Economy News Updates

Business

Factory Production Shows Broad-Based Gain Outside Autos

U.S. factory production regained its footing in April to push capacity utilization to the highest since 2015, indicating the industry will support economic growth this quarter, Federal Reserve data showed Mahy 16.

May 16, 2018
Business

Retail Sales Gain Points to Healthier Second Quarter

U.S. retail sales rose in broad fashion last month as bigger after-tax paychecks helped compensate for rising fuel costs, signaling consumer demand was off to a firm start this quarter.

May 15, 2018
Government

US Posts Record Monthly Budget Surplus as Economy Picks Up

The United States posted its largest monthly budget surplus on record in April, which the Congressional Budget Office said reflected stronger economic activity over the past year.

May 10, 2018
Business

Consumer Prices Rise Less Than Forecast as Autos Drop

U.S. consumer prices rose by less than forecast in April as costs for automobiles and airfares declined, reducing chances that inflation will run significantly above the Federal Reserve’s target in coming months.

May 10, 2018
Business

American Factories Struggle to Increase Productivity

The United States has added 1.2 million jobs in manufacturing over the past eight years. Before you cheer for the revival of American manufacturing, consider the reason for all that job growth: abysmal productivity performance.

May 9, 2018
Business

US Job Openings at Record, Almost Matching Unemployed Workers

U.S. job openings surged to a record in March, putting vacancies at about par with the number of unemployed workers, Labor Department data showed May 8.

May 8, 2018
Business

US Services Firms Grow in April at Slowest Pace This Year

U.S. services firms grew at a slower pace in April compared with the prior month as companies are reporting cost pressures from possible tariffs and a shortage of available workers.

May 4, 2018
Government, Business

US Payrolls Rebound to 164,000 Gain; Jobless Rate Hits 3.9%

U.S. hiring rebounded in April, and the unemployment rate dropped below 4% for the first time since 2000, while wage gains unexpectedly cooled, suggesting the labor market still has slack to absorb. Payrolls rose 164,000 after an upwardly revised 135,000 advance, Labor Department figures showed May 4.

May 4, 2018
Business

Trade Gap Narrows to $49 Billion; Drop of $8.8 Billion Biggest Since 2009

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in March by the most in two years, while last week’s unemployment filings were below estimates and productivity gains remained lukewarm in the first quarter. Here’s what you need to know from the economic reports out the morning of May 3.

May 3, 2018
Government, Business, Logistics

Trump Administration Softens Expectations for a US-China Trade Deal This Week

The Trump administration sought to temper expectations for a swift breakthrough on trade issues with China as a delegation of senior U.S. officials prepares to visit Beijing this week.

May 1, 2018