One of the reasons the preliminary GDP estimates, and any later revisions, attract so much attention is the urge to define the economy as in or out of recession: especially when the media is speculating about the possibility of an unprecedented so-called triple-dip recession.

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The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will give preliminary estimates of GDP growth for the first quarter later this month.

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Strong December numbers could bring a positive surprise when preliminary fourth quarter 2011 GDP numbers come out next week.

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The preliminary reading of the GDP on Friday showed a meager 1% gain.

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Everyone will be closely watching for the preliminary first-quarter GDP numbers, due Thursday along with the latest jobless-claims data.

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On Friday, America's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced preliminary estimates for first quarter GDP.

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Preliminary estimates of fourth quarter GDP released on Tuesday February 13th show them exceeding expectations, and in the case of Italy and Germany by a wide margin.

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The preliminary reading on fourth-quarter GDP comes out Thursday, along with jobless claims and the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index.

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Existing home sales figures are out on Monday, followed by the preliminary reading on third-quarter GDP on Tuesday, along with the FOMC meetings.

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In the U.S., the GDP for the third quarter was revised to a gain of 2.5% in the Preliminary release from 2.0% in the Advanced data.

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