The pace of new businesses opening in Colorado has slowed to its lowest level in four years, but other indicators signal continued job and economic growth. “Although slowing is the word of the day, Colorado still has one of the stronger economies in the U.S. with year-over-year employment growth at 2 percent,” said Richard Wobbekind, […]
A measure of consumer confidence has edged down on less upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions, but remains encouraging heading into the holiday season. “Confidence levels remain high, and there are no indications that consumers will curtail their holiday spending,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators for the Conference Board. The Conference […]
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions continues to decline, but also signal growth. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) slipped a tenth of a percent to 111.9 in September. A separate measure of current conditions held steady, while a measure of past conditions increased. “The LEI reflects uncertainty in the outlook and […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners continues to retreat, but also remains at an historically high level. It’s a combination that signals slowing growth, but no signs of a recession. “Perhaps the country will indeed talk itself into a recession, but not anytime soon,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National […]
Payrolls continue to grow in the United States even as the unemployment rate remains near a 50-year low. Nonfarm payrolls increased 130,000 in August, and the jobless rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent for a third straight month, according to the latest Labor Department estimates. The initial estimate for payroll gains in July was revised […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations, but also reflects difficulty in finding qualified employees. “Contrary to the narrative about impending economic doom, the small business sector remains exceptional,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. Juanita Duggan, president and chief executive […]
The pace of new businesses opening in Colorado continues to slow, but still should bolster job growth, according to the latest analysis of filings in the state. Corporations, nonprofits and other entities filed a total of 31,762 initial documents with the secretary of state’s office during the second quarter. That’s an increase of just six-tenths […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While the pace of real estate sales in Mesa County so far this year continues to lag behind last year, industry observers say the latest numbers offer encouragement. “July felt good,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. While lower inventories and higher prices […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 11.4 points to 135.7 in July, the highest level this year. The gain more than offset a drop in June attributed to concerns about trade and tariffs. “Consumers are […]
Tax collections have increased in the Grand Valley, an indication of more activity in the retail and hospitality sectors. Combined sales and use tax collections for the City of Grand Junction edged up a half a percent in April. Mesa County reported a 6.7 percent increase. Lodging tax collections on hotel and motel stays in […]