Indicators in U.S. jobs market warn of possible weakness ahead
Two key indicators—hiring for temporary-help positions and weekly working hours—have declined this year even as unemployment has remained near a half-century low.
Economy
Articles
Survey shows solid monthly job growth for companies of all sizes
U.S. businesses added a healthy 195,000 jobs last month, a sign companies are still hiring at a brisk pace despite the ongoing trade war with China.
Optimistic U.S. consumers boosted spending 0.6% in July
U.S. consumer spending grew 0.6% in July, a healthy gain that suggests American shoppers are largely ignoring concerns about trade tensions and driving the economy forward.
U.S. orders for long-lasting goods show 2.1% July increase
Orders for transportation equipment powered the overall gain, rising 7%, the category’s strongest month in almost a year.
U.S. Steel expects 150 layoffs by idling Indiana plant
The Pittsburgh-based company says the East Chicago plant was underutilized because low-priced imports have captured roughly half of the U.S. tin products market.
Trump vows response as China plans tariffs on $75B in U.S. goods
President Donald Trump on Friday called on U.S. companies with operations in China to consider an alternative place to do business after Beijing announced a series of retaliatory tariffs Friday.
Weak world demand, trade take their toll on U.S. factories
Bigger cracks are forming across America’s manufacturing foundation after lackluster global demand and persistent trade tensions led to the first contraction in U.S. factory activity since September 2009.
Trump drops tax cut idea, citing ‘strong economy’
President Donald Trump also knocked down the idea of indexing to the capital gains tax, which applies when investors sell assets, to inflation.
Trump acknowledges China policies could mean U.S. economic pain
President Donald Trump said Tuesday his aggressive China trade policies might mean economic pain for Americans but insisted they’re needed for more important long-term benefits.
Trump confirms he’s considering temporary payroll tax cut
The White House has, in recent days, sought to exude confidence about the economy’s strength while at the same time hunting for ways to bolster business and consumer confidence.
Economists survey: 74% expect U.S. recession by end of 2021
The economists surveyed were skeptical about prospects for success of the latest round of U.S.-China trade negotiations. Only 5% predicted that a comprehensive trade deal would result.
Hoosier manufacturers say they’ve been prepping for recession
Companies banged up during the Great Recession a decade ago have been preparing for the next slowdown by keeping workforces lean, adding technology and avoiding excessive debt.
Weak global growth likely to mean U.S. slowdown, not recession
Most analysts expect the U.S. economy to power through the rough patch, at least in the coming months, on the strength of solid consumer spending and a resilient job market.
U.S. retail sales rise strongly in sign of consumer optimism
Online retailers, grocery stores, clothing retailers and electronics and appliance stores all reported strong gains.
Analysis: Is U.S. economy nearing a recession?
For now, most economic signs appear solid. Employers are adding jobs at a steady pace, the unemployment rate remains near a 50-year low and consumers are optimistic.
Major stock indexes fall 3% after indicator warns of possible recession
The yield on the 10-year Treasury briefly dropped below the two-year Treasury’s yield Wednesday morning for the first time since 2007. The so-called inversion has correctly predicted many past recessions.
U.S. wholesale prices see modest July increase
U.S. wholesale prices ticked up just 0.2% in July, the latest sign that inflationary pressures are largely in check.
Treasury Department designates China a ‘currency manipulator’
The United States and China traded blows in an unrestrained economic conflict Monday that sent stock markets plunging and threatened to inflict significant damage on a weakening global economy.
July U.S. jobs report shows solid gains amid trade frictions
U.S. employers slowed their hiring in July, but added a still-healthy number of jobs. Average hourly earnings increased 3.2% from a year ago, up from annual gains of 3% in June.
Richer U.S. households fueling hot job sector: ‘wealth work’
In an era that has witnessed a steady loss of manufacturing jobs, wealth positions hold one major distinct advantage: Because these jobs require personal interaction, they are immune to the threat of automation and outsourcing.