Indiana public companies had banner year
Corporations staged advances across a variety of industries in 2010 as the economy improved.
Economy
Articles
2010 was great for Indiana’s 100 largest companies
Despite enjoying rising revenues and profits, companies haven’t followed with big increases in job numbers.
Economic indicators signal lower prices ahead
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.
Economists: Lower growth, higher oil prices coming
The predictions of the economists reflect the jitteriness of a public that is still recovering from the financial crisis and now getting squeezed by rising prices for gas, groceries and other household items.
Economic Club of Indiana getting new manager
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which has overseen the Economic Club of Indiana for the last three and a half years, will end its relationship with the group after May's luncheon.
Can China maintain pace of economic growth?
People talk about China’s continued economic growth almost as if it is a foregone conclusion, but not all economists are so sure.
SPECIAL REPORT: Indiana companies charge into China
With economic growth in the United States sluggish, Indiana companies are joining the race to capitalize on the fast-growing Chinese economy—even as hundreds of millions of Chinese move into the middle class and adopt a Western-style thirst for goods and services.
Economist: U.S. recovery ‘turning a corner’
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 jump on steep rise in food costs
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.
U.S. unemployment rate drops to 8.9 percent
The unemployment rate has been falling for three months, down from 9.8 percent in November, marking the sharpest three-month decline since 1983.
Manufacturing growing at fastest pace in 7 years
U.S. manufacturers expanded at the fastest pace in nearly 7 years last month, as factories continue to boost economic growth.
Experts: Economy too weak to fuel venture-capital investment
Activity won’t gain much steam until more entrepreneurs become optimistic, and optimism won’t materialize until the economy gets warmer, said John Barnard, managing director of Pearl Street Venture Funds.
Consumer confidence hits 3-year high this month
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.
HICKS: Earmarks need overhaul, but they aren’t entirely bad
Our influential senior senator, Richard Lugar, and 6th District congressman, Mike Pence, disagree on an outright ban on earmarks. This is a rare case in which the differing concerns of both men are right.
More foreign students at state colleges a good sign for economy
Indiana, where foreign-student enrollment rose in 2010, is 10th in the U.S. in the number of students from other countries.
Rising industrial production gives economy momentum
Factories started producing more as U.S. companies placed more orders to replenish stockpiles that they slashed during the downturn. Then in the final months of 2010, consumers and businesses showed a bigger appetite to spend, encouraged in part by the improving economy.
New jobs point to slow, steady economic growth
The nation's economy added 103,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month, its lowest level in 19 months. But the job growth fell short of expectations based on a strengthening economy.
More unemployment claims filed nationally last week
The U.S. Labor Department says applications for unemployment aid rose by 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 409,000 in the week ending Jan. 1. Applications fell to 391,000 in the previous week, the lowest point since July 2008.
HICKS: Why economic forecasting is inexact science
Forecasts are primarily used as a tool to begin, not end, conversations about business and government matters.
Economy brightens as consumers spend, layoffs slow
The latest data confirm that the economy is improving, even though too few jobs are being created to lower the 9.8 percent unemployment rate.