U.S. consumer spending, incomes show another monthly increase
Americans increased their spending in April at the fastest pace in four months, bolstered by a solid gain in incomes.
Economy
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First quarter economy better than originally estimated
The U.S. economy started 2017 out with a whimper, but it wasn't quite as weak as first thought. The government revised up its January-March growth reading, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
U.S. industrial production posts biggest gain since 2014
The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that industrial production at U.S. factories, mines and utilities shot up 1 percent in April from March, the biggest gain since February 2014 and the third straight monthly gain.
Survey of economists finds optimism about growth prospects
Economists surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics are generally optimistic about the U.S. economy, with most expecting stronger growth than last year's poor performance.
IMF foresees global economy accelerating to 3.5 percent this year
A resilient China, rising commodity prices and sturdy financial markets are offering a sunnier outlook for the global economy.
Survey: U.S. companies have biggest hiring month in two years
Payroll processor ADP said Wednesday that businesses added 263,000 jobs in March, the most since December 2014.
Latest GDP figures show slightly better fourth quarter
The U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster rate in the fourth quarter, but the small change did not alter the growth rate for the entire year, which came in at an anemic 1.6 percent. It was the worst showing in five years.
U.S. consumer confidence hits 16-year high
The index measures both consumers' assessment of current conditions and their expectations for the future. Both improved this month.
Survey says business optimism back to pre-recession levels
Company owners have gotten a confidence boost following the November election. Many have said in surveys they’re hoping for lower taxes and health care costs under President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress.
Unemployment rate dips as U.S. adds robust 235K jobs
U.S. employers added a robust number of jobs in February and raised pay at a healthy pace, making it all but certain that the Federal Reserve will raise short-term interest rates next week.
U.S. productivity sees smallest annual gain since 2011
The productivity of American workers grew at a slower pace in the fourth quarter and last year recorded the smallest annual gain in five years.
Latest GDP figures show weak quarterly, yearly growth
Economic growth for 2016 overall was just 1.6 percent, the poorest showing in five years. Since the recession ended in mid-2009, annual growth has averaged 2.1 percent, the worst performance for any recovery in the post-World War II period.
Consumer prices post biggest monthly rise in nearly 4 years
The Labor Department said Wednesday consumer prices rose 0.6 percent last month, the most since February 2013 and twice what economists were expecting.
U.S. retail sales surge, led by spending on gasoline, restaurants
Americans spent more than normally expected last month at clothiers, department stores, electronics outlets and sporting goods retailers.
U.S. hiring picks up steam, more people get back in job hunt
U.S. employers added a healthy 227,000 jobs last month and more Americans began looking for work—developments that President Donald Trump interpreted as confidence in his administration.
U.S. economic growth slowed in fourth quarter
The gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of just 1.9 percent in the October-December period, a slowdown from 3.5 percent growth in the third quarter, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
IMF boosts growth forecast for United States, cites Trump impact
The 189-nation global lending agency's latest economic outlook took note of the significant impact Trump's election has already had in giving a boost to U.S. stock prices, interest rates and the dollar.
U.S. unemployment rate ticks up to 4.7 percent
Though the unemployment rate rose to 4.7 percent from a nine-year low of 4.6 percent, it did so for an encouraging reason: More people began looking for work.
U.S. consumer confidence hits 15-year high
American households are expecting a Donald Trump administration to deliver. They are more upbeat about the prospects for the economy, labor market and their incomes, the Conference Board said.
U.S. factory production drops for first time in three months
American manufacturing is barely expanding as global demand and domestic business investment remain uninspiring.