Latest News Updates From Martin Crutsinger

Government, Business

US Trade Deficit Narrows Slightly to $70.1 Billion in July

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed slightly to $70.1 billion in July as economic recovery overseas helped boost American exports while imports declined.

September 2, 2021
Government, Business

Consumer Spending Slows to 0.3% Gain in July

WASHINGTON — Growth in U.S. consumer spending slowed in July to a modest increase of 0.3% while inflation over the past 12 months rose to the fastest pace in three decades.

August 27, 2021
Government, Business

Wholesale Prices Rise in July

WASHINGTON — Inflation at the wholesale level jumped a higher-than-expected 1% in July, matching the rise from the previous month, and dimming hopes that the upward trajectory of prices would begin to slow.

August 12, 2021
Government, Business

Trade Deficit Hits Record $75.7 Billion in June

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit increased to a record $75.7 billion in June as a rebounding American economy sent demand for imports surging.

August 5, 2021
Government, Business

Consumers Boost Spending 1% as Inflation Remains High

WASHINGTON — American consumers increased their spending by 1% in June — a dose of energy for an economy that is quickly rebounding from the pandemic recession but is facing new risks led by the delta variant of the coronavirus.

July 30, 2021
Government, Business

Consumer Spending Flat in May

WASHINGTON — Consumer spending was flat in May while incomes dropped for a second month as the impact of the government’s individual impact payments waned. Inflation, however, posted a sizable gain of 0.4%.

June 25, 2021
Government, Business

US Economy Grows 6.4% in Q1

The U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% rate in the first three months of the year, setting the stage for what economists believe may be the strongest year for the economy in about seven decades.

June 24, 2021
Government, Business

Trade Deficit Dips to $68.9 Billion With Exports Up

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in April to $68.9 billion as an improving global economy boosted sales of American exports.

June 8, 2021
Government, Business

Consumers Boosted Spending by Just 0.5% in April

WASHINGTON — Americans increased their spending by a slight 0.5% in April, a slowdown after a massive gain in March that had been powered by the distribution of billions of dollars in individual stimulus checks.

May 28, 2021
Government, Business

Economy Accelerated at Robust 6.4% Rate Last Quarter

WASHINGTON — Powered by consumers, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a show of strength fueled by government aid and declining viral cases that could drive further gains as the nation rebounds with unusual speed from the pandemic recession.

April 29, 2021