Tag Archives: 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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Despite ups and downs in housing-related stocks due to severe winter weather patterns across much of the country, the Hardware Retailing Stock Index handily recovered from January’s downturn, adding 69.25 points, or 5.72 percent, to close at 1280.65, outperforming all …

February retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.2 percent adjusted month-to-month, according to the National Retail Federation. In the home improvement industry, building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers stores’ sales increased 0.3 percent seasonally-adjusted …