Companies Add More Jobs Than Expected, ADP Data Show
Companies in the U.S. added more workers in February than expected, underscoring continued strengthening in the labor market, according to data released March 7 from the ADP Research Institute.
US Trade Gap Widens to Post-Recession High
The U.S. trade deficit widened more than forecast in January to a post-recession high, adding to figures cited by President Donald Trump as evidence of American weakness while he brings the nation to the brink of a trade war.
March 7, 2018Mnuchin Seeks to Douse Trade-War Fears Over Trump Metal Tariffs
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Trump administration isn’t trying to provoke a global trade fight with the steel and aluminum tariffs announced last week.
Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Steel Tariffs, Canada, Mexico and NAFTA
President Trump suggested March 5 he may end steel tariffs on Mexico and Canada if they give him better trade terms while re-negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Service Industries Grow Near Fastest in at Least a Decade
U.S. service industries expanded in February near the fastest pace in at least a decade, signaling the economy is on track for steady growth this quarter, according to a survey from the Institute for Supply Management on March 5.
March 5, 2018Trump’s Steel Tariffs Will Hit US Factories Already Jammed
The steel tariffs that President Donald Trump plans to impose would deal a major blow to U.S. factories, according to an official with an industry group.
Former Treasury Secretary Warns Next Recession Could Outlast Previous One
The next U.S. recession could drag on longer than the last one that stretched 18 months. That’s the assessment of former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
Consumer Comfort Hovers Near Highest Level in 17 Years
Americans’ sentiment remained close to a 17-year high on rosier views of personal finances and the buying climate, as workers enjoy more take-home pay after the recent tax-cut legislation, according to the weekly Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released March 1.
Manufacturing Expands at Fastest Pace Since May 2004
U.S. factories expanded in February at the fastest rate since May 2004, indicating sustained strength in manufacturing as demand remains solid, figures from the Institute for Supply Management showed March 1.
Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest in Almost Five Decades
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level in almost five decades, indicating the job market remains tight, Labor Department figures showed March 1.
March 1, 2018