Transportation Economy News Updates

U.S. new-home construction cooled by more than expected in February on a reversal in the volatile multifamily category, while building remained on pace to contribute to economic growth this quarter, government figures showed March 16.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell for the third time in four weeks and remain near the lowest level in 48 years, underscoring tightness in the job market, Labor Department figures showed March 14.

U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February for a third month, adding to signs that consumer spending will cool this quarter from the previous period’s hot pace, according to Commerce Department figures released March 14.

The U.S. labor market still has plenty of room to run. That’s the message from government data on March 9, which gave multiple indications America’s jobs situation isn’t as tight as previously thought, sending stocks and bond yields higher.

A full-blown trade war could cost the global economy $470 billion, according to Bloomberg Economics.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose by more than anticipated from a 48-year low while continuing to signal a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed March 8.

The strength of oil consumption took analysts by surprise last year, and played a big role in crude’s recovery to a three-year high in January.

Companies in the U.S. added more workers in February than expected, underscoring continued strengthening in the labor market, according to data released March 7 from the ADP Research Institute.

The U.S. trade deficit widened more than forecast in January to a post-recession high, adding to figures cited by President Donald Trump as evidence of American weakness while he brings the nation to the brink of a trade war.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Trump administration isn’t trying to provoke a global trade fight with the steel and aluminum tariffs announced last week.