News — Economy
ISM: U.S. Services Sector Growth Slows in April
The Institute for Supply Management reported its Non-Manufacturing Index fell to 53.5% in April from 56% in March. The reading indicates continued growth in April, but at a slower rate, the ISM said.
Read more...Date Posted May 3, 2012
Q1 GDP Rises 2.2%; Equipment/Software Investment Up 1.7%
The Commerce Department reported that real gross domestic product increased 2.2% in Q1/12, after increasing 3.0% in Q4/11, according to the advance estimates by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Read more...Date Posted April 30, 2012
Durable Goods Orders Drop in March
New orders for manufactured durable goods in March decreased $8.8 billion or 4.2% to $202.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced in its advanced report. This decrease, down two of the last three months, followed a 1.9% February increase.
Read more...Date Posted April 27, 2012
Survey: Business Leaders Growing Optimistic About Economy
Expectations for the U.S. economy are improving, with 49% of the participants in the 2012 Chase Middle Market Business Leaders Outlook saying they are optimistic about the nation’s economic prospects in the year ahead.
Read more...Date Posted April 12, 2012
Beige Book: Economy Continues to Expand at Moderate Pace
The U.S. economy continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace from mid-February through late March, with modest improvements in demand for lending, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report.
Read more...Date Posted April 11, 2012
Four Fed Regional Bank Presidents See Less Need for New Easing
Bloomberg reported that four Federal Reserve regional bank presidents who vote on monetary policy this year see less of a need for the Fed to spur the economy with new accommodation.
Read more...Date Posted April 5, 2012
ISM: U.S. Services Sector Growth Slows in March
The Institute for Supply Management’s latest Report on Business Non-Manufacturing Index in March was 1.3 percentage points lower than the 57.3% registered in February, indicating continued growth at a slower rate.
Read more...Date Posted April 5, 2012
ISM: March Manufacturing Activity Expands
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March for the 32nd consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 34th consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.
Read more...Date Posted April 2, 2012
U.S. CEO Expectations Increase ‘Notably’ in Q1
The results of the Business Roundtable’s first quarter CEO Economic Outlook Survey for 2012 show an upturn in expectations. The outlook index for the next six months for sales, capital spending and employment increased notably to 96.9, up from 77.9 in the Q4.
Read more...Date Posted March 29, 2012
Durable Goods Orders Climb in February
New orders for manufactured durable goods in February increased $4.5 billion or 2.2% to $211.8 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced in its advance report. This increase, up four of the last five months, followed a 3.6% January decrease.
Read more...Date Posted March 29, 2012
Europeans See Crisis Near End, Bernanke Warns on Recovery
Bloomberg reported that European leaders signaled rising confidence that their region’s crisis is near an end, while Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke warned that a U.S. recovery isn’t assured.
Read more...Date Posted March 28, 2012
Fed Sees Moderate Economic Growth; Holds Rates Steady
The FOMC reported that since it met in January the economy has been expanding moderately and that global financial strains have eased but continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook. The Fed said it likely will keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 0.25% through 2014.
Read more...Date Posted March 14, 2012
CFO: Europe’s Slowdown Won’t Halt U.S. Growth
CFO reported that thanks to a vastly lower risk of near-term financial chaos in Europe and an uptick in hiring in the United States, many CFOs and economists are getting more cheery about business prospects for 2012.
Read more...Date Posted March 13, 2012
February Job Growth Continues; Unemployment Rate Unchanged
The U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.3% in February despite the addition of 227,000 jobs, led by those in the professional and business services sector and the healthcare industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Read more...Date Posted March 12, 2012
CFOs: Capital Spending to Increase; Employment to Accelerate
The Duke University/CFO Magazine Global Business quarterly outlook noted that optimism among CFOs jumped this quarter with U.S. finance chiefs saying they plan to increase capital spending by more than 7% and accelerate hiring.
