U.S. Census Bureau
Economy Watch Weekly: Unemployment Rate Hits 20-Year Low
The U.S. economy experienced below-average job growth in May, adding only 138,000 jobs compared to the average of 181,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the unemployment rate reached a new low of 4.3 percent for the month. Economy Editor Dees Stribling has the details on the latest jobs report.
Economy Watch: Construction Spending Takes a Dip in April
Both private and public construction spending declined for the month in almost every property category, according to the Census Bureau, including in lodging and health care.
Economy Watch Weekly: Traditional Retail Sees Lowest Quarterly Growth Since 2009
E-commerce sales continue to grow, posting a 14.7 percent increase in the first quarter of 2017 from the same quarter last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Conventional retailers, on the other hand, weren’t so lucky. Economy Editor Dees Stribling has the latest.
Economy Watch: Internet Sales Continue Robust Growth
The growth of e-commerce sales has been steady over the last decade, including during the recession, hitting $105.7 billion in the first quarter of 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Conventional retail sales, on the other hand, saw its most anemic quarterly growth since the onset of the recession.
Retail Scuffles, But All Is Not Lost
News of retail bankruptcies and store closings might be making the most headlines, but retailers and retail owners that can adapt to changing consumer preferences and compete with the rise of e-commerce can still prevail, argues Yardi Matrix Analyst Justin Dean.
Economy Watch Weekly: Retail Sales, Inflation Rise in April
The U.S. economy saw a boost in retail sales and the consumer price index in April, which could increase the chances of the Federal Open Market Committee deciding to raise interest rates at its June meeting.
Economy Watch: Retail Sales Up in April
U.S. retail sales increased 0.4 percent in April and 4.5 percent from the same time last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Retailers like electronic stores and building material suppliers had a good month, and even department stores eked out a small gain.
Economy Watch: Construction Spending Edges Down in March
While spending on construction projects declined for the month, the figure is above the March 2016 rate. Lodging and health care spending was up for the month, while office and other commercial spending was down.
Economy Watch Weekly: Retail Bankruptcies Already Equal to 2016 Total
The rise of e-commerce, oversupply of shopping centers and changing Millennial preferences are among the key factors forcing many retailers to close up shop, reports Economy Editor Dees Stribling.