Economy News Updates

Government, Business

IMF Raises 2018 Global Growth Forecast, Partly on US Tax Cuts

Global growth will accelerate to the fastest pace in seven years as U.S. tax cuts spur businesses to invest, the International Monetary Fund said.

January 22, 2018
Business

Consumer Sentiment Unexpectedly Falls to a Six-Month Low

Consumer sentiment unexpectedly declined in January to a six-month low as American households viewed the economy less favorably, a University of Michigan report showed Jan. 19.

January 19, 2018
Business

Economic Optimism Keeps Consumer Comfort Near 17-Year High

Americans grew more upbeat last week about the economy’s performance and the buying climate, allowing a measure of consumer sentiment to remain at an almost 17-year high, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Jan. 18.

January 18, 2018
Business

Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Tally Since 1973

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plummeted to the lowest level in almost 45 years in a sign the job market will tighten further in 2018, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 18.

January 18, 2018
Business

Manufacturing Output Rose in December for a Fourth Month

U.S. factory production rose for a fourth straight month in December, capping the strongest quarter since 2010 and underscoring a resurgence in manufacturing that’s primed for further advances, Federal Reserve data showed Jan. 17.

January 17, 2018
Business

Consumers See Higher Wage Growth, Inflation in Fed Survey

U.S. consumer expectations for wage growth rose in December to the highest level in three years, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey.

January 16, 2018
Business

December Retail Sales Gain Caps Robust Holiday Season

U.S. retail sales increased in December for a fourth month, indicating strong consumer demand throughout the holiday season, according to Commerce Department figures released Jan. 12.

January 12, 2018
Business

Consumer Comfort Rises to Highest Level in Almost 17 Years

Americans’ confidence began 2018 by rising to an almost 17-year high on greater optimism about the U.S. economy and buying climate, according to the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Jan. 11.

January 11, 2018
Business

Wholesale Prices Unexpectedly Show First Drop Since 2016

U.S. wholesale prices fell in December for the first time in more than a year on declining costs for services, a potential sign that inflation pressures are easing in the economy, a Labor Department report showed Jan. 11.

January 11, 2018
Business

Jobless Claims Rise to Three-Month High After Holidays

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose to a three-month high last week during a holiday period when claims tend to be volatile, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 11.

January 11, 2018