Read more...Date Posted March 8, 2012
ISM: U.S. Services Sector Growth Continues in February
Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in February for the 26th consecutive month, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s latest Report on Business Non-Manufacturing Index.
Read more...Date Posted March 6, 2012
Beige Book: Economy Increases Moderately; Loan Demand Mixed
Overall economic activity continued to increase at a modest to moderate pace in January and early February, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report. Business loan demand was mixed.
Read more...Date Posted February 29, 2012
Durable Goods Orders Down 4% in January
New orders for manufactured durable goods in January decreased $8.6 billion or 4.0% to $206.1 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced in its advance report. This decrease, down following three consecutive monthly increases, followed a 3.2% December increase.
Read more...Date Posted February 28, 2012
Owners Optimistic About Company, Pessimistic About Economy
While most small business owners believe that the country, and the national and state economies, are headed in the wrong direction, the vast majority have confidence in the direction of their own companies, according to Union Bank’s National Small Business Economic Survey.
Read more...Date Posted February 24, 2012
YPO: U.S. CEO Confidence Jumps in Latest Pulse Survey
After lagging in every quarter since the YPO Global Index began, the latest CEO survey shows expectations about sales, headcounts and capital spending all climbed higher in the fourth quarter.
Read more...Date Posted February 7, 2012
Equifax Reports Decrease in Commercial Bankruptcy Petitions
Bankruptcy petition rates have nearly returned to pre-recession index levels, with commercial petitions for bankruptcy decreasing 44% since their peak in Q2/09 through Q4/11, according to Equifax Commercial Information Solutions analysis.
Read more...Date Posted February 2, 2012
U.S. Manufacturing Probably Grew in January at Faster Pace
Bloomberg reported that manufacturing probably grew at a faster pace in January, a sign the industry will lead the U.S. expansion this year. Bloomberg noted that factory production is poised to keep expanding as the need to update equipment drives orders.
Read more...Date Posted February 1, 2012
Q4 GDP Rises 2.8%; Equipment/Software Investment Up 5.2%
The Commerce Department reported that real gross domestic product increased 2.8% in Q4/11, after increasing 1.8% in Q3/11, according to the advance estimates by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Read more...Date Posted January 30, 2012
Durable Goods Orders up 3% in December
New orders for manufactured durable goods in December increased $6.2 billion or 3.0% to $214.5 billion, the Commerce Department reported in its advance report.
Read more...Date Posted January 27, 2012
Bloomberg: Jobless Claims Lowest in Almost Four Years
Bloomberg reported that fewer Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits. According to Labor Department data, jobless claims plunged to its lowest level since April 2008.
Read more...Date Posted January 19, 2012
Beige Book: Economy Improves; Business Loan Demand Up
Economic activity expanded at a modest to moderate pace across most of the country during the reporting period of late November through the end of December, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report.
Read more...Date Posted January 11, 2012
U.S. Consumer Credit Rises by Most in Decades
Bloomberg reports that consumer borrowing in the U.S. surged in November by the most in ten years, showing households are optimistic enough to take on debt and banks are willing to lend.
Read more...Date Posted January 10, 2012
Survey: CFOs Enter 2012 With ‘Cautious Optimism’
In its latest monthly report, the Tatum survey of CFOs notes that business conditions have continued the upward turn seen last month. The report notes that capital expenditure commitments increased significantly to 30% from 21% in the past 30 days.
Read more...Date Posted January 9, 2012
Unemployment Rate Continues to Trend Down
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nonfarm payroll unemployment rose by 200,000 in December, and the unemployment rate, at 8.5%, continued to trend down.
Read more...Date Posted January 6, 2012
Fitch: U.S. High Yield Default Rate to Rise in 2012
Fitch Ratings said it projects that the U.S. high yield default rate will rise in 2012 to a range of 2.5%-3.0%, up from 2010′s 1.3% rate and this November’s 1.4% level.
