The nascent awakening of the U.S. economy in May resulted in 2.7 million workers being recalled to their jobs, 2.5 million jobs created and a decline in the unemployment rate to 13.3%. … READ MORE >
Economics
Initial jobless claims fall in most states, but the damage has been done
Almost every state had a decline in initial jobless claims in the last week of May, as a ninth week was added to the trend of decreasing yet still substantial household economic misery. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims: Some good news amid continued carnage
The pace of first-time jobless claims declined for the ninth consecutive week, to 1.83 million, bringing the cumulative total of those who have lost jobs over the past 11 weeks to 42.6 million. … READ MORE >
Preview: May U.S. employment report
We expect the U.S. economy to shed 7.8 million jobs and the unemployment to reach 21.5% when the May U.S. employment estimate is released on Friday. … READ MORE >
California: A test case for reopening the New York metropolitan area
California is now in Stage 2 of its reopening program from the coronavirus lockdown. The crowds at Los Angeles beaches and the rise in newly reported cases in California should give the governors of New York and New Jersey something to consider as pressure mounts to reopen Jones Beach in New York and the Jersey shore. … READ MORE >
Bill would loosen restrictions in Paycheck Protection Program, making loan forgiveness easier
In a bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act on May 28, loosening some restrictions on borrowers and making it easier to qualify for loan forgiveness. … READ MORE >
April U.S. personal income and spending: Fiscal cliff approaches as income support remains key
With one in four American workers looking for employment or waiting to be recalled to work, there is little doubt that the weak spending environment will partially define the U.S. economic narrative and policy going forward. … READ MORE >
Main Street Lending Program details released; program expected to start soon
The Federal Reserve took an important step toward the launch of the long-awaited Main Street Lending Program with the release of details about how the program will work. … READ MORE >
State jobless claims continue to decelerate in week ending May 23
Another 2.1 million first-time unemployment claims were processed by state employment agencies for the week ending May 23, with 323,000 less than the prior week but still 10 times the normal amount. … READ MORE >
First-quarter GDP is revised downward to a 5% contraction
A 10.5% decline in gross private investment was the primary driver of the downward revision to first-quarter gross domestic product to a 5% contraction, from a drop of 4.8%. … READ MORE >