|
Consumer Analysis: IncomeNov 17, 2009 Personal Income: Training Wheels Will Come Off Removal of government support will be a major hurdle for income and spending into 2011.  Nov 16, 2009Great Recession Pushes Poverty Higher Increases in poverty were nearly universal across demographic groups.  Nov 13, 2009Why Is Spending Improving While the Job Market Is Sinking? Better-educated, higher-income households have supported increased spending in recent months. Nov 06, 2009 October's Employment Report Is Disappointing and Troublesome Unemployment increased by more than expected Oct 30, 2009 Income Flatlines in September No change in taxes and little in inflation held real growth in check, too. Oct 30, 2009 Compensation Growth Holds at Low Level Wages and benefits touched historical lows in year-ago growth. Oct 22, 2009 Real Incomes Tumble According to CPS Annual Survey Data, real household income suffered its largest ever drop in 2008. Oct 15, 2009 No COLA, but White House Proposes One-Time Social Security Payment The proposal would fit with our outlook for additional stimulus. Oct 02, 2009 A Step Backwards for the Job Market Job losses in September were larger than anticipated, but things are slowly getting better. Sep 11, 2009 An Army of Underemployed Underemployment is at an all-time high and will stymie the job market's recovery. Sep 10, 2009 Household Income 2008 Highlights Consistent with the beginning of the recession, income fell, while poverty and uninsurance rates rose. Sep 08, 2009 Moderating Job Cuts First Step to Labor Market Recovery But unemployment is up to its highest rate since early 1983. Aug 28, 2009 Income Holds Its Ground Wages edged higher, as the supports from government transfers and lower taxes faded. Aug 24, 2009 Social Security Increase Not Likely in January Although tied to the CPI-W, the cost-of-living adjustment cannot take benefits lower. Aug 14, 2009 Unemployment Will Remain Elevated for Years to Come Rising numbers of jobless older workers and productivity gains will keep unemployment higher. Aug 07, 2009 Recovery Comes Into View Job losses are growing smaller with each passing month, but numerous pitfalls abound. Aug 04, 2009 Income Struggles Following Stimulus Boost Benchmark revisions also weighed on 2009 outlook. Jul 31, 2009 Compensation Growth Not Encouraging Quarter-ago growth picked up, but compensation is weak on a year-ago basis. Jul 10, 2009 Recession's End Will Be Little Comfort to Consumers Jobs and wages will continue to fall after the recession's end. Jul 03, 2009 A Disappointing June Employment Report Job losses increased in June following four months of moderation. Jun 26, 2009 One-Time Payments, Lower Taxes Boost Income Growth Absent their influence, disposable personal income only edged higher. Apr 10, 2009 Rapidly Rising Unemployment Tests Safety Net Duration of unemployment is increasing rapidly. Apr 03, 2009 Are We Nearing a Bottom for Job Losses? The worst may be over, but it is too soon to tell. Mar 20, 2009 More Safety, Less Income Money market fund change offers greater protection but lower returns. Mar 10, 2009 Where Job Losses Hurt the Most Minorities and those with less education are bearing the brunt of the current downturn. Mar 06, 2009 Another Disastrous Month for the Labor Market Near-record employment losses in recent months. Mar 04, 2009 Beige Book Paints Grim Picture for Consumers Rising unemployment and declining wages will test household finances. Mar 03, 2009 Shifting Trends in Saving Heading Into Recession SCF shows fewer homeowners report saving. Mar 02, 2009 Distortions Drive Income Growth Adjustments to federal pay, transfers and taxes increased January's personal income figure. Feb 24, 2009 Income Growth Under Pressure as Recession Began The 2007 SCF showed that median income edged lower between 2004 and 2007. Feb 06, 2009 Still Looking for a Bottom...and Not Finding One Job losses continue to get worse and there is no end in sight. Jan 30, 2009 Compensation Growth Slows to a Crawl Wages and benefits are rising at their slowest pace in 25 years. Jan 16, 2009 Why Wage Growth Is Still Holding Up The mix of jobs being lost explains why wage growth still appears decent. Jan 15, 2009 Beige Book: More Bad News for Consumers Sharp reduction in bonuses will hurt spending in the first