All Paper Economy
Food stamp use rises in JulyHousehold participation in the food stamp program has been climbing so steadily that it has far surpassed the last peak set as a result of the immediate fallout following hurricane Katrina, according to SoldAtTheTop.
Employers add 114,000 jobs in SeptemberNet non-farm payrolls increased adding 114,000 jobs overall with the private non-farm payrolls sub-component adding just 104,000 jobs.
Unemployment rate drops to 7.8 percentTotal unemployment went flat at 14.7 percent in September, while the traditionally reported unemployment rate declined to 7.8 percent.
Mortgage rates drop 9 pointsThe latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows that the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined 9 basis points to 3.45 percent since last week.
Jobless claims up by 4,000Thursday's jobless claims report from the US Department of Labor showed a slight increase in jobless claims.
Employers add 162,000 jobs in SeptemberPrivate employment in the U.S. improved in September according to ADP's National Employment Report.
Manufacturing rises in SeptemberAt 51.5 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) rose 3.83 percent since August 2012 remaining 1.90 percent below the level seen a year earlier, according to the Institute for Supply Management.
Mixed news for August constructionTotal construction spending declined in August 2012 while single family residential construction spending improved, according to the latest data from the US Census Bureau.
Realtors: Home sales decline in AugustThe National Association of Realtors' national index fell 2.6 percent in August 2012 but increased 10.7 percent above the level seen in August 2011.
GDP up in Q2The economy continued to expand in Q2 with real GDP increasing at a tepid annualized rate of 1.3% from Q1 2012, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Census: Home sales drop slightly in AugustHome sales dropped 0.3 percent since July 2012 but rising 27.7 percent above the level seen in August 2011, according to the US Census Bureau.
New mortgage data shows slight rise in home pricesHome prices increased 0.2 percent since June, according to the latest house price index from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Home prices rose 3.90 percent above the level seen in July 2011.
Home prices lift in JulyThe latest release of the S&P/Case-Shiller home price indices for July 2012 reported that the non-seasonally adjusted Composite-10 price index increased 1.52 percent since June.
New home data shows jump in pricesAs of late-July, home prices have increased 4 percent above the level seen in July 2011, according to a home price index by Radar Logic.
Chicago Fed index shows weakening economyAn index used by the Chicago Federal Reserve that measures national economic activity declined in August to stand at a very weak -0.87.
Mass layoffs decline in AugustThe latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed a fall in mass layoffs in August. A mass layoff is when at least fifty initial claims for unemployment insurance originate from a single employer over a period of five consecutive weeks.
Unemployment claims decline by 3,000Initial and continued unemployment claims declined slightly as seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims remained just below the closely watched 400K level.
Home sales up 7.8 percent in AugustThe National Association of Realtors' Existing Home Sales Report for August showed a notable increase in sales. Total home sales climbed 7.8 percent since July 2012, rising 9.3 percent above the level seen a year ago.
Housing starts rise in AugustSingle family housing starts increased 5.5 percent from July 2012. Housing starts climbed 26.8 percent above the level seen in August 2011.
Housing market shows improvement in SeptemberThe National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index rose notably in September, but housing market conditions still remain fairly distressed by historic standards.
