2014英语四级听力练习:慢速英语(2)

　From Learning English, this is the Economics Report.

　　The United States says its economy expanded quickly from April to June. The U.S. economy grew at a yearly rate of 4 percent, much better than the first three-month of . During that period, the nations gross domestic product shrink at a rate of more than two percent. The GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in the country.

　　Experts credited increased consumer and business spending for the economic growth. The expansion appeared to extend across economy. U.S. exports grew sharply, businesses bought goods for re-sale, and state and local governments increased spending.

　　In late July, President Barack Obama spoke to supporters in Kansas City. He said the latest economic numbers were another sign that things are getting better.

　　None of this is an accident. Its thanks to the resilience and resolve of the American people. Its also thanks to some decisions we made early on and now Americas recovered faster and come farther than just about any other advanced country on Earth, said Obama.

　　The economic news had little effect on financial markets. Investors appeared unmoved because this was just the first of several reports for the period from April to June.

　　Economist Sean Snaith is with Central Floridas Institute for Economic Competitiveness. He says it is too early to celebrate the economic gains. He spoke to through Skype.

　　I think its good news but we need to string this good news together over time, said Snaith.

　　Sean Snaith says what happens in the final six-month of will show whether the recovery will continue. He said what the U.S. central bank does next is very important.

　　How will the Federal Reserve react if in fact the economic recovery is gaining momentum? Will this speed up the timing and the pace of interest rate hikes? In which case, that certainly could take some air out of the stock market, said Snaith.

　　The Central Bank -- the Federal Reserve system changed its opinion of the economy recently. The Federal Open Market Committee makes important decisions concerning financial policy. The committee said it plans to reduce bond buying by another ten billion dollars in August.

　　The bond buying program has kept U.S. interest rates near record lows. Less costly credit has helped increased personal and business spending. The Federal Reserve also has signaled that it does not expect to raise interest rates soon. However, economists warn that low rates for a long period of time could fuel inflation.

　　And thats the Economics Report for Learning English. Im Mario Ritter.

　　词汇讲解：

　　1. expand vt.使变大; 扩张

　　例句：My duties continue to expand.

　　我的职能继续扩张。

　　2. appear vi.出现，显现

　　例句：At least you appear classy.

　　这样至少你显得高贵。

　　3. financial adj.财政的; 财务的

　　例句：This jeopardizes chinese financial stability.

　　影响中国金融的稳定。

　　4. celebrate vt.庆祝; 歌颂

　　例句：Families always celebrate thanksgiving together.

　　家家总是一起庆祝感恩节。

　　5. string vt.上弦，调弦

　　例句：I can just manage to string a few words of French together.

　　我只能勉强把法语的几个词拼凑在一起.

　　6. decision n.决定; 果断

　　例句：The decision to reduce pay levels incensed the work-force.

　　降低工资的决定激怒了工人.

　　7. reduce vt.换算; 约束

　　例句：We must reduce the production cost.

　　我们必须降低生产成本。

　　短语讲解：

　　1. During that period, the nations gross domestic product shrink at a rate of more than two percent.

　　at a rate of 以速度

　　例句：I got through the work at a rate of knots.

　　我很快结束了工作。

　　2. Its thanks to the resilience and resolve of the American people.

　　thanks to 幸亏， 多亏

　　例句：My heartfelt thanks to you all.

　　我谨向各位表示衷心的感谢.

　　3. Will this speed up the timing and the pace of interest rate hikes?

　　speed up 加速; 开快车

　　例句：If you want to hang on you better speed up.

　　如果你想跟上，你也得加速。

　　4. In which case, that certainly could take some air out of the stock market, said Snaith.

　　take out of 取出; 除去

　　例句：How much would you like to take out of your account?

　　您想从您帐上提取多少?