Economy in Brief: September 2014

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in its Job Openings & Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) that the job openings rate during July held m/m at 3.3% following its jump from 2.8% at yearend 2013. The latest level was the highest since [...]

The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose to 96.1 during August following an unrevised July increase to 95.7. The latest level remained near its highest since September 2007, [...]

The price for a gallon of regular gasoline held steady last week at $3.46. It's been near that level for four weeks but was off 3.6% y/y. To account for seasonal patterns, Haver Analytics constructs factors for adjustment of pump [...]

The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index gained to 96.1 during August following an unrevised moderate July increase. The latest level remained near its highest since September [...]

U.K. exports and imports fell in June. Exports fell by 1.6%, following a 0.1% decline in May. Imports fell by 0.4%, following a 0.9% rise in May. Over 12 months both exports and imports are falling with exports falling faster at a [...]

The Federal Reserve Board reported that consumer credit outstanding increased $26.0 billion during July following a revised $18.8 billion rise, initially reported as $17.3 billion. Expectations were for a $17.0 billion increase, [...]

Nonfarm payrolls gained 142,000 (1.8% y/y) during August following increases of 212,000 and 267,000 during the prior two months. The rise was the weakest since December and disappointed expectations for a 220,000 increase in the [...]

Germany's industrial production rose by 1.9% in July, marking a strong gain in the German industrial sector. It is the largest monthly gain since April 2013. The output of consumer goods rose by 0.1%. Intermediate goods output rose by [...]