.083.285.489.395.076.778.580.983.385.288.191.292.593.996.468.269.772.978.383.086.7OO O91.692.895.266.467.068 370.974.878.783 386.089 195.867.269.572 573.976.380.083.185.289 294.0197019711972197319741100.0104.3107.7114.4127.0100.0102 9107 8116.0127.9100.0106.3111.5124.5152.4100.0105.5111.7119.9135.5100.0105.3111.1118.8126.8100.0105.0110.9122.414G.0100.0107.5115.9125.2136.6100.0109.5117.0126.7145.91972:1IIIII ._IV ....1973:1. ..IIIIIIV....106.4107.2108.2109.1110.7113.1115.6118.3105.7106.7108.8109.9111.9114.5117.7119.8108.8111.2112.3113.9116.9122.7126.5131.9108.9110.4112.5114.9115.9118.2121.1124.4109.0110.2111.6113.4116.0118.2119.3121.7108.2109.6111.5114.5117.5121.3123.6127.2112.7115.4116.3119.2121.3124.9125.9128.8113.9115.9117.8120.7122.2125.2127.7131.81974:1. ..IIIIIIV 3121.6125.0128.9132.6122.7126.8130.6133.5144.1150.5156.1162.3129.0134.3138.7142.5124.6126.6127.8129.3133.6140.92 148.3131.9135.9138.3142.5137.2145.3149.4154.91 For United States, 12-month average; for all o<strong>the</strong>r countries, January-November average, except Italy, January-August average.2 July-August average.s October-December average for United States; October-November average for all o<strong>the</strong>r countries.Sources: Department <strong>of</strong> Labor and Organization for <strong>Economic</strong> Cooperation and Development.359U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1975 O - 563-280

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