New claims for jobless benefits rose by 2.4% to 260,000 for the week ending July 30, after a brief decline in the prior week. … READ MORE >
Blog
Consumer products M&A posts second straight quarterly slowdown
Consumer products closed deal activity contracted for the second consecutive quarter to the lowest level since third quarter 2020. … READ MORE >
Service sector grew faster in July, beating forecasts
The service sector grew faster than expected in July on the back of broad-based increasing business activities and new orders. … READ MORE >
The worst of the Great Resignation might be over, but not for small businesses
The record high turnover in the job market, known as the Great Resignation, is showing signs of easing, but that may not be the case for small businesses. … READ MORE >
Labor force dynamics: 60,000 jobs per month are needed to keep the jobless rate near 4.4%
Long-run changes in the labor force have slowed its growth and are likely to result in a shortage of workers even if the economy falls into recession. … READ MORE >
Job openings drop in June amid Fed’s attempt to control inflation
Job openings in the United States fell for the third straight month in June as the labor market started to loosen up, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday. Job openings—which represent labor demand—have been the main target of the Federal Reserve to lessen the second-round impact on wage-pushed inflation. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Sour topline sentiment despite robust shipments
July’s reading of 0.6 standard deviations below normal manufacturing conditions marks the third month of sub-standard activity. … READ MORE >
Manufacturing sector activity hits lowest level in two years
The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index inched down to 52.8 from 53 the previous month, still indicating growth as readings above 48.7 generally show business expansion. … READ MORE >
Have we entered a “goods-cession” or goods fatigue?
While inflation is certainly a factor in consumer spending habits, goods fatigue is likely another. … READ MORE >
Canada’s GDP steady as spending on services remained strong in May
Friday’s data for Canada comes just a day after reports that the U.S. economy recorded its second consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth, … READ MORE >