Manufacturer Points to Dichotomy in Consumer Spending
David Haffner, whose company makes springs and other metal parts for everything from cars to recliners, sees a “dichotomy” in consumer spending.
Why Aren’t Employers Hiring?
There’s a growing contrast between how much employers say they want to hire and how much they’re actually hiring.
Fed’s Lockhart Plays Down Inflation Pressures
Noting "inflation anxiety is rising," a key Fed policy maker sought to calm nerves and said broadly speaking price pressures remain low, in remarks that explained the limitations the central bank faces when trying to achieve price stability.
Strikes, Lockouts Remained Near Record Lows in 2010
Last year represented the second-least-active period for strikes and lockouts on record, in a sign of just how troubled the labor market has been, a U.S. government report said.
Fed’s Lacker: Re-Evaluation of Bond Purchases Needed
The Fed should seriously reconsider its bond purchases now that the U.S. economy looks stronger, the president of the Richmond Fed said.
Are Jobless Claims Overstating Labor Pain?
A closely watched measure of unemployment likely overstated labor market pain last year. Even so, the discovery didn't mean finding a job was any easier in 2010.
Which Parts of Stimulus Worked Best?
Economists find that the stimulus package did boost the economy, but money spent to support education and law enforcement did little to improve employment.
Fed Forecasts Pretty Accurate for 2010
Central bankers get a bad rap for their forecasting abilities (see esp. 2008 global financial crisis), but the Fed’s predictions for the economy in 2010 was surprisingly good.
Secondary Sources: Innovation, Economist Errors, Krugman on Food Prices
A roundup of economic news from around the Web.
Video: Top Forecasters Detail Economic Outlook
Justin Lahart speaks with the top forecasters in the Journal's annual ranking of economists. Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics finished first, followed by David Resler of Nomura Securities, and Michael Carey of Credit Agricole.
Number of the Week: Businesses’ Unemployment Taxes Rise
The sheer depth and duration of the U.S. job-market slump is hitting businesses in a new way, through the taxes they pay to support unemployment insurance.
Sugar Taxes Would Hit Poor, Minorities
A sugar tax might help reduce obesity and the health hazards that come with it, but it’s a highly regressive approach, new research from the Chicago Fed says.
