Sales tax collections, a key measure of retail activity, continue to trend upward in Grand Junction and Mesa County. The City of Grand Junction reported a 10.1 percent increase in sales tax collections in October compared to the same month last year. Mesa County reported an 8.3 percent year-over-year gain. October reports reflect September sales. […]
An increase in new business filings bodes well for continued job growth and improving economic conditions in Colorado, according to the latest results of a quarterly report. But even as new businesses open, existing business close. Concerns about inflation and other challenges continue to dampen expectations. “Our latest data shows Colorado’s economy continues to excel […]
A measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expectations. “Owners continue to show a dismal view about future sales growth and business conditions, but are still looking to hire new workers,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Inflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages […]
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States has decreased, continuing a trend that portends recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined four-tenths of a percent to 115.9 in September. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased. The downward trajectory of the Leading Economic Index suggests a recession […]
A measure of optimism among small business owners has edged up, but concerns persist over inflation, labor shortages and other issues. “Inflation and worker shortages continue to be the hardest challenges facing small business owners,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Even with these challenges, owners are still seeking […]
Payrolls increased and the unemployment rate retreated in the United States. But the latest monthly job gains were the smallest in nearly 18 months. Nonfarm payrolls grew 263,000 as the jobless rate decreased two-tenths of a point to 3.5 percent in September, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. Payroll gains for […]
A measure of consumer confidence has increased for a second straight month on more upbeat assessments of business and labor conditions even as concerns about recession and inflation persist. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose 4.4 points between August and September. With gains in each of the last two months, the index […]
An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States has declined for a sixth straight month, signaling slowing and the risk of recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index fell three-tenths of a percent to 116.2 in August. Separate measures of current and past conditions increased. The Leading Economic Index dropped 2.7 percent […]
A measure of optimism among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations, but concerns persist over inflation and labor shortages. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.9 points in August. But at 91.8, the latest reading remained below the 48-year average of 98 for an eighth […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Real estate activity continues to slow in Mesa County as higher interest rates and inflation affect sales. But Stewart Cruickshank sees the shift as a return to more normal market conditions coming off a record-breaking pace in 2021. “We’re in third gear, not neutral,” said Cruickshank, sales manager at Bray […]