Read more...Date Posted January 4, 2012
BofA Outlook: ‘Growth to Slow to Just 1% by End of 2012′
According BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research’s 2012 Year Ahead Outlook, “The global economy can weather a normal size recession in Europe, but the U.S. faces its own challenges. As a result, while we expect solid 3% GDP growth in the current quarter, we look for growth to slow to just 1% by the end of 2012.”
Read more...Date Posted December 19, 2011
Report: U.S. Economy Showing Growth, But Vulnerabilities Remain
A report released by TD Economics noted that despite encouraging signs of progress over the last few months, the U.S. economic recovery remains vulnerable.
Read more...Date Posted December 15, 2011
Survey: CFOs Less Optimistic About Economy, Growth
Financial executives at U.S. companies remain concerned about the current economy and are less confident about economic growth in 2012, according to the latest Bank of America Merrill Lynch CFO Outlook survey.
Read more...Date Posted December 13, 2011
Bank Credit Growing at Fastest Pace in Three Years
Bloomberg reported that U.S. bank credit is growing at the fastest pace in three years, giving the Federal Reserve confidence in the economic expansion’s staying power.
Read more...Date Posted December 12, 2011
Survey: CFOs Plan to Increase Capital Expenditures in 2012
According to a TD Bank survey, three-quarters of financial decision makers at mid-sized companies said they expect sales to increase over the next 12 months despite lingering economic headwinds, with half (51%) expecting to increase their capital expenditures in 2012, up from 39% last year.
Read more...Date Posted December 7, 2011
U.S. Services Sector Growth ‘Slightly Slower’ in November
Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in November for the 24th consecutive month, according to the ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Index. The NMI registered 52% in November, 0.9 percentage point lower than the 52.9% registered in October.
Read more...Date Posted December 7, 2011
Beige Book: Economy Grows Slowly; Lending Increases Slightly
The Fed said overall economic activity increased at a slow to moderate pace across all districts except St. Louis, since the last Beige Book was released on October 19. Overall bank lending activity increased slightly, with New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Kansas City reporting increased loan demand.
Read more...Date Posted December 1, 2011
Black Friday Weekend Shoppers Spend Record $52 Billion
According to a National Retail Federation survey, traffic and spending were up both online and in stores, reaching historic highs. The NRF said total spending reached an estimated $52.4 billion, helping to secure this weekend’s place in the record books.
Read more...Date Posted November 28, 2011
PNC Christmas Price Index on Track With Economic Indicators
In its 28th annual Christmas Price Index, PNC Wealth Management said a sluggish economy coupled with weak demand has kept the PNC/CPI to moderate gain of 3.5% in the whimsical economic analysis based on gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Read more...Date Posted November 28, 2011
CIT: Retail Execs Expect Holiday Sales Greater/Equal to ’10
According to the third annual Retail Finance Outlook study released by CIT Group, 80% of retail executives expect their holiday sales to increase or remain the same as last year.
Read more...Date Posted November 22, 2011
Survey: U.S. CFOs Give Obama ‘F’ Grade for Economy
According to a survey of CFOs conducted by Financial Executive International and Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, U.S. CFOs are highly critical of their President, giving him a failing grade for his handling of the economy, healthcare and unemployment.
Read more...Date Posted November 21, 2011
SF Fed: Recession Risks Will Abate Beginning 2H 2012
In its most recent Economic Letter, the San Francisco Fed notes “The U.S. economy is fragile with limited ability to withstand shocks. Yet, as the economy strengthens, recession risks will gradually abate beginning in the second half of 2012.”
Read more...Date Posted November 15, 2011
Bloomberg: Capital Spending in U.S. Nears 2008 Level
Bloomberg reported that capital spending at U.S. companies is at the highest level since 2008 as upgrades to plants, property and equipment show some executives embracing the likelihood that the economy will avert recession.
Read more...Date Posted November 7, 2011
U.S. Adds 80,000 Jobs in October; Unemployment 9%
In October the U.S. added 80,000 payroll jobs, compared to 158,000 in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The unemployment rate was little changed at 9.0%, from 9.1% in September, with 13.9 million unemployed.
