Author: Andrew Ancheta

Window with now hiring signs

Jobs Growth Continues to Defy Expectations 

Jobs growth exceeded expectations last month, and unemployment fell to the lowest level in decades. But that surprise performance may mean higher interest rates as the Federal Reserve continues in its efforts to limit price rises.  The economy added 253,000 jobs in April, beating both expert predictions and the figures […]

Worker in a factory

Five Things to Watch in the March Durable Goods Report

On Wednesday, the Census Bureau will release the advance report on durable goods, showing the level of manufacturing orders and shipments for March. Most economists expect to see a small increase in total new orders, with a survey by Bloomberg indicating an average forecast of +0.7%.  Here are five things […]

Concept image of employment/hiring

New Jobs Report Could Signal End of Post-Pandemic Economy

The next jobs report is expected to show slower but still substantial job growth, in the latest sign of cooling due to Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.  Nonfarm employment is expected to rise by about 234,000, according to the consensus forecast among Wall Street economists surveyed by Bloomberg. That’s substantially […]

Electric cars at a charging station

Welcome to the “Battery Belt”

Electric Vehicles are Creating a New Manufacturing Industry Until a few years ago, the Red Roof Inn in Commerce, Georgia, was just a quiet stop on the I-85 between Atlanta and Charlotte. Even in the busy season, most visitors only stayed for a couple of nights.  But business started to […]

Worker grinding metalwork

Manufacturers Tighten Belts, as Banking Troubles Loom

Manufacturing orders saw reduced growth in February, the latest sign of an economy that is starting to cool in response to rising borrowing costs.  Orders for core capital goods–business equipment excluding aircraft and defense– rose 0.2% in February, less than the 0.3% growth recorded for the previous month. Shipments of […]

A chart showing durable goods orders over time

Manufacturing Orders Rise, Allaying Recession Fears 

Purchases for most types of manufactured goods increased in January, an unexpected sign that the economy is still strong. Orders for core durable goods–long-lasting manufactured products, excluding transportation equipment–increased 0.7% in January. Total orders fell 4.5%, mostly due to a large aircraft order in December. The data indicate an economy […]