quarter. Jan 09, 2009 The Worst Year for the Labor Market Since 1945 The self-reinforcing recession drove broad-based and deep employment losses in 2008. Dec 24, 2008 Deteriorating Economy Drags Down Income Growth Wages and salaries contracted in November. Dec 05, 2008 Not the Great Depression, but Greatly Depressing Nonetheless November's job loss was the largest since 1974. Nov 20, 2008 Senate Extends Unemployment Insurance Benefits The extension will help but not cure all that ails the consumer. Nov 17, 2008 The Pain Is Not Over for Consumers Expect 2009 to be worse for employment, retail sales, and income growth. Nov 13, 2008 Deteriorating Labor Market Stresses Consumers Extension of unemployment benefits would help laid-off workers. Oct 31, 2008 Personal Income Strength Not Actually Comforting Personal income rose, but wage income growth was weak. Oct 31, 2008 Slow, Steady Compensation Growth Both wage and benefit growth were little changed from the second quarter. Oct 10, 2008 A Crisis of Confidence Undermines Hiring Job losses will continue until confidence returns. Oct 03, 2008 Labor Market Downturn Intensified in September Labor market conditions are set to deteriorate further in the fourth quarter. Sep 25, 2008 Number of Americans in Poverty Increases Modestly Very little change in poverty rates across demographic cohorts. Sep 16, 2008 Inflation Peaks, for Now Headline inflation declined in August but core prices remain elevated. Sep 05, 2008 The Job Figures Prove It…We’re in a Recession Rapid labor market deterioration is spreading to all reaches of the U.S. economy. Aug 29, 2008 July Income Growth Distorted by Rebate Effects A change in rebate distributions drives weaker personal income. Aug 08, 2008 Job Losses Are Hitting Lower-Paid Workers More Higher-paying blue-collar jobs are also disappearing. Aug 05, 2008 Modest Income Growth in June Lower rebate distributions make personal income comparatively weaker. Jul 31, 2008 Wage Growth Dips in the Second Quarter Rounding masks a deceleration in wages and salaries. Jul 28, 2008 Minimum Wage Risks and Rewards Stimulus checks spent, higher minimum wage will support spending for low-income workers. Jul 07, 2008 Washington Lends Helping Hand to Laid-Off Workers But benefits to consumers will be limited. Jul 03, 2008 Labor Market Deterioration Continued in June Employment losses are broad-based, the unemployment rate remained elavated, and real income declined. Jun 16, 2008 Tax Rebates: Spending, but Not Happy About It? Retail data suggest rebates are being spent. Jun 13, 2008 Are Consumers Better Off Than Last Year?…Probably Not Real wages are falling across nearly every industry. May 09, 2008 Brief Downturn and Rapid Jobs Recovery Fewer jobs created in expansion; fewer will be lost in recession. May 02, 2008 A Kinder, Gentler Recession This labor market downturn will be brief and comparatively painless. Apr 04, 2008 Convincing Evidence of Recession in March Jobs Report Labor market contraction has become a self-reinforcing trend. Mar 14, 2008 Stepping Out of the Labor Force Declining labor force participation reflects poor employment prospects. Mar 07, 2008 The Recession Is Here Job losses in two consecutive months more than likely signal recession. Feb 07, 2008 The Labor Market in Recession The recession outlook now calls for job declines through the first half of 2008. Feb 01, 2008 January Employment Report Tips the Scale for Recession January employment report confirms contraction in U.S. economy. Jan 18, 2008 One Step Closer to a Fiscal Stimulus Package President Bush calls for "rapid" tax relief. Jan 14, 2008 Job Seekers Need Not Despair in 2008 The economy will create plenty of jobs in 2008, even if it sinks into recession. Jan 04, 2008 Job Market Ends 2007 on a Sour Note The job market is now following suit with the rest of the economy. Dec 26, 2007 Consumers in 2008: Not a Pretty Picture Lower credit quality, spending and wealth growth. Dec 07, 2007 A Near-Perfect Jobs Report Spending growth hinges on the job market...and so far, so good. Nov 09, 2007 Waiting for the Bottom to Drop Out of the Job Market The job market is much weaker than it looks. Nov 02, 2007 October's Employment Situation: Too Good to Last The rebound in payroll growth hides worrying trends. Oct 31, 2007 Wage