U.S. weekly jobless claims at lowest level since 1969
In total, 1,350,000 Americans were collecting jobless aid the week that ended March 12, another five-decade low.
Economy
Articles
Ukraine invasion increases pressure for U.S. oil, but industry faces hurdles
Obstacles to more U.S. oil are surmountable, according to analysts, yet will take months to work through and it could be late this year or early next before a significant production increase materializes.
U.S. grew wealthier, better educated in second half of 2010s
The report released Thursday captures the second half of a decade-long expansion in the U.S. economy that followed the Great Recession.
Retail sales rose 0.3% in February amid higher prices
After beginning the year in a buying mood, Americans slowed their spending in February on gadgets, home furnishings and other discretionary items as higher prices for food, gasoline, and shelter consumed more of their wallets.
U.S. producer prices up 10% in February from a year ago
The Labor Department said Tuesday that its producer price index—which tracks inflation before it hits consumers—rose another 0.8% from January to February.
Federal Reserve to begin risky pursuit of a ‘soft landing’
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday will launch one of the most difficult tasks a central bank can attempt: Raise borrowing costs enough to slow growth and tame high inflation, but not so much as to topple the economy into recession.
Average U.S. gasoline price rises 22% in two weeks, to record $4.43 per gallon
The average price of gasoline at the pump is $1.54 higher per gallon than it was a year ago.
Uber charging customers new fuel fee for rides, delivery
The surcharge will be in effect for at least 60 days, after which Uber said it will assess the situation.
Record gas prices are pushing up everyday costs, dampening economic recovery
Economists say the one-two punch of rising prices and the intensifying geopolitical crisis could put the brakes on the rapid rebound and raise the risks of recession.
U.S. inflation soared 7.9% over past year, a fresh 40-year high
For the 12 months ending in February, grocery prices leapt 8.6%, the biggest year-over-year increase since 1981, the government said. Gas prices are up a whopping 38%. And housing costs have risen 4.7%, the largest yearly jump since 1991.
U.S. gasoline prices rise again on talk of banning Russian oil
Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3% gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel.
Wall Street tumbles after oil prices touch $130 per barrel
Markets worldwide have swung wildly recently on worries about how high prices for oil, wheat and other commodities produced in the region will go because of Russia’s invasion, inflaming the world’s already high inflation.
U.S. added 678,000 jobs in February in sign of economic health
The Labor Department’s report Friday also showed that the unemployment rate dropped from 4% to a low 3.8%, extending a sharp decline in joblessness as the economy has rebounded from the pandemic recession.
Commodities hit new highs as traders shun Russian purchases
Oil passed $110 a barrel, aluminum hit a fresh record and wheat rose to the highest since 2008. In Europe, natural gas prices and coal set all time highs, deepening the region’s energy crisis.
Powell tells Congress that Fed will raise rates this month
Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that he supports a traditional quarter-point increase in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark short-term interest rate when the Fed meets later this month, rather than a larger increase that some of its policymakers have proposed.
Economic dangers from Russia’s invasion ripple across globe
Moscow’s war on Ukraine and the ferocious financial backlash it’s unleashed are not only inflicting an economic catastrophe on President Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The repercussions are also menacing the global economy.
Key inflation gauge hit 6.1% in January, highest since 1982
Robust consumer spending has combined with widespread product and worker shortages to create the highest inflation in four decades—a heavy burden for U.S. households, especially lower-income families faced with elevated costs for food, fuel and rent.
Fed governor says bigger rate hike in March might be needed
The debate over how quickly to raise interest rates is being closely watched by financial markets and also could have an impact on the broader economy.
Fuel prices spike amid Ukraine crisis, climbing near $5 a gallon in some markets
Americans are paying nearly a dollar more for a gallon of gas than they did last year as the growing threat of war in Ukraine moved oil prices higher.
Federal Reserve governor opens door to half-point rate hike in March
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said Monday that she was open to lifting interest rates by more than the traditional quarter-point at the central bank’s next meeting in March.