Money Talk Podcast, Friday March 8, 2013
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Landaas & Company newsletter March edition now available.
Advisors on This Week’s Show
Brian Kilb
Art Rothschild
Steve Giles
(with Max Hoelzl and Joel Dresang)Week in Review (March 4-8, 2012)
Significant economic indicators & reports
Monday
No major releases
Tuesday
A higher-than-expected jump in non-manufacturing activity in February suggested the biggest part of the U.S. economy expanded for the 43rd month in a row. The Institute for Supply Management reported accelerating growth in business activity, new orders and export orders, and while hiring slowed, it remained relatively brisk. Purchase managers surveyed by the trade group expressed increasing optimism about business conditions and economic trends.
Wednesday
The Commerce Department said factory orders fell in January, largely because of a drop in orders for commercial aircraft. But aside from the volatile transportation orders, requests rose for manufacturing products, led by construction equipment. A proxy for business investments increased the most in more than eight years.
Thursday
Revised data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed labor productivity dropping more than analysts had expected at the end of 2012. Economists suggested it may be a temporary setback as employers added workers, who were still getting up to speed. On an annual rate, hourly compensation for the fourth quarter outpaced hourly labor output, resulting in the fastest pace of lost productivity in four years.
American borrowing kept rising in January, as the amount of consumer credit outstanding increased the most in five months. Debt tied to auto financing and student loans continued to drive outstanding credit higher, reflecting aging vehicles and difficult job markets. Credit card debt, reflected in revolving credit, stayed relatively flat, suggesting consumers continue their reluctance to spend.
The moving four-week average for initial unemployment claims fell for the third time in five weeks, setting a new low for the economic recovery. Data from the Labor Department showed average claims at the lowest point in five years, a further indication that employers are laying off fewer workers.
Friday
Employers added more jobs than expected in February, with notable gains in construction, manufacturing, health care, professional services and other service industries. Private payrolls expanded for the 36th month in a row, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate fell to 7.7%, its lowest point since December 2008.
Where the Markets Closed for the Week
- Nasdaq – 3,244, up 75 points or 2.4%
- Standard & Poor’s 500 – 1,551, up 33 points or 2.2%
- 10-year U.S. Treasury Note – 2.06%, up 0.21 point
- Dow Jones Industrial – 14,395, up 303 points or 2.2%
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