In 1904, Standard controlled 91% of production and 85% of final sales.

By comparison, real final sales were up 3.8 percent in the first quarter.

To avoid the issue of over counting, one can also focus entirely on final sales.

Real final sales edged down one-tenth of 1 percent, the report said.

Ford is predicting final automotive sales of 15 million cars and trucks for the year.

Spending on personal consumption, in fact, jumped even faster than final sales, rising at a rate of $42.7 billion, or 5.3 percent.

That demand can be seen in the category the government calls "final sales to domestic purchasers."

Real final sales of goods and services produced in this country fell 0.4 percent.

Back in the 1960's, final sales routinely grew at 4 percent or more a year, but the figure has been gradually slipping ever since.

"Growth during the second quarter, nevertheless, continues to appear weak, with final sales growing an estimated 2.0 percent," she said.