The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor today reported preliminary productivity data--as measured by output per hour of all persons--for the first quarter of 2006.

Productivity and Costs: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/prod2.toc.htm

• The seasonally adjusted annual rates of productivity increased 3.2% in the nonfarm business sector, rebounding from a 0.3% decline in the 4Q 2005.
• In manufacturing, productivity changes in the first quarter were: 

  - 4.2% in manufacturing 

- 3.8% in durable goods 

- 4.4% in nondurable goods

• Hourly compensation increased 5.8% during the 1Q of 2006.
• Unit labor costs rose 2.3% in the first quarter of 2006, compared to a 2.8% increase in 4Q 2005.