WASHINGTON — U.S. factories stepped up hiring and production in March, the latest evidence that manufacturing is growing at a healthy pace and fueling the recovery.
What a difference a week makes. Last week as I described my 2012, economic outlook I undoubtedly came off as a pessimist rather than the “pragmatic optimistic” label I attached to myself. In my analysis, I indicated that other analysts might not be considering the full range of issues that could keep growth relatively modest throughout the year, including the influence of the EU sovereign debt crisis, the uncertainty regarding the state of consumer finances and the over-estimated strength of labor markets.
WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on trucks, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month.
WASHINGTON — Consumers are spending cautiously in the face of still-high gasoline and grocery-store prices and restraining the economy’s growth.