US unemployment claims jump back above 1 million in face of coronavirus
The coronavirus recession struck swiftly and violently. Now, with the economy still in the grip of the pandemic five months later, the recovery looks fitful and uneven — and painfully slow.
US retail sales rise for 3rd month amid COVID-19 pandemic but slowdown expected
The gains of the past three months have now restored retail purchases to their levels before they plunged in March and April when the pandemic shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy.
Consumer prices in the US rose 0.6% in July, matching June uptick
The uptick was about twice what economists expected. But inflation remains in check: Consumer prices are up just 1% over the past year.
Will Americans get a second $1,200 stimulus check? What we know
The fate of a second stimulus check was thrown into uncertainty last week when White House officials and Democratic leaders missed a self-imposed deadline to cut a deal on another round of emergency coronavirus aid.
Amazon reportedly looking to transform shuttered JCPenney, Sears stores into fulfillment centers
Amazon, celebrating the boom in e-commerce, is in discussions with Simon Property Group, the largest U.S. mall owner by number of malls with 204 properties, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Trump orders $400-per-week unemployment payments amid COVID-19 crisis, hits Dems for stonewalling
President Trump signed four executive orders Saturday aimed at delivering relief to Americans struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus.
Still haven't received your first $1,200 stimulus check? What you need to do
While Congress is deadlocked on another coronavirus relief package that's widely expected to include a second stimulus check, millions of Americans are still awaiting the arrival of their first $1,200 cash payment.
US adds 1.8 million jobs in July, a dip from previous months
The United States added 1.8 million jobs in July, a pullback from the gains of May and June and evidence that the resurgent coronavirus is stalling hiring and slowing an economic rebound.
1.2 million seek jobless aid after $600 federal check ends
Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week, evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired.
Wave of evictions expected as moratoriums end in many states
Housing advocates fear that they could see a wave of evictions in the coming months, as states end moratoriums put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
US manufacturing improves in July, outlook clouded by coronavirus
The Institute for Supply Management, an association of purchasing managers, said Monday that its manufacturing index rose to 54.2 last month, up from a June reading of 52.6. Any reading above 50 signals that U.S. manufacturing is expanding.
Record economic plunge, bleak jobs numbers reveal virus toll
The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever — when the viral outbreak shut down businesses, throwing tens of millions out of work and sending unemployment surging to 14.7%, the government said Thursday.
Struggling merchants, insurers battle over pandemic coverage
Restaurants, bars and other merchants struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic are desperately reaching out for a lifeline from insurers who say they are being miscast as potential saviors.
Second stimulus check details revealed: Who is eligible?
The GOP unveiled details for a second round of direct payments to American households on Monday, in legislation that has been dubbed the HEALS Act.
$600 weekly unemployment benefit ends, but will it be extended? Here’s what you need to know
The $600 weekly boost in jobless aid that millions of people have received since early in the pandemic is set to expire.
Business economists sketch a more hopeful outlook
In the past three months, the outlook for the U.S. economy has improved in the eyes of business economists. However, the optimism is couched somewhat by the resurgence of the coronavirus.
US new home sales jump 13.8% in June
The Commerce Department reported Friday that the June gain pushed sales of new homes to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 776,000. The increase follows a 19.4% jump in May.
Texas Restaurant Association: Next 45 days critical for locally-owned restaurants
Restaurants are struggling during the pandemic and many may not survive. Some say the next 45 days are critical for restaurant survival in North Texas.
TRA pushes for all places with a kitchen, including bars, to open back up
The TRA estimates that if the shutdown keeps up they estimate the state could lose 20% to 30% of their eating establishments
Another 1.3 million Americans sought unemployment aid last week
The number of laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits remained stuck at 1.3 million last week, a historically high level that indicates many companies are still cutting jobs as the viral outbreak intensifies.