The numbers: A survey of consumer confidence jumped to a eight-month high of 108.3 in December, reflecting fewer worries about inflation and more optimism about jobs and the economy. The Read more
Tag: economic growth
Jobless claims drop to 11-week low of 211,000 in early December
The numbers: The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in early December fell to a nearly three-month low of 211,000, indicating layoffs around the holiday season remain low Read more
U.S. inflation slows again, CPI shows, as Fed prepares to raise interest rates
The numbers: The cost of living rose a scant 0.1% in November, the latest in a string of mild readings that suggest the worst U.S. inflation in 40 years is Read more
U.S. jobless claims climb to 230,000 in sign labor market is slowly cooling off
The numbers: The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in early December rose slightly to 230,000, pointing to a slow but steady increase in layoffs as the U.S. Read more
U.S. stocks open modestly lower, on pace for fifth day of losses as economic growth worries linger
U.S. stock indexes opened lower on Wednesday morning, struggling to recover ground after a four-day losing streak amid worries about the chances of an economic downturn in coming months. How Read more
This little-known but spot-on economic indicator says recession and lower stock prices are all but certain
An obscure and arcane economic indicator suggests that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell was wrong when he said at his Nov. 30 news conference that “There is a path to Read more
Wages are up, but so are costs. Help us report on how that’s affecting you.
We want to hear from readers who have stories to share about the effects of increasing costs and a changing economy. If you’d like to share your experience, write to Read more
U.S. trade deficit in goods jumps almost 8% to $99 billion as exports sag
The numbers: The trade deficit in goods widened 7.7% in October to a five-month high of $99 billion, as a strong dollar and weakening global economy dented U.S. exports. The trade Read more
U.S. grew 2.9% in third quarter, GDP shows, and there’s little sign of recession for now
The numbers: The economy grew at an annual 2.9% pace in the third quarter, updated figures show, and the U.S. is on track to expand again in the waning months Read more
Fed eyes slower rate hikes as recession threat grows
Senior officials at the Federal Reserve expect smaller increases in interest rates will “soon be appropriate” as the threat of recession grows. Although the Fed still expects rates to rise Read more