A monthly index tracking business conditions in Colorado ended 2011 ahead of where it started, a gain that bodes well for economic and job growth in 2012. Gross domestic product for the state is expected to grow an inflation-adjusted 3.3 percent in the coming year, while payrolls should grow 1.5 percent, said Ernie Goss, director […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has returned to its highest level since April, but it’s not yet certain if recent gains reflect a long-term change in attitudes. “While consumers are ending the year in a somewhat more upbeat mode, it is too soon to tell if this is a rebound from earlier declines or […]
A monthly index forecasting economic performance in the United States continues to signal growth, although concerns persist a European recession could hamper a more robust recovery. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) rose five-tenths of a percent to 118 in November. With a full-point gain over the previous two months, the […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: The Mesa County unemployment rate remains unchanged at 8.5 percent for a third straight month, a flat line on a graph that’s seen as an encouraging indicator of more stability in the local labor market. “We could be seeing some trends that the whole economic picture is improving …. or […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times: Monthly sales tax collections dropped more than 7 percent in Mesa County for November, ending a 14-month string of year-over-year increases. Sales and use tax collections also fell for the City of Grand Junction, although the decline was smaller. Still, year-to-date tax collections in the county and city remain well […]
A measure of confidence among small business owners has advanced for a third straight month on growing expectations for improving conditions and sales. The latest reading remains below the level reported in February, though, as well as average readings before the recession. “We should be encouraged, but cautiously so,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of […]
A monthly measure of economic conditions for small businesses in Colorado has slipped, although job growth has accelerated and financing costs remain low. The Vectra Bank Colorado Small Business Index (SBI) fell to 114.2 in November, down four-tenths from a revised 114.6 in October. With losses in six out of the last eight months, the […]
A monthly index tracking labor trends continues to rise, forecasting accelerating job growth. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index advanced more than a point to 103.7 in November. The index has gained 6.4 percent over the past year. Gad Levanon, an economist with the Conference Board, said increasing economic activity could lead […]
Payrolls continue to grow in the United States even as the unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level since March 2009. According to Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls rose 120,000 in November, while the jobless rate fell four-tenths to 8.6 percent. Based on the latest results of monthly employer surveys, the private sector added […]
An index tracking business conditions in Colorado has rebounded to its highest level in six months, although more jobs still are needed to regain those lost during the recession. The Business Conditions Index rose nearly three points in November to 56.2. Gains in each of the last two months have pushed the index to its […]