US Consumer Sentiment Signals Gains in Spending Remain Likely
U.S. consumer sentiment holding near post-election highs reflects an improved outlook on wages and indicates spending is poised to rebound, though a partisan gap persists, University of Michigan survey data showed May 26.
Little-Changed Jobless Claims Signal Solid Labor Market
U.S. jobless-benefit claims are hovering near levels that continue to reflect a strong labor market, with figures little changed last week, Labor Department data showed May 25.
Optimism for Sales Prospects Propels Homebuilder Sentiment
More confidence among U.S. home builders this month shows the industry remains optimistic that demand will keep growing in the face of rising property values, according to data May 15 from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
Four-Month High in Consumer Sentiment to Sustain Spending
A four-month high in consumer confidence indicates Americans remain optimistic about their incomes, helping to support steady growth in spending this year, University of Michigan survey data showed May 12.
Rebound in Wholesale Prices Signals Inflation Pressures
The bigger-than-forecast rebound in April wholesale prices indicates inflation pressures continue to build in the U.S. economy and that March’s decline was short-lived, Labor Department data showed May 11.
US Job Openings at Eight-Month High
An eight-month high in March job openings and a pickup in quits indicate the U.S. labor market continues to tighten, a Labor Department report showed.
Trade Gap Narrower Than Forecast as Service Exports Rise
The U.S. trade deficit was narrower than forecast in March as record exports of services partly cushioned a drop in merchandise shipments, Commerce Department data showed May 4.
Manufacturing Expanded Less Than Forecast in April
America’s factories expanded less than forecast in April as measures of orders and employment pulled back, Institute for Supply Management data showed May 1.
Consumer Sentiment Little Changed in April
Household sentiment was little changed in April from the previous month, holding at an elevated level on optimism about personal finances, University of Michigan survey data showed.
American Consumers' Economic Expectations Strongest Since 2001
Consumer confidence rebounded last week as Americans became the most upbeat about the economy since 2001, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed April 27.