Economy Doing Just Fine But 3% Growth Still a Challenge
Despite fourth-quarter U.S. growth missing forecasts, the world’s largest economy is doing just fine. The latest results also underscore just how challenging it will be to reach President Donald Trump’s goal of a sustained 3% pace.
January 26, 2018Orders for Durable Goods Increase by Most in Six Months
Orders placed with U.S. factories for durable goods increased in December by the most in six months, providing more evidence of a bustling industrial sector.
4Q GDP Growth Less Than Expected, but Trucking Outlook Still Good
The U.S. economy expanded at a slower-than-projected pace in the fourth quarter on drags from trade and inventories, offsetting strength in consumer spending and business investment that signals solid momentum entering 2018.
January 26, 2018Jobless Claims Rise From Lowest in Almost 45 Years
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits increased a week after plunging to the lowest level since 1973, underscoring a still historically tight jobs market, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 25.
Existing-Home Sales Decline as Supply Drops to Record Low
Sales of previously-owned U.S. homes fell in December for the first time in four months, as the market struggles with record-low supply and rising prices, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed Jan. 24
IMF Raises 2018 Global Growth Forecast, Partly on US Tax Cuts
Global growth will accelerate to the fastest pace in seven years as U.S. tax cuts spur businesses to invest, the International Monetary Fund said.
Consumer Sentiment Unexpectedly Falls to a Six-Month Low
Consumer sentiment unexpectedly declined in January to a six-month low as American households viewed the economy less favorably, a University of Michigan report showed Jan. 19.
Economic Optimism Keeps Consumer Comfort Near 17-Year High
Americans grew more upbeat last week about the economy’s performance and the buying climate, allowing a measure of consumer sentiment to remain at an almost 17-year high, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Jan. 18.
Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Tally Since 1973
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plummeted to the lowest level in almost 45 years in a sign the job market will tighten further in 2018, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 18.
Manufacturing Output Rose in December for a Fourth Month
U.S. factory production rose for a fourth straight month in December, capping the strongest quarter since 2010 and underscoring a resurgence in manufacturing that’s primed for further advances, Federal Reserve data showed Jan. 17.