Read more...Date Posted November 7, 2011
U.S. Services Sector Growth ‘Slightly Slower’ in October
Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in October for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Index(NMI). The NMI registered 52.9% in October, 0.1 percentage point lower than the 53% registered in September.
Read more...Date Posted November 4, 2011
Fed Holds Policy Steady; Equipment/Software Investment Expands
The FOMC reported that since it met in September economic growth strengthened somewhat in Q3 and business investment in equipment and software continued to expand. The FOMC will continue to extend the average maturity of its holdings of securities.
Read more...Date Posted November 2, 2011
Q3 GDP Nearly Doubles; Equipment/Software Investment Rises 17%
Real GDP increased 2.5% in Q3/11, after increasing 1.3% in Q2/11, said the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Investment in equipment and software grew 17.4%, reflecting contributions from construction and agricultural machinery.
Read more...Date Posted October 28, 2011
Beige Book: Economic Activity Expands Slowly; Loan Demand Down
U.S. economic activity continued to expand, although many Districts described the pace of growth as “modest” or “slight” and loan demand largely moved lower since the last Beige Book report was released on September 8, according to the Federal Reserve.
Read more...Date Posted October 19, 2011
CIT: Finance Study Reveals Retailers Pessimistic About Economy
Middle-market retail executives are bearish on a short-term U.S. economic recovery, even though many expect their own companies to improve faster than the industry, according to the third annual Retail Finance Outlook study released by CIT Group.
Read more...Date Posted October 19, 2011
Harrisburg’s City Council Votes in Favor of Chapter 9
Local and national press reported Harrisburg’s City Council has passed a resolution to take Pennsylvania’s capital city into bankruptcy as the council voted 4-3 to file for Chapter 9.
Read more...Date Posted October 12, 2011
Bloomberg: No Recession for U.S. as Forecasts Improve
Bloomberg reported that the U.S. likely has dodged a recession for now, based on a string of stronger-than-projected statistics, although it’s too early to sound the all-clear for the economy.
Read more...Date Posted October 10, 2011
Bernanke: ‘Recovery Much Less Robust Than Hoped’
Fed chairman Ben Bernanke notes in his latest economic outlook that although business investment in equipment and software continues to expand, “it is clear that, overall, the recovery from the crisis has been much less robust than we had hoped.”
Read more...Date Posted October 5, 2011
Fitch: Confidence Eroding Undermining Business Investment Growth
In its latest quarterly global economic outlook, Fitch Ratings said the recent intensification of financial market volatility and fiscal policy uncertainty has eroded confidence, which has undermined private consumption and business investment growth.
Read more...Date Posted October 3, 2011
Nondefense Capital Goods Orders Rise 5.2% in August
The Commerce Department said nondefense new orders for capital goods in August
increased $3.9 billion or 5.2% to $78.1 billion. Overall, new orders for manufactured durable goods in August decreased $0.2 billion or 0.1%.
Date Posted September 29, 2011
Survey: Manufacturers Express Continued Optimism
A recent survey conducted by Prime Advantage, a buying consortium for mid-sized manufacturers, revealed that optimism is picking up with respondents saying they are anticipating growth in revenues, employment and capital spending.
Read more...Date Posted September 27, 2011
Moody’s Downgrades BofA, Wells Fargo
Moody’s has downgraded the credit ratings of Bank of America and Wells Fargo over concern that government support would be unlikely should they become financially troubled.
Read more...Date Posted September 22, 2011
Fed to Replace Short-Term Debt with Longer-Term Treasuries
Federal Open Market Committee will buy $400 billion of longer-term Treasury securities and sell an equal amount of shorter-term Treasury securities by the end of June 2012 to put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates and help make broader financial conditions more accommodative, the FOMC said today.
Read more...Date Posted September 22, 2011
CPI Index Edges Up After Holding for Three Months
The Department of Labor reported that the all-items Consumer Price Index edged up to 3.8% after holding at 3.6% for three months, while the 12-month change for all items, less food and energy, reached 2.0% for the first time since November 2008.
