Government, Business

Consumer Confidence Falls for Third Consecutive Month

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence has fallen for a third consecutive month as optimism about job prospects and business conditions down the road grow weaker.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
October 29, 2019
Government, Business

Fed Survey Finds US Economy Being Hurt by Trade Battles

The Federal Reserve, issuing its latest assessment of business conditions around the country, reported Oct. 16 that “persistent trade tensions and slower global growth” were weighing on the economy.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
October 16, 2019
Government, Business

Durable Goods Orders Edge Up 0.2% in August

WASHINGTON — Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods showed a slight increase in August but a key sector that tracks business investment plans declined, likely reflecting fallout from President Donald Trump’s trade wars.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
September 27, 2019
Government, Business

US Economy Grew at Modest 2% Rate in Q2

The U.S. economy grew at a modest 2% annual rate in the second quarter, a pace sharply lower than the 3%-plus growth rates seen over the past year. Many analysts believe growth will slow further in coming quarters as global weakness and rising trade tensions exert a toll.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
September 26, 2019
Government, Business

With Trump Trade War a Threat, Fed Is Set to Cut Rates Again

WASHINGTON — For a second straight time, the Federal Reserve is set to cut interest rates this week to try to protect the economy from the consequences of a global slowdown and President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
September 16, 2019
Government, Business

Consumer Spending, Incomes Post Solid Gains in June

Consumer spending rose a healthy 0.3% in June, slightly below the strong gains of the past three months, while incomes turned in a solid 0.4% gain for the fourth straight month.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
July 30, 2019
Government, Business

Consumer Spending Slows to 0.3% Gain in April

The Commerce Department said May 31 that consumer spending increased 0.3% in April after a 1.1% surge in March that had been the largest increase in nearly a decade. Personal income growth, which had been lagging in recent months, jumped 0.5% in April.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
May 31, 2019
Business

US Industrial Production Down 0.5% in April

WASHINGTON — U.S. industrial production fell in April, dragged by a big drop in factory output as production of autos and auto parts continued to slide.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
May 15, 2019
Government, Business

Consumer Spending Fell Sharp 0.5% in December

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer spending tumbled 0.5% in December, the biggest decline in nine years, as the holiday shopping season ended in disappointment. Meanwhile, incomes rose sharply in December but edged down in January.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
March 1, 2019
Government, Business

US Economic Growth Slows to 2.6% Rate in 4Q

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy slowed in the final three months of last year to an annual growth rate of 2.6%, the slowest pace since the beginning of 2018, as the government shutdown and other factors took a toll on growth. Economists believe growth has slowed even more in the current quarter.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
February 28, 2019