All articles tagged with #economic indicators
In May 2026 the U.S. trade deficit widened to $77.6 billion as imports rose and exports fell: exports were $317.7 billion (down from April) and imports $395.3 billion (up from April), with the goods deficit increasing to $106.5 billion and the services surplus rising to $28.9 billion. The release includes revisions and notes from the Census Bureau and BEA and highlights year-to-date changes against 2025.
Job openings held at 7.6 million in May, underscoring a resilient U.S. labor market despite the Iran-related shock and broader economic jitters.
US University of Michigan final June sentiment rose to 49.5, rebounding from a 46-year low as lower gas prices and easing inflation expectations improved both current conditions and consumer outlook.
Inflation rose to 4.2% in May—the fastest pace in three years—driven by higher energy costs tied to the Iran war, with gas prices up and overall consumer prices climbing, intensifying political pressure on the White House and signaling possible Fed policy moves.
The U.S. added 172,000 jobs in May, far above economists’ forecasts of roughly 80,000, with the unemployment rate unchanged at 4.3%, signaling a resilient labor market amid inflationary pressures. The stronger-than-expected payrolls come after a patch of job losses last fall and winter, suggesting momentum for the economy, though policymakers caution that inflation and higher energy costs could weigh on consumer spending and hiring going forward.
Americans continue to spend at a pace that supports the economy despite higher prices, but inflation is eroding savings as many households cut back on saving and vacations. April spending rose while the savings rate fell to about 2.6% (the lowest in nearly four years), with gas and other costs cushioned by tax refunds and stock gains as shoppers seek deals.
New unemployment-benefit claims rose to their highest level since the Iran war began, signaling a potential uptick in layoffs, but the overall pace of layoffs remains historically low as hiring remains resilient amid geopolitical uncertainty.
US investors are flocking to Caracas as sanctions ease and direct flights resume, signaling a potential rebound, but ordinary Venezuelans still face high inflation, low wages, and scarce credit, so the promised boom hasn’t materialized for most people.
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, a solid gain in a labor market facing higher fuel prices and geopolitical headwinds, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.3%. The report—against a backdrop of energy-price pressures and Iran-related uncertainty—suggests continued labor-market resilience but warns that gains may be uneven across sectors as policymakers watch for how energy and tariff dynamics unfold.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2% pace in the first quarter of 2026, driven by stronger business investment and a rebound in government spending, while consumers cooled amid rising prices as inflation rose.
U.S. weekly unemployment claims fell to 189,000—the lowest level in more than five decades— signaling a still-tight labor market, even as economists warn rising costs could weigh on hiring and business activity in the months ahead.
A Associated Press report notes that the average cost of a new car is approaching $50,000 due to post-pandemic demand, ongoing supply disruptions, tariffs, and rising insurance and repair costs. The affordability squeeze is prompting many buyers to consider used cars or delay purchases, while automakers point to cheaper models and options like EVs; tighter used-car supply and longer ownership periods are further complicating the market.
The Conference Board reports US Consumer Confidence rose to 91.8 in March 2026, up 0.8 points from February, while the Present Situation Index jumped to 123.3 and the Expectations Index slipped to 70.9; the March survey (March 1–24) points to mixed sentiment as higher costs from tariffs and oil prices weigh on the outlook.
New Commerce Department data trim Q4 2025 GDP growth to 0.7% annualized, far slower than the prior 1.4% advance estimate, while January inflation remains stubborn with core PCE at 3.1% and overall PCE near 2.8%, signaling persistent price pressures even as oil prices rise with the Iran conflict; the weaker momentum before the conflict complicates the Fed’s effort to cool inflation without tipping the economy into recession, and markets priced in potential rate cuts later in the year.
The BEA reports that U.S. growth cooled at the end of 2025, with fourth-quarter GDP up at an annualized rate of 1.4%, leaving 2025’s total growth at 2.2%—down from 2.8% in 2024—largely due to tariffs and a weeks-long government shutdown that weighed on momentum.