Read more...Date Posted September 16, 2011
NABE: Outlook Panel Cuts GDP Growth Forecast
The National Association of Business Economics revised its growth projections downward for both 2011 and 2012. Real GDP is expected to advance 1.7% in 2011, down from the panel’s May prediction of 2.8%, and 2.3% in 2012.
Read more...Date Posted September 14, 2011
Opinion: Cobra’s Kluga Sounds Off on Obama’s Economic Plan
In a commentary on President Obama’s plan to boost economic growth and job creation, Cobra Capital president Dale Kluga notes that as a national finance business reliant upon the success of small business clients, “we should expect one thing to definitely occur as a result of Obama’s American Jobs Act – more cash hoarding.”
Read more...Date Posted September 12, 2011
Small Businesses Hindered by Uncertainty, Capital & Regulations
According to the initial findings from a survey conducted by Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project, economic uncertainty, followed by access to capital and government regulations and taxes are the top three issues facing small businesses.
Read more...Date Posted September 9, 2011
U.S. Services Sector Grows for 21st Straight Month in August
Economic activity in the U.S. service sectors grew for the 21st consecutive month in August, according to the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business.
Read more...Date Posted September 8, 2011
Beige Book: Economic Activity Expands Slowly; Loan Demand Mixed
U.S. economic activity continued to expand at a modest pace, although some Districts noted mixed or weakening activity since the last Beige Book report was released on July 27, according to the Federal Reserve.
Read more...Date Posted September 8, 2011
TMA Poll: No Quick Relief for Ailing Economy
According to a Turnaround Management Association poll, six out of ten corporate restructuring specialists think a double-dip recession is likely within six to 18 months.
Read more...Date Posted September 1, 2011
A Few FOMC Members Wanted ‘More Substantial Move’ in August
According to the August 9 FOMC meeting minutes, a few members felt that recent economic conditions warranted “a more substantial move” than holding the target range of the federal funds rate at 0 to 0.25% through mid-2013.
Read more...Date Posted August 31, 2011
Bloomberg: U.S. Economy Expands at 1% Annual Pace in Q2
Bloomberg reported that the U.S. economy grew less than previously estimated in the second quarter, capping the weakest six months of the recovery that began in mid 2009. GDP climbed at a 1% annual rate, down from a 1.3% prior estimate.
Read more...Date Posted August 29, 2011
Bloomberg: Bernanke Doesn’t Signal More Stimulus
Bloomberg reports that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a speech to central bankers and economists in Jackson Hole, WY that the central bank has tools to stimulate a recovery, while sticking to his view that growth will pick up.
Read more...Date Posted August 26, 2011
D&B: Business Failures Reach Highest Level in 12 Months
According to the latest D&B Business Failures & Start-ups Analysis, business failures rose 25% during the June quarter to reach their highest level in 12 months. Failures in construction and retail rose 53% and 40%, respectively.
Read more...Date Posted August 25, 2011
July Orders Rise Unexpectedly; Business Spending Gauge Falls
The Commerce Department said new orders for manufactured durable goods in July increase 4.0%, which followed a 1.3% increase in June. Non-defense capital goods orders, a gauge for business spending, fell 1.5% in July after gains in June and May.
Read more...Date Posted August 25, 2011
Survey: Small Business Financial Performance Improving
A Capital One survey notes that many U.S. small businesses are experiencing gradual, but continued improvement in financial performance. Credit and financing continues to grow and fulfilling capital needs is becoming less of a concern.
Read more...Date Posted August 25, 2011
Bloomberg: U.S. Economy Is ‘On the Precipice’ of Recession
Bloomberg reported that in an interview, economist David Rosenberg of Gluskin Sheff & Associates, said the U.S. economy is in a “classic pre-recession pattern” and that “we are on the precipice of the economy contracting between now and the winter.”
