Topic: Business Conditions

Business Conditions

Initial Unemployment Claims Register Lowest Talley Since March

– May 28, 2020

Massive layoffs continue but the trend has been slowing for eight consecutive weeks.

Business Conditions

Regional Fed Surveys Show Improving Expectations

– May 22, 2020

Recent surveys suggest business current conditions remain extremely weak but expectations about the future are improving.

Business Conditions

New Unemployment Claims Slowed Again as Total Unemployed Hits a Record High

– May 21, 2020

The labor market continues to struggle under the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and government policy responses, but some signs of easing are emerging.

Business Conditions

Low Mortgage Rates May Support Housing Rebound

– May 19, 2020

Low mortgage rates may provide some support for housing activity following a plunge in starts and permits in April.

Business Conditions

Manufacturing Activity Plummets in April

– May 15, 2020

Industrial production plunged as the tsunami of disastrous economic data continues. While some areas are moving towards easing restrictions, it will likely be a slow path back.

Business Conditions

Mixed Emotions for Consumers in Early May

– May 15, 2020

Consumer attitudes are changing in somewhat unexpected ways as personal health, family finances, and social interactions are impacted by lockdown policies.

Business Conditions

Retail Sales Post Another Record Plunge in April

– May 15, 2020

Retail sales posted another record decline in April and are likely to show significant weakness over the next several months.

Business Conditions

New Unemployment Claims Slowed Again, Dropping Below 3 Million

– May 14, 2020

The labor market and the economy have been crushed by the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and government policy responses.

Business Conditions

A Glimmer of Hope Amid Economic Devastation

– May 13, 2020

Small-business confidence fell again in April as sales expectations plunged, but the hopes for an economic rebound rose.

Business Conditions

May 2020 Business Conditions Monthly

– May 11, 2020

AIER’s Leading and Roughly Coincident Indicators indexes drop to 33, reflecting the economic devastation.

Business Conditions

Massive Job Loss Sends Unemployment Rate to Highest Since the Great Depression

– May 8, 2020

More than 20 million U.S. jobs were lost in April, and with record-shattering initial claims suggesting more job losses to come, a U.S. recession is a near certainty.

Business Conditions

New Unemployment Claims Continue to Slow but Remain Enormous

– May 7, 2020

The labor market and economic activity in general continues to be crushed by the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.