Jobless Claims Decrease to Lowest Level Since February
A strengthening labor market remains an engine for U.S. growth as the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped to the lowest since February, Labor Department data showed Aug. 17.
Housing Starts Fell in July on Apartment Building Slowdown
U.S. housing starts stumbled in July on an abrupt slowdown in apartment construction and a modest decline in single-family homebuilding that shows the industry will do little to spur the economy, Commerce Department data showed Aug. 16.
Homebuilder Sentiment Reaches Three-Month High in August
Sentiment among American homebuilders unexpectedly increased to a three-month high as builders saw greater prospects for industry demand despite elevated material costs and shortages of labor and lots, according to data Aug. 15 from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
Broad-Based Advance in Retail Sales Shows Solid Spending
U.S. retail sales advanced in July by the most this year, with widespread gains from department stores to building materials outlets that signal a robust start to consumer spending in the third quarter, according to Commerce Department figures released Aug. 15.
August 15, 2017Consumer Comfort Reaches 16-Year High on Economic Optimism
Americans last week registered their strongest optimism in 16 years on more upbeat views about the state of the economy, their personal finances and the buying atmosphere, according to Bloomberg News Consumer Comfort data released Aug. 10
Unexpected Drop in Wholesale Prices Shows Tame Inflation
An unexpected decrease in U.S. wholesale prices in July, the first in nearly a year, signals inflation will remain tame, a Labor Department report showed Aug. 10 in Washington.
August 10, 2017Productivity Gains Accelerate While Pace Remains Tepid
Worker productivity gains in the U.S. accelerated in the second quarter to a pace that’s still tepid by historical standards, a Labor Department report showed Aug. 9.
August 9, 2017EIA Raises Both 2017, 2018 US Crude Production Forecasts
U.S. producers are seen pumping away, even with the price of West Texas Intermediate crude lingering below $50 a barrel, according to the latest government estimates.
Job Openings Surge to Record in Sign of Robust Labor Demand
A June surge in U.S. job openings to a record indicates demand for workers remained strong at the end of the second quarter, a Labor Department report showed Aug 8
August 8, 2017Narrowing of US Trade Deficit in June Shows Export Swing
America’s trade deficit narrowed to an eight-month low in June, helped by the biggest outflow of goods and services since the end of 2014, a positive signal for the economy entering the third quarter, Commerce Department data showed Aug. 4.