In a shocking release today, ADP data showed that US private companies shed 32,000 jobs in November – far fewer than the 40,000 jobs analysts had been expecting. This is particularly concerning, as November is typically strong with the lead-in to temporary holiday positions. While the ADP report is not the mainstay of labor statistics, […]
Tag: Economy
Consumer sentiment continues to fall – except among wealthy stockholders
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment preliminary report shows that consumers remain pessimistic about the economy – except those with the most extensive stock holdings. Those with large portfolios posted a “notable 11% increase in sentiment, supported by continued strength in stock markets.” However, there was widespread negativity across the population – regardless of age, […]
Continued weak U.S. dollar puts strain on American households’ purchasing power
The U.S. dollar over the past year has seen its most significant decline since 1973. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against a selected group of foreign currencies (comprising America’s major trading partners), fell about 11% from January through the end of June. After hitting a low at the end of July, the […]
Leading Economic Index for the U.S. falls sharply in August
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US declined by 0.5% in August 2025 to 98.4. Signaling a weakening economy, which has declined at a faster rate over the past six months compared to the previous six-month period. The LEI fell by 2.8% over the six months between February and August 2025, compared to […]
Trade deficit continues to widen under the Trump Administration’s tariff chaos
American companies rushed to secure foreign goods in July, ahead of planned tariff increases at the beginning of August, thereby further widening the US trade deficit. Rather than decreasing the deficit – as Trump claimed would happen – the tariff chaos and continued flip-flops have created insecurity among U.S.-based businesses, which are concerned about rising […]
Labor market weakens more than expected – employers weary of investment
Solidifying fears of a negative impact of the Administration’s chaotic tariff and trade policy, U.S. employers have largely stopped investing in new labor. The June jobs numbers came in well below estimates at just 73,000 new jobs created last month. Furthermore, and more concern, the revisions for May showed that hiring was much lower than […]
U.S. Leading Economic Index continues to decline
In what is seen as one of the strongest indicators of where the U.S. economy is heading in the short term, The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. Yesterday’s index release showed that the US […]
Foreign investment and spending in the U.S. continue to drop
In a continued downward trend, expenditures by foreign direct investors to acquire, establish, or expand U.S. businesses decreased by $24.9 billion, or 14.2 percent. At $151.0 billion, they were below the annual average of $277.2 billion for 2014–2023. In a new release today by the U.S Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, expenditures by […]
Passing of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ – a dark day for America’s most vulnerable
With the final tie-breaking vote cast by Vice-President J.D. Vance, the House passed the Trump Administration’s Big Beautiful Bill today, sending it to Trump’s desk in time for an Independence Day signing ceremony. While the Right celebrates a victory, happy with the many carve-outs geared to line the pockets of the right-wing elite and advance […]
Trump touts ‘Hottest Country anywhere in the World’ as US personal income drops by the most significant amount since September 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released more concerning data for US consumers. In what was the most significant drop in almost four years. Personal incomes decreased $109.6 billion (0.4 percent at a monthly rate) in May. Meaning US consumers had less access to income to purchase goods. With continued apprehension over softening job markets, […]