U.S. unemployment rate rises despite job gains
President Barack Obama will face voters with the highest unemployment rate of any incumbent since Franklin Roosevelt.
Economy
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IU economists predict more of the same in 2013
The economy in 2013 is likely to mirror the slow-growing one of this year, economists from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business predicted Thursday morning. And it could be even worse.
Financial crisis pushes millennials to fiscal conservatism
Researchers find that the recession had a particularly profound effect on the political attitudes of younger millennials, who’ve come of age as the adults who preceded them have lost homes, jobs and retirement funds. Their age group also faces high unemployment.
U.S. economic growth shows only slight improvement
The U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster 2-percent annual rate from July through September, buoyed by more spending by consumers and the government. Still, growth remains historically anemic, and exports and business spending are weakening.
Strategist: Economy expected to ‘muddle’ through 2013
The U.S. economy is expected to grow next year at a less-than-ideal rate, but that's not necessarily a bad thing considering the lingering uncertainty, said John Augustine, chief investment strategist of Fifth Third Bank.
U.S. jobless claims fall to lowest level in over 4 years
Unemployment benefit applications are a proxy for layoffs. When they consistently drop below 375,000, it suggests that hiring is strong enough to lower the unemployment rate.
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.
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.