Stocks turn lower as optimism about jobs fades
Stocks rebounded Friday on a report that the U.S. added more jobs than expected during July, but quickly retreated.
Stocks rebounded Friday on a report that the U.S. added more jobs than expected during July, but quickly retreated.
Hiring picked up slightly in July and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.1 percent, an optimistic sign after the worst day on Wall Street in nearly three years.
Indiana regional banks and national institutions are faring better, a possible indication that Indianapolis’ economy isn’t recovering as quickly as expected.
The National Small Business Association’s 2011 Mid-Year Economic Report, released Wednesday, shows that small-business owners are losing confidence in an economic recovery.
The economy expanded at a meager 1.3-percent annual rate in the spring after scarcely growing at all in the first three months of the year, the Commerce Department said Friday. The combined growth for the first six months of the year was the weakest since the recession ended two years ago.
The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week rose by the most in a month, signaling growing weakness in the job market.
Consumers are spending cautiously in the face of still-high gasoline and grocery-store prices, slowing economic growth. But some relief could be on the way.
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits hardly changed for a second straight week, stuck at a high level that points to a slowing job market.
Despite a decrease in private sector jobs, Indiana’s unemployment rate in April dropped 0.3 percentage points, to 8.2 percent, the lowest it’s been since December 2008.
Improved economy, loosening credit standards are driving increased lending.
The job gains were widespread. Retailers, factories, financial companies, education and health care and even construction companies all added jobs. Federal, state and local governments cut jobs.
The recession in Indiana and the nation lasted only three quarters. But the Hoosier recovery took six quarters.
Shoppers' worries about juggling rising gas and food prices and other household costs pushed the Consumer Confidence Index down sharply in March.
Manufacturing growth will continue to lead an economic recovery in the United States, predicted PNC Financial Services Group senior economist Robert Dye, in town Wednesday to deliver his forecast at Meridian Hills Country Club.
Wholesale prices jumped last month by the most in nearly two years due to higher energy costs and the biggest rise in food prices in 36 years.
The unemployment rate has been falling for three months, down from 9.8 percent in November, marking the sharpest three-month decline since 1983.
U.S. manufacturers expanded at the fastest pace in nearly 7 years last month, as factories continue to boost economic growth.
Consumers increased spending 0.2 percent in January, the smallest gain since June, the Commerce Department reported Monday. Personal incomes jumped 1 percent, reflecting the 2 percentage point reduction from the Social Security tax cut.
The Consumer Confidence Index rose in February to its highest point in three years as consumers are feeling more positive about their income prospects and the direction the economy is headed.
A casual observer of news about economic indicators has more than enough reason to be puzzled.