US Growth Cools to 2.3% While Compensation Costs Accelerate
U.S. economic growth cooled last quarter as consumers pulled back after outsize spending in the prior period, though solid business investment cushioned some of the weakness and employee-compensation costs accelerated amid a tight job market.
Private-Sector Wages Lodge Biggest Gain Since 2008
U.S. employment costs increased more than forecast in the first quarter as worker pay and benefits accelerated, according to Labor Department data released April 27.
April 27, 2018Consumer Sentiment Exceeds Forecast on View of Finances
U.S. consumer sentiment exceeded estimates in April on Americans’ increasingly favorable views of their finances, University of Michigan survey data showed April 27.
NAFTA Nations to Meet Again; Mexico Says Deal Possible in Days
The United States and its NAFTA partners are stepping up efforts to reach a tentative deal in the coming days — with one Mexican minister saying a pact is “reasonably close” while the United States prepares for talks with China.
April 27, 2018Orders for Capital Equipment in March Ease Unexpectedly
Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment eased unexpectedly last month after a smaller February advance, indicating a more moderate pace of capital spending, a Commerce Department report showed April 26
Jobless Claims Decline on Return of New York School Workers
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plunged to the lowest level since 1969, mainly reflecting the return of educational service workers in New York state, figures showed April 26.
World Trade Momentum Wobbles After Best Month in Seven Years
Global trade momentum slipped in February, easing after recording its best month in more than seven years.
April 25, 2018Consumer Confidence Rebounds as Homebuying Plans Hit Record
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in April to the second-highest level since 2000 as Americans grew more upbeat about both current conditions and the economic outlook, according to figures April 24 from the New York-based Conference Board.
April 24, 2018Caterpillar Gives Vote of Confidence to Global Economy
Caterpillar Inc. raised its earnings forecast in a sign that industries from mining to energy are gaining momentum amid a stronger global economy — assuming no trade wars.
Sales of New Homes Advance to Four-Month High
U.S. new-home sales increased in March to a four- month high, mainly reflecting a surge in the West, and upward revisions to prior months showed stronger first-quarter demand than previously estimated, according to government data released April 24.