Phil Castle, The Business Times Real estate sales in Mesa County during April kept pace with the same month last year, but overall activity so far in 2014 hasn’t yet caught up with 2013. The outlook for the coming months, traditionally the busiest for the year for the local market, remains upbeat nonetheless. “I think we’re […]
Payrolls increased by their largest monthly amount in more than two years as the unemployment rate in the United States decreased to its lowest level in nearly six years. According to the latest Department of Labor estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew 288,000 in April and the jobless rate retreated four-tenths of a point to 6.3 percent. […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has edged down on a mix of lower expectations for improving economic conditions and earnings, but more upbeat expectations for hiring and sales. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index slipped a tenth of a point to 94 in August. […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has climbed to its one of its highest levels in nearly six years, yet continues to reflect concerns over government regulations and economic uncertainty. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose six-tenths of a point in July. At 94.1, […]
Robust rebounds in hiring and home prices, especially in the Denver area, reflect accelerating economic recovery in Colorado. The improvement has been more modest outside the Denver area as farmers and ranchers contend with drought conditions. But the tourism and energy sectors have picked up. “Colorado’s economy is growing solidly, and both employment and Denver […]
A monthly index tracking optimism among small business owners nationwide has retreated on less upbeat expectations for sales and earnings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell nearly a point to 93.5 in June. “After two months of incremental, but solid, gains, the index gave up in June,” […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County has slipped below 8 percent for the first time in more than four years as a number of indicators reflect a slowly improving labor market. The size of the workforce has yet to rebound, however, and finding full-time work remains a challenge for […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States has advanced on growing strength in the housing and labor markets, signalling continued growth in the months ahead. Separate measures of current and past economic performance also edged up. Cuts in federal spending and continued uncertainty for businesses and consumers could affect the outlook, however. […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: The monthly unemployment rate in Mesa County continues to decline as hiring heats up along with the spring weather. Drops in the jobless rate in each of the last three months as well as a separate measure of labor demand offer encouragement labor conditions are improving and an overall work […]
A monthly index tracking labor trends has edged up as it continues to forecast moderate job growth in coming months. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index edged up nearly a tenth of a point to 111.68 in April. The index has advanced 3.8 percent from a year ago. Gad Levanon, an economist […]