In the week ending August 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 963,000, a decrease of 228,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 5,000 from 1,186,000 to 1,191,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,252,750, a decrease of 86,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was … [More]

As the meetings industry continues to struggle amid the ripple effects of global pandemic Covid-19, the Phoenix Convention Center with partner Visit Phoenix paves a new path for recovery. Bookings into the Future As the primary booking agent for the Phoenix Convention Center, Visit Phoenix works with the facility along with downtown hotels to book conventions into the … [More]

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6 percent in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 1.0 percent before seasonal adjustment. The gasoline index continued to rise in July after increasing sharply in June and … [More]

The Pac-12 CEO Group voted unanimously to postpone all sport competitions through the end of the 2020 calendar year. The Conference comprises 12 leading U.S. universities, including the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The decision was made after consultation with athletics directors and with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee who expressed … [More]

According to NFIB’s monthly jobs report, over half (51%) of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire in July. Forty-four percent (86 percent of those hiring or trying to hire) reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill, up 1 point. Fifty-two percent of construction firms reported few or no qualified applicants and 37% cited … [More]

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $50.7 billion in June, down $4.1 billion from $54.8 billion in May, revised. U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit Deficit: $50.7 Billion -7.5%° Exports: $158.3 Billion +9.4%° Imports: $208.9 … [More]

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1.8 million in July, and the unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. These improvements in the labor market reflected the continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. In July, notable job … [More]