Growth Holds Up, for Now Developing slack in the labor market points to slower wage growth. Oct 05, 2007 Only Moderate Job Growth Despite the rebound, there is ample evidence that the labor market is moderating. Sep 17, 2007 The Effects of an Aging Population on Income and Spending Changing demographics will weigh on median income growth more than spending. Sep 14, 2007 More Job Declines? Further erosion in business and consumer confidence could send the economy into recession. Sep 11, 2007 Income Is Increasing...for Now Good news in the Census Bureau's recent income report may be overshadowed by current data. Sep 07, 2007 Housing and Credit Woes Cast a Pall Over Labor Market Though August data overstate the weakness. Aug 28, 2007 2006 Household Income Highlights Real median household income up for second straight year. Aug 10, 2007 Downhill from Here for Jobs Preponderance of indicators points to weaker employment trends. Jul 31, 2007 Income Growth Remains Moderate in June Revisions lift wages, personal income, and saving. Jul 06, 2007 Another Solid Employment Report in June The housing market has dampened job creation much less than expected. Jun 01, 2007 Where Are the Construction Job Losses? The payroll survey is likely not fully capturing housing's downturn. Apr 27, 2007 Wage Growth Accelerates as Labor Markets Tighten For now, wage growth helps ease the pain from rising energy prices. Apr 24, 2007 Home Equity Extraction Boosted Personal Spending According to analysis by Greenspan and Kennedy. Apr 16, 2007 The Labor Market's Demographic Headwinds Steady job growth has failed to raise the labor force participation rate appreciably. Apr 06, 2007 What Jobs Slowdown? Trend job growth is still around 150,00 per month and the job market is tighter than ever. Apr 03, 2007 Why Has the Saving Rate Declined? The decline has been broad-based across population groups. Mar 19, 2007 Downshift in Hiring Activity Businesses are turning more cautious about staffing expansions. Feb 07, 2007 Fed's Bernanke Discusses Income Inequality As the gap continues to widen across income brackets. Feb 02, 2007 A Soft Landing for the Labor Market Labor market trends are steady, notwithstanding weak January job gains. Feb 01, 2007 Wage Growth Is Healthy, but Slowing Consumers are enjoying healthy wage gains, although growth seems to have peaked. Jan 16, 2007 A Tight Labor Market Puts Upward Pressure on Wages Recent wage trends are indicative of the tight labor market. Dec 20, 2006 Job Growth Set to Continue Employment opportunities will remain steady in the new year outside of manufacturing and construction. Dec 08, 2006 November Jobs Report Stronger Than Expected Outside of housing and manufacturing, the labor market holds steady. Nov 14, 2006 Signs of Trouble Ahead for the Labor Market Labor market indicators show a still healthy economy, but signs of a slowdown are emerging Nov 03, 2006 Shock and Awe in the October Jobs Report The job market is much stronger than we previously thought. Oct 31, 2006 Wage Growth: Healthy But Peaking? Wage growth has improved to the fastest pace in four years, but further acceleration is unlikely. Oct 11, 2006 An Orderly Transition for the Labor Market The slowing economy is not all bad for the average worker. Oct 06, 2006 Job Growth Slows in September Although September's jobs report was weaker than anticipated, the details are not all bad. Sep 22, 2006 Income and Earnings Move In Opposite Directions Full-time employment and non-earned income growth prove keys to mystery. Sep 12, 2006 Retail Payrolls Under the Microscope Department stores and housing are to blame for retail's lackluster performance. Sep 01, 2006 A Near-Perfect Employment Report Solid job gains and lower unemployment, only modest earnings growth stains the picture. Aug 30, 2006 2005 Household Income Highlights Higher incomes, especially for well to do; less health coverage. Aug 04, 2006 The Job Market Weakens in July Job gains disappoint and unemployment rises, but wage growth continues. Jul 18, 2006 Compensation Growth Accelerates Slightly in the First Quarter Wage growth remains well contained despite tight labor market. Jun 16, 2006 Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Remains Healthy But its support to consumption will begin to wane. Jun 16, 2006 May Employment