U.S. consumer spending edges up on income increases
Consumer spending edged up a tiny 0.1 percent following declines of 0.2 percent in both January and December, the Commerce Department reported Monday.
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U.S. adds 295K jobs; unemployment rate falls to 5.5 percent
The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent from 5.7 percent, the government said Friday. But the rate declined mainly because some people out of work stopped looking for jobs and were no longer counted as unemployed.
Strong dollar divides economy into winners, losers
Hoosier businesses and consumers face a dynamic not seen in a generation—a dollar significantly more muscular than many competing currencies. Experts predict the dollar’s clout and the pros and cons of that power will endure for a year and possibly as long as three.
Orders for U.S. durable goods show monthly rebound
Orders to U.S. factories for long-lasting manufactured goods bounced back in January, rising by the largest amount in six months, although much of the strength came from a big jump in airplane orders.
Cheaper gas lowers U.S. retail sales for 2nd straight month
U.S. retail sales fell sharply last month as gas prices plummeted and auto sales slowed. But excluding those volatile categories, Americans stepped up their spending a bit.
January jobs report finds robust gains on all fronts
The Labor Department said Friday that the economy added 257,000 jobs in January, previous months were revised up, wages rose by the most in six years, and more Americans entered the job market.
U.S. factory orders fall for 5th straight month
Orders to U.S. factories dropped for a fifth consecutive month in December, while a key category that signals business investment plans fell for a fourth straight month.
Consumer spending slips in December as car sales weaken
Personal income rose 0.3 percent in December, aided by the steady wave of hiring over the past year. But rather than spend those gains, consumers saved more of their disposable income.
U.S. pay, benefits posted biggest gain since 2008
An uptick in the employment cost index during 2014 could be a sign strong job gains are forcing companies to pay a bit more for workers.
U.S. posts big job gains, but wages shrink
The United States capped its best year for hiring in 15 years with a healthy gain in December, and the unemployment rate hit a six-year low. Average hourly pay slipped 5 cents.
Applications for U.S. jobless aid rise, but growth looks solid
More Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, but the number of applications continues to be at historically low levels that suggest solid economic growth will continue.
Consumers burst with confidence in December
Suddenly robust economic growth, low unemployment and shrinking gas prices have improved the outlook of Americans, a study shows.
HHGregg snags new exec from New York chain
The appliance and electronics retailer has hired its fourth chief merchandising officer in about three years, snagging a veteran executive who will move on from a much smaller chain.
Applications for unemployment aid fall to 7-week low
The number of people seeking jobless benefits has been at historically low levels for 14 of the past 15 weeks. That indicates companies are retaining workers and expecting economic growth to continue.
Economic growth revised up to 5 percent for third quarter
The sizzling rate gives credence to many analysts who think U.S. growth is finally set to accelerate. More people are working and have money to spend.
Private hiring in state boomed by 15,800 jobs in November
In December, Indiana saw its biggest monthly increase in private sector jobs in 15 years, as the national economy boosted hiring across the country.
Cheaper gasoline, food shrink U.S. producer prices
The retreat of wholesale costs gives the Federal Reserve more leeway to keep interest rates at record lows in an effort to stimulate the economy.
U.S. economic growth revised up for third quarter
The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.9-percent annual rate in the July-September period, according to the latest estimate, possibly giving the country its strongest six months of growth in more than a decade.
Why many aren’t celebrating lower U.S. unemployment
After Tuesday's midterm elections, exit polling showed how little falling unemployment has resonated. Most voters said they cast their ballots out of fear for the economy.
U.S. employers add 214K jobs; rate falls to 5.8 percent
Employers have now added at least 200,000 jobs for nine straight months, the longest such stretch since 1995.