AP - The nation's jobs market sent a fresh cry of distress as the number of newly laid off people unexpectedly hit the highest level in more than six years, a Labor Department report showed Thursday.
AP - South Korea's central bank said Thursday it raised its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage point to cope with spiraling inflation. -- read full article
AP - A key barometer of corporate capital spending fell for the first time in three months in June, indicating Japanese businesses are feeling the pinch of a sputtering global economy. -- read full article
AP - The European Central Bank and Bank of England will likely leave interest rates unchanged Thursday, as both banks consider how to steer their economies away from mounting inflation and slowing growth. -- read full article
AP - The number of people filing claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level in five years, reflecting in large part a new government outreach effort to locate people eligible for benefits.
AP - Wages and benefits paid to U.S. workers rose by a moderate amount in the spring that should not set off any inflation concerns at the Federal Reserve. -- read full article
AP - For a second straight meeting, the Federal Reserve has decided to remain on the sidelines and leave interest rates alone. In the opinion of many economists, that stance may prevail not only for the rest of this year but well into 2009.
AP - Banker Elizabeth Duke was sworn in as a member of the Federal Reserve, which has been battling housing, credit and financial crises with a short staff. -- read full article
Reuters - The U.S. service sector shrank
slightly for the second consecutive month in July but by less
than economists had expected, according to a report released on
Tuesday that also showed inflation pressures moderating.
Reuters - The U.S. Federal Reserve on Tuesday
began a one-day meeting at which it is expected to hold
interest rates steady amid poor housing and credit conditions,
while signaling inflation concerns even as oil prices ease.
AP - The U.S. service sector contracted in July — though less than expected — as new orders decreased and prices rose, stifling growth for truckers, retailers and insurers.
AFP - Federal Reserve governors met Tuesday to mull interest rates and the health of the US economy with most economists predicting the Fed will keep rates on hold at 2.0 percent for a second straight time.
AFP - The dollar held firm against the euro Tuesday, buoyed by a fall in oil prices and as investors awaited what was expected to be a Federal Reserve decision to leave US interest rates unchanged.
