9 Numbers That'll Tell You How the Economy's Really Doing
We've whittled the vast universe of economic data down to these nine key numbers that will give you a quick handle on the health of the economy.
The Conference Board
Consumer Confidence Jumps on Better Outlook for Hiring, Pay
U.S. consumer confidence rebounded in April as Americans felt better about the outlook for the economy and their income prospects, the Conference Board says.
Consumer Confidence Plunges as Payroll Tax Holiday Ends
U.S. consumer confidence plunged in January to its lowest level in more than a year, reflecting the cut to take-home pay nearly all working Americans were hit with after Washington allowed a temporary Social Security payroll tax holiday to expire.
Retail Sales Up 1.1% in September
Americans stepped up their spending at retail businesses in September, reflecting their growing confidence in the economy. Retail sales rose 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said. That followed a 1.2 percent increase in August. Both were the largest gains since October 2010.
The Economic Outlook Is Looking Up: Leading Indicators Rise in July
A gauge of future U.S. economic activity improved in July on a drop in new claims for jobless benefits and an increase in housing permits, although the reading still pointed to sluggish growth ahead.
Initial Jobless Claims Hit a 5-Week High
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to a five-week high, evidence that the job market remains sluggish. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for unemployment aid rose 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 383,000.
Index of Leading Economic Indicators Rises
The Conference Board's Leading Economic Indicators Index rose 0.9% in October, outpacing increases in the previous two months and providing some grounds for hope of more robust economic growth to come.
Consumers Sense Change as Confidence Jumps
The Conference Board's closely watched index unexpectedly surged 7.3 points to 60.3 in January -- rising to its highest level since May -- as Americans' started 2011 optimistic that the job market and U.S. economy would keep improving.
Consumer Confidence Shaken by Continued Job Concerns
December%u2019s unexpected dip in consumer confidence shows both the impact of the deep 2007-2009 recession and the relationship of job creation to consumer attitudes.
Rise in Leading Economic Indicators Suggests Growth in the Spring
Look for a "mild pickup" in the economy this spring, according to the Conference Board, whose index of leading economic indicators showed a 0.5% gain in September and October.
Two More Reports Confirm a Slowing U.S. Economy
The latest Leading Economic Indicators reading and regional Philly Fed Index provide further evidence of weaker economic growth. And that complicates policymakers' efforts to lower the nation's high unemployment rate.
Consumer Confidence Hits Five-Month Low
The downward slide in consumer confidence continued in July, falling to a five-month low and providing yet another sign that the U.S. economic recovery may have lost some of its momentum. The big concern for Americans? No, surprise, it's still jobs.
Consumer Confidence Sank in June, Thanks to the Tepid Job Market
The Conference Board reports that every component of its consumer confidence index dropped in June, and one can clearly see what's weighing on the minds of consumers: America's woeful job market.
2010 Raises Will Barely Cover Inflation
Salaried employees hoping their 2010 annual raise will provide some relief as they attempt to recover from the worst economic downturn in 80 years are likely to be disappointed: Raises for U.S. workers may barely keep pace with inflation this year.
Consumer Confidence Reaches 16-Month High
Consumer confidence rose more than expected in January, but consumers remain concerned about the U.S. economy's lack of job growth.