Highlights Housing's Slowdown The long-anticipated slowdown is firmly under way. Jun 02, 2006 Another Disappointing Employment Report Retailers clearly anticipating spending slowdown. May 15, 2006 Wage Inequality Worsens The gap between the lowest and highest earners has grown considerably. May 08, 2006 Housing Continues to Buoy Spending Households continue to extract equity from their home. May 05, 2006 Job Growth Disappoints but a Rebound Is Likely Job growth was widespread in April outside of retail. Apr 07, 2006 Wage Growth Takes a Breather in March Continued strong job growth will support incomes and spending. Jan 31, 2006 Wage Rates Remain Stagnant It's good on the inflation front but limits wage income growth. Jan 23, 2006 Wage Growth to Accelerate This Year As labor market tightens, bargaining power of workers expected to improve. Dec 02, 2005 Good or Bad? Wal-Mart's Effect on Consumers To what extent is criticism of Wal-Mart unfounded? Nov 04, 2005 October's Employment Report Sends Mixed Messages Weaker-than-expected job growth and higher-than-expected wage gains have mixed implications for consumers. Oct 20, 2005 Where Are Wages Headed? Upward, but high energy prices and rising interest rates will lessen the benefits. Oct 07, 2005 A Resilient Labor Market Katrina's effect on the job market was much smaller than anticipated, highlighting the labor market's fundamental strength. Sep 27, 2005 Chairman Greenspan on Effects of Rising Rates Rising interest rates will increase personal saving. Sep 12, 2005 Rising Affluence Boosts Consumer Spending Amid flat average incomes six figure households surge. Sep 09, 2005 Katrina: Impact on the Consumer Outlook Katrina will have significant near-term implications. Sep 06, 2005 Demographics Suggest Robust Earnings Growth Aging Baby Boomers will keep earnings growth strong. Aug 30, 2005 Income and Aging Trends Support Discretionary Spending The growth in households aged 55 to 64 is positive for discretionary spending. Aug 29, 2005 Katrina: Impacts on Income The composition of spending and income will be impacted more than the levels. Aug 05, 2005 The Largest Earnings Increase in a Year Strong earnings are positive for wage and spending growth. Aug 02, 2005 Saving Falls to 0% Despite Faster Income Growth June data show stronger income growth, despite weak wage growth. Jul 29, 2005 Consumers Losing Leverage in Labor Markets Wage growth rate records slowest year-over-year growth ever. Jul 29, 2005 Consumers Stop Saving to Keep up with Economy Annual revisions to spending and income data are minor. Jul 08, 2005 Mixed Employment Report for June Employment growth is stronger in several higher wage industries, but losses continue in manufacturing. Jun 03, 2005 Weak Job Growth in May Is Nothing to Worry About May's weak employment report is an abberation in a steadily growing job market. May 27, 2005 More Wage Income Not only the expected strong growth in April, but upward revisions as well. May 06, 2005 Employment Report Bodes Well for Consumers March’s employment report shows strong gains in earnings and employment. Apr 28, 2005 Consumers Lead Economy Again Real consumer spending growth outpaced economic growth in the first quarter as the saving rate fell. Apr 28, 2005 Tax Refund Growth Slows to a Crawl Income tax refunds are up less than 3% compared to last year. Apr 01, 2005 Weak Payroll Report and Its Implications March’s employment figures disappoint and suggest weak wage growth. Mar 04, 2005 Greenspan Calls for Consumption Tax A consumption tax would shift the tax burden and could lead to a higher savings rate. Mar 04, 2005 Headline Payroll Gains Mask Some Mixed Details For Consumers Continued weakness in income growth is a concern. Feb 04, 2005 Disappointing Employment Report The January employment report was mostly disappointing and suggests limited wage growth in the month. Jan 31, 2005 Solid Income and Spending Growth in December Microsoft dividend distorts data that shows healthy underlying growth. Jan 28, 2005 2004 U.S. Income Growth Best Since 1999 Improving labor markets were a major driver of accelerating income growth. Jan 27, 2005
Another View of Labor Market Slack The Conference Board measures still indicate greater labor market slack than the unemployment rate. |
| Moody's Economy.com |
