Americans grew more upbeat last week about the economy’s performance and the buying climate, allowing a measure of consumer sentiment to remain at an almost 17-year high, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Jan. 18.
January 18, 2018Transportation Economy News Updates
Transportation economics news offers analysis and reporting on the economic forces shaping freight movement, supply chains and the broader trucking industry. This category highlights trends in freight demand, pricing, fuel costs, labor markets and trade dynamics that influence carrier strategy and industry performance. Articles also examine economic indicators, policy impacts and market shifts critical to understanding how financial trends affect logistics, investment and operational decision-making across the transportation sector.
Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Tally Since 1973
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plummeted to the lowest level in almost 45 years in a sign the job market will tighten further in 2018, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 18.
January 18, 2018Manufacturing Output Rose in December for a Fourth Month
U.S. factory production rose for a fourth straight month in December, capping the strongest quarter since 2010 and underscoring a resurgence in manufacturing that’s primed for further advances, Federal Reserve data showed Jan. 17.
January 17, 2018Consumers See Higher Wage Growth, Inflation in Fed Survey
U.S. consumer expectations for wage growth rose in December to the highest level in three years, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey.
January 16, 2018December Retail Sales Gain Caps Robust Holiday Season
U.S. retail sales increased in December for a fourth month, indicating strong consumer demand throughout the holiday season, according to Commerce Department figures released Jan. 12.
January 12, 2018Consumer Comfort Rises to Highest Level in Almost 17 Years
Americans’ confidence began 2018 by rising to an almost 17-year high on greater optimism about the U.S. economy and buying climate, according to the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Jan. 11.
January 11, 2018Wholesale Prices Unexpectedly Show First Drop Since 2016
U.S. wholesale prices fell in December for the first time in more than a year on declining costs for services, a potential sign that inflation pressures are easing in the economy, a Labor Department report showed Jan. 11.
January 11, 2018Jobless Claims Rise to Three-Month High After Holidays
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose to a three-month high last week during a holiday period when claims tend to be volatile, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 11.
January 11, 2018Job Openings Declined in November to a Six-Month Low
U.S. job openings unexpectedly fell in November to a six-month low, though the level is still consistent with an improving labor market, Labor Department data showed Jan. 9.
January 9, 2018Consumer Credit Jumped in November by Most Since 2001
U.S. consumer credit outstanding rose in November by the most in 16 years as credit-card balances surged, Federal Reserve data showed Jan. 8.
January 8, 2018