Read more...Date Posted August 23, 2011
U.S. Growth Forecasts Lowered by Goldman, Citigroup & JPMorgan
Goldman Sachs said it’s cutting the firm’s estimates for U.S. growth in the second half to 1% and 1.5% as it sees the economy “losing further momentum.” Citigroup and JPMorgan also lowered their 2011 growth forecasts.
Read more...Date Posted August 22, 2011
Moody’s: Prospects for GDP Growth ‘Diminished Substantially’
Moody’s lowered its near-term growth outlook with GDP now expected to expand at an annualized rate near 2% during the second half of 2011. The rating agency said prospects for GDP growth and job creation have “diminished substantially” since its last forecast a month ago.
Read more...Date Posted August 16, 2011
Growth Forecasts Reduced Through 2013 on Low Employment Gains
Global financial strains, government fiscal austerity and a lack of jobs will hurt U.S. growth over the next couple of years, according to economists surveyed this month by Bloomberg News.
Read more...Date Posted August 12, 2011
Fed Funds Rate to Remain Low Through Mid-2013
In a statement today (8/9/11), the Fed said the downside risks to the economic outlook have increased and conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through mid-2013.
Read more...Date Posted August 10, 2011
Employers Add 117,000 in July; Unemployment Rate Drops to 9.1%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 117,000 in July, and the unemployment rate dropped slightly to 9.1%, down from 9.2% in June. Job gains occurred in healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing and mining.
Read more...Date Posted August 5, 2011
Bloomberg: U.S. Stocks Plunge in Biggest Retreat Since 2009
Bloomberg reports that a global rout in equities drove the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to its worst slump since February 2009, while two-year Treasury yields plunged to a record low amid concern the economy is weakening.
Read more...Date Posted August 4, 2011
Q2 GDP Increases Below Expectations
Real GDP grew 1.3% at an annual rate, below private-sector expectations of 1.8% growth and up from 0.4% growth in the first quarter, which was revised down from 1.9%. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke notes that the low growth shows that the economy isn’t growing as fast as it needs to.
Read more...Date Posted August 1, 2011
CFO: CAPEX, Inventory Spend Squeeze Cash
According to a CFO news report, citing a new study from the Georgia Tech Financial Analysis Lab, companies have begun to increase their capital spending and add to their inventories.
Read more...Date Posted July 29, 2011
Beige Book: U.S. Economic Activity Moderates; Loan Demand Mixed
U.S. economic activity continued to grow, but the pace has moderated in many districts since the last Beige Book report was released on June 8, according to the Federal Reserve. Loan demand was more mixed than in the previous Beige Book.
Read more...Date Posted July 27, 2011
Fed: No New Normal Unemployment With Nationwide Figures
Bloomberg reported that researchers throughout the Fed system who are trying to determine why the jobless rate has remained stuck around 9% are reaching the conclusion that shifts in the labor market are not significant enough to keep the U.S. from returning to pre-crisis unemployment levels by about 2016.
Read more...Date Posted July 12, 2011
U.S. Services Sector Grows for 19th Straight Month in June
Economic activity in the U.S. service sectors grew for the 19th consecutive month in June, according to the ISM’s latest Report on Business Non-Manufacturing Index. The rental & leasing sector reported growth in June.
Read more...Date Posted July 7, 2011
NRA: Restaurant Industry Outlook Softened in May
The National Restaurant Association reported that as a result of softer same-store sales and traffic levels and an erosion of optimism among restaurant operators, the outlook for the restaurant industry softened in May.
Read more...Date Posted July 7, 2011
ISM: Manufacturing Activity Expands for 23rd Straight Month
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the June 2011 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.
Read more...Date Posted July 5, 2011
Commentary: Business Investment Seen As Strengthening
In a commentary that appeared in a post on MarketWatch, the author notes that the rise in durable-goods orders and capital equipment shipments in May contradicts the worrisome national and regional surveys seen recently.
