Economy

Economy: Factory Output Rises Most in Six Months

Bloomberg reported that factory production rose in February by the most
in six months, showing manufacturing will help the U.S. economy emerge from a weather-related setback. read more

Beige Book: Activity Increases ‘Modest to Moderate’

The Fed’s latest Beige Book reports from most of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts indicated that economic conditions continued to expand with most districts reporting improved levels of activity, which were characterized as “modest to moderate.” read more

Commerce Department: GDP Growth Rate Lower Than Estimated

The Commerce Department reported that fourth quarter GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.4%, which was substantially lower than the advanced estimate of 3.2% issued last month. read more

GE Capital: 2013 Housing Starts Strongest Since 2007

In its Q1/14 Construction Industry Research Update, GE Capital said home building remained strong in 2013 supported by increasing household formation and lean inventories, but cautioned the pace will slow in 2014 due to higher mortgage rates and higher home prices. read more

Bloomberg: Retail Sales in U.S. Unexpectedly Fell in January

Bloomberg reported that sales at U.S. retailers declined in January by the most since June 2012 amid bad weather and uneven progress in the labor market, signaling the economy was off to a slow start in 2014. read more

Survey: 2014 Small Business Lending Starting Strong

Rather than taking a break after the busy holiday retail season, small businesses continued to expand through January 2014, according to the Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital. read more

U.S. Job Growth Slows; Unemployment Dips to 6.6% in Jan.

The Labor Department said U.S. employment rose by 113,000 in January, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 6.6%. Employment grew in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and mining. read more

ISM: Services Sector Activity Increases in January

The ISM's Non-Manufacturing Index registered 1 percentage point higher in January than the seasonally adjusted reading from December. The majority of survey respondents feel positive about continued economic growth, ISM noted. read more

Survey: Small Business Optimism Highest in Five Years

According to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, small business owners are the most optimistic they have been in five years and expect their businesses to increase cash flow and hire more employees in 2014. read more

PayNet: Small Businesses Economy Set to Support GDP Growth

PayNet said small business trends show a strong finish to 2013 that will help sustain growth in the U.S. economy in Q1/14, according to the Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index. read more

ISM January Index Shows Sharp Drop in New Orders

According to the Institute for Supply Management, American manufacturers said new orders from customers slowed sharply in January after hitting more than a four-year high in December. read more

Balboa Survey: Small Businesses to Increase Investment Goals

A new national survey conducted by Balboa Capital reveals that business owners and equipment dealers are planning to increase marketing initiatives and invest in new equipment. read more

Phoenix Management: Lenders Optimistic on Economy

Lenders anticipate borrowers will make new capital investments, acquisitions and hires, while expectations for loan losses, bankruptcies, unemployment and bank failures are at near all-time lows, according to the Q4 Phoenix Management “Lending Climate in America” Survey. read more

PwC: U.S. Manufacturers Optimistic About Economy in 2014

U.S. industrial manufacturers expressed optimism about the U.S. economy and toward the broader world economy, which has reached the highest level since Q4/10, according to the PwC US Q4 2013 Manufacturing Barometer. read more

Direct Capital Small Business Index Predicts Growth in 2014

The small business economy finished 2013 on a high note and shows clear signs of making further gains in 2014, according to the Small Business Lending Index released by Direct Capital. read more

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Terry Mulreany
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