Labor/Economy
Economy Watch: Unemployment Inches Down in Most States
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in 40 states and the District of Columbia dropped, while three states experienced increases and seven states had no change in April compared with March.
Economy Watch: Housing Starts Take a Dip
Housing starts, which have been gaining upward momentum in recent months, took an unexpected dip in April, according to the Census Bureau.
Economy Watch: Home Buildings More Cheerful (or Less Glum)
The National Association of Home Builders reported that its housing market index increased three points in May to 44.
Economy Watch: Federal Deficit Shrinks
The Congressional Budget Office reported in its “Updated Budget Projections: Fiscal Years 2013 to 2023” that the federal budget deficit will shrink in fiscal 2013 to $642 billion, the smallest shortfall since 2008.
Economy Watch: Retail Sales Edge Up
The Census Bureau reported that U.S. retail sales were up 0.1 percent month-over-month in April, adjusting for seasonal variations and holidays, but not price changes.
‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: Some Good News This Week
Some good news in a week without too much news.
Economy Watch: Senior Home Builders More Optimistic
The National Association of Homebuilders said that its 55+ Single-Family Housing Market Index increased 19 points year-over-year to 46 in the first quarter of 2013.
Economy Watch: Strong Q1 for Fannie Mae
On Thursday, a day after Freddie Mac reported sizeable income in the first quarter, the considerably larger GSE Fannie Mae reported income of $8.1 billion for the first quarter of 2013, compared with income of $2.7 billion in the first quarter of 2012 and income of $7.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Economy Watch: Freddie Mac in the Black
Freddie Mac reported that it had a net income of $4.6 billion for the first quarter of 2013, compared to a net income of $4.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2012.