Read more...Date Posted June 28, 2011
Bloomberg: U.S. Economy Grew 1.9% in First Quarter
Bloomberg reports the U.S. economy grew at a 1.9% in the first quarter, marking the start of what Federal Reserve policy makers project is a temporary slowdown in growth.
Read more...Date Posted June 24, 2011
Beige Book: U.S. Economic Activity Continues to Expand
U.S. economic activity generally grew in April and May, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report. Loan demand and credit standards were reported to be mixed to slightly improved.
Read more...Date Posted June 9, 2011
Growth Outlook Remains Positive, Economic Sentiment Dampens
The Corporate Executive Board released results from its quarterly Business Barometer survey, which indicated that while businesses continue to project growth, positive economic sentiment has dampened and hiring expectations have dropped by 13% points among U.S. executives.
Read more...Date Posted June 3, 2011
ARTBA: Contractors Counting On Passage of Highway Bill
According to a survey conducted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, contractors continue to deal with a very challenging economic environment that is impacting employment and capital spending decisions.
Read more...Date Posted May 31, 2011
ISM Forecast: Manufacturers Expected to Spend 17.9% More in 2011
In their latest economic forecast, the ISM notes that survey respondents expect a 17.9% increase in capital expenditures in 2011, which is greater than the December forecast when members predicted an increase of 14.5% this year.
Read more...Date Posted May 20, 2011
KPMG: Energy Execs See U.S. Oil Over $121 Per Barrel
According to the results of this year’s KPMG energy survey, energy executives expect continued volatility in the price-per-barrel of oil for the remainder of this year, with most predicting crude prices to exceed $121 per barrel.
Read more...Date Posted May 16, 2011
Survey: CFO Economic Optimism Down Slightly in U.S. And Europe
Despite a small dip in confidence, U.S. executives’ optimism remains stable as they expect large gains in net earnings in the next 12 months. With expectations of increasing oil prices, CFOs overall see inflation as a mounting concern, according to the quarterly “CFO Outlook Survey.”
Read more...Date Posted May 9, 2011
Wells Fargo Survey: Small Business Optimism Declines
After two consecutive quarters of increased optimism, the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey revealed a decline in small business owner optimism from Q1 2011 levels.
Read more...Date Posted May 5, 2011
U.S. Services Sector Grows for 17th Straight Month in April
Economic activity in the U.S. service sectors grew for the 17th consecutive month in April, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s latest Report on Business Non-Manufacturing Index.
Read more...Date Posted May 5, 2011
Manufacturing Leading U.S. Economy on Exports, Inventories
Bloomberg reported that manufacturing expanded faster than forecast in April, driven by gains in exports and inventories that keeping the industry at the forefront of the U.S. economic expansion.
Read more...Date Posted May 3, 2011
Bloomberg: New Jobless Claims Rise to Three-Month High
According to a Bloomberg article, initial claims for unemployment benefits in the U.S. grew last week to the highest level in three months, signaling a slower labor market recovery than previously expected.
Read more...Date Posted April 28, 2011
Beige Book: U.S. Economic Activity ‘Continues to Improve’
U.S. economic activity grew in March and early April, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report.
Read more...Date Posted April 14, 2011
Manufacturers Project 10-15% Rise in Cost of Retail Goods
A recent Capital Business Credit survey of manufacturers and importers of consumer goods reveals increased costs will affect the entire retail supply chain upwards of 10% by this summer.
Read more...Date Posted April 13, 2011
Huntington Economist Expects Manufacturing Employment Rise
Robust manufacturing job growth is expected this year with more than 102,000 manufacturing jobs already added in the first quarter, according to a U.S. economic forecast released by George Mokrzan, senior economist for Huntington.
Read more...Date Posted April 8, 2011
Semiconductor Capital Spending Expected to Climb to $60.4B
IC Insights said it has boosted its forecast for semiconductor industry capital spending in 2011 and now expects outlays to climb to $60.4 billion, a 17% increase compared to what the industry spent in 2010.
Read more...Date Posted April 8, 2011
