Service Industries Expand by Most in at Least 10 Years
America’s service industries expanded in January at the fastest pace in at least a decade as a surge in orders led to a pickup in hiring, figures from the Institute for Supply Management showed Feb. 5.
Consumer Sentiment Tops Estimates on Jobs, Income Outlook
U.S. consumer sentiment exceeded analyst estimates in January as the outlook for jobs and household income improved, University of Michigan survey data showed Feb. 2.
US Adds 200,000 Jobs; Wages Rise by Most Since Recession
U.S. hiring picked up in January and wages rose at the fastest annual pace since the recession ended, as the economy’s steady move toward full employment extended into 2018.
February 2, 2018Consumer Comfort Highest Since 2001 on Optimism for Economy
U.S. consumer confidence, along with a measure of Americans’ views of the economy, advanced last week to the highest levels in nearly 17 years, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Feb. 1.
Manufacturing Expands at Close to Quickest Pace Since 2004
U.S. factories expanded more than forecast in January and near the fastest pace in more than 13 years, indicating manufacturing was still powering ahead at the start of 2018, Institute for Supply Management data showed Feb. 1.
February 1, 2018Productivity Fell Last Quarter to Extend Sluggish Run
Productivity in the U.S. unexpectedly fell for the first time since early 2016 as working hours slightly outpaced output, underscoring a sluggish pace of efficiency gains during this expansion, a Labor Department report showed Feb. 1.
Pending Home Sales Rise as Economic Gains Drive Demand
A measure of contract signings to buy existing U.S. homes rose in December for a third month, giving sales some momentum at the start of 2018, according to data released Jan. 31 by the National Association of Realtors.
Home Prices in 20 US Cities Climb by the Most Since July 2014
Home prices in 20 U.S. cities increased in November by the most in more than three years, underscoring a lingering scarcity of housing inventory, according to S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller data released Jan. 30.
January 30, 2018Consumer Confidence Increased More Than Forecast in January
U.S. consumer confidence was stronger than expected in January and hovering near a 17-year high as households grew somewhat more upbeat about employment and the economy, according to figures out Jan. 30 from the Conference Board in New York.
Consumer Spending Rose in December, Saving Rate Dipped
U.S. consumer spending rose at a solid pace in December after an upwardly revised advance a month earlier as shoppers splurged during the holiday season. While incomes also rose, the saving rate fell to a fresh 12-year low.
January 29, 2018