CU forecast: Low prices to curb energy production

Oil and natural gas production will decrease in Colorado this year as part of a nationwide decline in activity related to lower energy prices, according to a new forecast. The forecast was conducted by the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder on behalf of a […]

Proposed ozone rules draw fire over potential economic effects

Kelly Sloan, The Business Times Mesa County and four other Western Colorado counties could for the first time violate national ozone standards and suffer harm to their local economies as a result if proposed regulations are implemented, a new report warns. The Center for Regulatory Solutions (CRS), a project of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Council, […]

Investment forecast focuses on the three Fs

Phil Castle, The Business Times Ross McDonald bases his outlook for investment markets in 2015 in part on what he terms the three Fs: whether or not stock markets are priced fairly; the prospects for various investments to generate fixed income; and fallow ground — that is, areas of potential opportunities. McDonald, a regional vice […]

Governor open to suggestions at West Slope meeting

Phil Castle, The Business Times Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper was not only receptive to, but also supportive of, many of the suggestions he heard during a meeting in Grand Junction. Hickenlooper voiced his approval for everything from exporting liquid natural gas to improving Internet access to further promoting tourism. He also reiterated his support of […]

Index: Consumer confidence rebounds

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped more than 10 points to 101.5 in August. Separate measures tracking both current assessments of business and labor conditions and expectations for the near future also increased. The […]

Mesa County jobless rate retreats

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has retreated from a seasonal peak. But the shrinking labor force continues to raise concerns over local conditions. “Everything just feels so flat this year,” said Suzie Miller, business services manager at the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. There’s hope, though, […]

Leading index slips, but still signals growth

A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has slipped after four months of gains, but continues to signal growth. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index edged down two-tenths of a percent to 123.3 in July. Separate measures of current and past economic activity both increased. “The U.S. LEI fell […]

Economist: Colorado growth likely to slow

Phil Castle, The Business Times While the state economy has expanded at more than twice the pace of the national economy, an economist expects growth to slow to Colorado. The national outlook remains modest with slow growth, but continued gains in the labor and housing markets. Low oil prices and slowing growth in China have […]

Investment manager: Markets could be due for a correction

Phil Castle, The Business Times Doug May was nearly spot on in his forecast for continued economic growth in the United States through the first half of this year. Heading into the second half of the year, though, May said he’s worried stock markets that have climbed over the past six years have reached their […]