With the improved economy, new homes are getting bigger again. The average size of newly built single-family homes increased during the first quarter of this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Using first-quarter census numbers on home …
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Consumer Spending in U.S. Unexpectedly Declines
American shoppers dialed it back in April after spending at the fastest pace in almost five years. Household purchases unexpectedly fell 0.1 percent, the first decrease in a year, after a 1 percent gain the prior month that was the …
Read More »Small Businesses’ Effect on the U.S. Economy
The importance of small business to job creation and to the U.S. economy has been the focus of economists and policy makers alike for several decades. But defining or measuring what constitutes or defines a small business is quite challenging, …
Read More »Manufacturing Expands at a Slower Rate
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the 12th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 60th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. To find out …
Read More »Why Small Businesses Matter
Ever wonder just how much your business matters to the economy? According to an article by NRF, the importance of small business to job creation and to the U.S. economy has been the focus of economists and policy makers for …
Read More »Consumers Soften Spending in April
Despite nicer spring weather, consumers softened their spending in April. According to the National Retail Federation, April retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, were unchanged seasonally adjusted month-to-month yet increased 4.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year. “The shift in …
Read More »Warmer Weather Pushes Retail Sales Up in March
March retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.8 percent adjusted month-to-month, according to the National Retail Federation. It was also a positive month for the home improvement sector: building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers …
Read More »Retail Employment Grows in March
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 192,000 in March, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The National Retail Federation calculated month-to-month retail employment increased 18,200 in March and 229,000 …
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