U.S. jobless rate declines as payrolls keep growing

The unemployment rate in the United States has dropped to its lowest level in 18 months even as payrolls continue to grow. According to the latest estimates from the Department of Commerce, the monthly unemployment rate dropped four-tenths to 9.4 percent in December. Meanwhile, nonfarm payrolls grew 103,000. The latest jobless rate is the lowest […]

Rising index forecasts improving prospects for Colorado

A monthly measure of business conditions in Colorado has jumped more than four points as prospects improve for growth in the first half of the new year. “Recent surveys point to improving economic conditions for the first half of 2011, with industries with close ties to energy and agriculture pushing overall state growth higher,” said […]

Mesa County foreclosure pace fastest among metro counties

Foreclosure activity continues to increase in Mesa County at a proportionally faster pace than in any of  the 11 other most populous counties in Colorado. While the number of foreclosure filings in Mesa County fell from October to November, foreclosure sales were up. Compared to last year, year-to-date filings  through November have increased nearly 46 […]

Grand Junction apartment survey: Vacancy rate down, monthly rent up

Apartment vacancy rates have declined in Grand Junction for a third consecutive quarter, although they remain high by long-term standards. According to the latest results of a survey conducted for the Colorado Division of Housing, the average apartment vacancy rate for Grand Junction fell to 7.9 percent for the third quarter. Since spiking at 13.2 […]

Consumer confidence slips, but 2011 growth still forecast

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined, but doesn’t reflect a substantial change from already guarded expectations for moderate growth. “Consumer confidence is no worse off today that it was a year ago. Consumers’ assessment of the current state of the economy and labor market remains tepid and their outlook remains cautious,” said Lynn […]

Document shredding firm adds truck to meet growing demand for destruction

A document destruction firm based in Palisade has added a third shredding truck to keep pace with increasing demand for on-site services across four states. Colorado Document Security bought the truck from Alpine Shredders, the third vehicle the company has purchased from the Canadian manufacturer in four years. Scott Fasken, vice president of operations at […]