Rise in holiday hiring a good sign, Purdue prof says
Purdue University’s Richard Feinberg says an increase in hiring by many U.S. retailers is a sign they're confident they'll see higher sales in the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Economy
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Hopes slipping among state business owners
A survey of Hoosier business owners shows an increasingly a ho-hum outlook, with only one in seven optimistic for their own company and even fewer encouraged about the U.S. economy.
U.S. unemployment-aid applications rise again
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 367,000 last week, a rise of 4,000 from the previous week. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, was unchanged at 375,000.
Bernanke: Economy growing much too slowly to put people back to work
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told a local lunch crowd that he expects the economy to keep growing, but he said the growth is so slow that it could create a "permanent group" of underemployed Americans.
Unemployment aid applications hit 2-month low
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits plunged to its lowest level in nine weeks. Other economic figures released Thursday were mainly disappointing.
Weekly U.S. unemployment claims remain high
The Labor Department said Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits declined by 3,000 last week, to 382,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose for the fifth straight week, to 377,750, the highest level in nearly three months.
Rising gas prices put a crimp in Americans’ spending
The Federal Reserve this week took steps to boost economic growth. But those stimulus measures are also pushing oil prices up. If gas prices follow, consumers will have less money to spend elsewhere.
U.S. unemployment rate ticks up despite rise in hiring
U.S. employers added 163,000 jobs in July, the Labor Department said Friday, a somewhat hopeful sign after three months of sluggish hiring. However, the unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent, up from 8.2 percent in June.
U.S. employers add only 80,000 jobs as economy struggles
U.S. employers added only 80,000 jobs in June, a third straight month of weak hiring that shows the economy is struggling three years after the recession ended. The unemployment rate remained at 8.2 percent.
Life sciences hold up in recession
A new report shows Indiana’s life sciences companies performed better than their peers around the country—and far better than the rest of Indiana’s private sector—during the early phases of the economic downturn.
Economy might worsen before it improves much
If it seems like the economy should be better by now, under normal circumstances it would. After all, the recession ended three years ago this month.
Manufacturing employment coming back, but without the wages of yesteryear
Recovery in manufacturing—one of Indiana’s best-paying employment sectors—has been a much celebrated change after years of decline. But many of those jobs are returning with lower wages as employers keep up with growing global competition.
Mounting student loan debt vexing for Indiana
More college degrees wanted, but large borrowing amounts present obstacle.
Indiana unemployment rate shrinks to 7.9 percent
Indiana’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.9 percent in April, falling below 8 percent for the first time since November 2008. The rate has dropped for five straight months.
State’s unemployment rate dips to 8.2 percent
Indiana’s jobless rate is the lowest it’s been since December 2008 and matches the national jobless rate for March, also at 8.2 percent.
New data brightens Indy area’s jobs picture
Bureau of Labor Statistics revises numbers, but region is still 30,000 jobs short of pre-recession peak.
U.S. weekly jobless claims fall to lowest level in four years
The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly unemployment benefit applications fell by 5,000, to a seasonally adjusted 359,000. That's the smallest number of applicants since April 2008. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, declined to 365,000.
State unemployment rate dips to 8.7 percent
Indiana’s unemployment rate fell to 8.7 percent in January as the state added 13,000 private-sector jobs, the largest monthly increase in more than a year.
State economy finally gaining traction
Leading indicators for Indiana’s economy are looking up: Banks are increasing lending, real estate developers are pulling the trigger on long-shelved projects, manufacturers are expanding, and consumers are even buying big-ticket items, including automobiles.
New-home construction off to mild start
Building permits filed in the nine-county Indianapolis metropolitan area totaled 194 in January, a 2-percent dip from the same time last year. But industry leaders are cautiously optimistic.