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.
Economy
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MARCUS: Tax cuts are not efficient as a job stimulus
Many of the best minds in the nation are endorsing the latest stimulus package, which retains the Bush tax cuts and reduces workers’ Social Security contributions nearly one-third.
Construction, manufacturing may lead economic recovery
The recession came to an official end 18 months ago, but Indiana’s unemployment rate hovered around 10 percent.
Feds: Economy grew modestly in third quarter
Many analysts think the economy is growing at a 3.5 percent pace or better mainly because consumers are spending more freely again.
State unemployment rate dips to 9.8 percent
Indiana’s jobless rate dropped for the second month in a row and has decreased four-tenths of a point since hitting 10.2 percent this summer.
HICKS: Inflation delays visit, but it’ll arrive eventually
All economists know that, at its core, inflation is caused solely by too much money chasing too few goods.
Economist: State recovery slow, but faster than peers
Chief regional economist Jim Diffley of IHS Global Insight says Indiana has grown faster than other manufacturing-heavy Midwestern states.
Jobless rate rises to 9.8 percent as U.S. job growth slows
With hiring so weak, the unemployment rate rose from 9.6 percent to 9.8 percent. The jobless rate has now topped 9 percent for 19 straight months, the longest stretch on record.
Indianapolis banker sees progress, challenges at ailing Integra
Mike Alley, perhaps more than any other banker in the state, is experiencing the pain the economic crisis has wrought on the nation’s financial institutions.
Jobless claims tick up again
Difficulties adjusting for the Thanksgiving holiday contributed to last week’s spike in new applications, a government analyst said. The four-week moving average of claims, which smooths volatility, fell to 431,000 last week, a two-year low.
Jobless claims drop sharply
A Labor Department analyst said weekly claims are volatile during the week between the Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving holidays. A key question is whether claims will remain this low in future weeks.
State’s unemployment rate drops below 10 percent
Indiana’s unemployment rate in October dipped to 9.9 percent, marking the first time the rate has been below double digits since March.
The root of Indiana’s myriad problems
Longtime economist Morton Marcus says the objective truth is that Indiana is in decline. He also insists the solution is a change in the culture, not just job creation.
A historian muses on the American character and the debt crisis
Indiana University’s James Madison is “marginally optimistic” Americans have the fortitude to tackle what could grow to become an emergency ranking with the Civil War, the Great Depression and World War II.
Jobless claims fall sharply to 4-month low
The U.S. Labor Department said Wednesday that initial claims for jobless aid dropped by 24,000, to a seasonally adjusted 435,000. Many Wall Street economists expected a smaller decrease.
Employers add jobs, but rate sticks at 9.6 percent
U.S. employers added the most jobs in five months in October, with the education and health care sectors leading the way.
Weak employment report expected Friday
Newly elected members of Congress will get a reminder Friday of the economic challenges they face in January: The jobs report for October is expected to show hiring weak and unemployment still high. The outlook for 2011 isn't much better.
IU economists: Slow growth expected in 2011
Economic growth will remain sluggish into next year as companies remain hesitant to add jobs, Indiana University economists said Thursday morning during their annual forecast.
Elections encourage an arch-conservative
Bill Styring, whose long, wonkish career includes analyzing health reform for Mike Pence, cried last night.
September consumer spending weakens while incomes dip
Americans slowed their spending in September to the weakest pace in three months and their incomes fell for the first time in 14 months.