U.S. consumer prices rose by more than projected in January as apparel costs jumped the most in nearly three decades. The report sent Treasuries and stocks tumbling, as it added to concerns about an inflation pickup that have roiled financial markets this month.
February 14, 2018Business
Record Number of Small-Business Owners Say It’s a Good Time to Expand
Optimism among small companies in the U.S. rose more than forecast in January, fueled by a record number of owners who said now was a good time to expand, according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey released Feb. 12.
February 13, 2018Business
Dow Falls More Than 1,000 Points, S&P 500 Sinks 3.75%
The dread that gripped equity markets earlier in the week re-emerged Feb. 8 as U.S. stocks plunged on concern that rising interest rates will drag down economic growth.
February 8, 2018Business
Consumer Comfort Stays Elevated Even as Stocks Fall
U.S. consumer comfort last week held near the highest level since 2001 even as stocks fell on concerns about higher interest rates, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Feb. 8.
February 8, 2018Business
Jobless Claims Decline, Approach an Almost 45-Year Low
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits unexpectedly declined last week, hovering close to an almost 45-year low and signaling a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed Feb. 8.
February 8, 2018Business
Trade Deficit Is Wider Than Any Month or Year Since 2008
The U.S. trade deficit widened to the biggest monthly and annual levels since the last recession, underscoring the inherent friction in President Donald Trump’s goal of narrowing the gap while enjoying faster economic growth.
February 6, 2018Business
US Stocks Sink Most Since 2011 as Rout Deepens
U.S. stocks plunged the most in 6 1/2 years Feb. 5, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average sinking more than 1,100 points, as the equity selloff reached a fever pitch amid rising concern that inflation will force interest rates higher.
February 5, 2018Business
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.
February 5, 2018Business
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.
February 2, 2018Business
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, 2018