27 February 2015

• U.S. Gross Domestic Product — Q4 2014


Real gross domestic product -- the value of the production of goods and services in the United States, adjusted for price changes -- increased at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the "second" estimate. In the third quarter, real GDP increased 5.0 percent.

The GDP estimate released today is based on more complete source data than were available for the "advance" estimate issued last month. In the advance estimate, the increase in real GDP was 2.6 percent. With the second estimate for the fourth quarter, private inventory investment increased less than previously estimated, while nonresidential fixed investment increased more.

The increase in real GDP in the fourth quarter reflected positive contributions from personal consumption expenditures (PCE), nonresidential fixed investment, exports, state and local government spending, private inventory investment, and residential fixed investment that were partly offset by a negative contribution from federal government spending. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased.

The deceleration in real GDP growth in the fourth quarter primarily reflected an upturn in imports, a downturn in federal government spending, and decelerations in nonresidential fixed investment and in exports that were partly offset by an acceleration in PCE, an upturn in private inventory investment, and an acceleration in state and local government spending.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOC-BEA

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


26 February 2015

• U.S. Real Earnings – January 2015


Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 1.2 percent from December to January, seasonally adjusted. This result stems from a 0.5 percent increase in average hourly earnings combined with a 0.7 percent decrease in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

Real average weekly earnings increased by 1.2 percent over the month due to the increase in real average hourly earnings combined with no change in the average workweek.

Real average hourly earnings increased by 2.4 percent, seasonally adjusted, from January 2014 to January 2015. This increase in real average hourly earnings, combined with a 0.6 percent increase in the average workweek, resulted in a 3.0 percent increase in real average weekly earnings over this period.

See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS

*Note: Real earnings show the effect of inflation on your pay. If your salary went up by 2.1% over the year while the cost-of-living (CPI-U) rose 2.3%, then the “real” value of your salary fell by 0.2% [differences in some of the data are due to rounding and seasonal adjustment]. The figures reported here are earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls, seasonally adjusted.

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


• U.S. Consumer Price Index — January 2015


The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.1 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 233.707 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index fell 0.5 percent prior to seasonal adjustment.

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased 0.8 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 228.294 (1982-84=100). For the month, the index fell 0.7 percent prior to seasonal adjustment.

The Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U) decreased 0.6 percent over the last 12 months. For the month, the index fell 0.7 percent on a not seasonally adjusted basis. Please note that the indexes for the past 10 to 12 months are subject to revision.

The Consumer Price Index for February 2015 is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. (EDT).

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 21 FEB 2015


In the week ending February 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 313,000, an increase of 31,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 283,000 to 282,000.

The 4-week moving average was 294,500, an increase of 11,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 283,250 to 283,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending February 14, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending February 14 was 2,401,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's revised level.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending February 7 were in Alaska (4.6), New Jersey (3.7), Connecticut (3.4), Rhode Island (3.4), Massachusetts (3.2), Montana (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), Puerto Rico (3.0), California (2.9), Illinois (2.9), and Wisconsin (2.9).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending February 14 were in Missouri (+1,026), Oklahoma (+674), Arkansas (+61), and the Washington (+50), while the largest decreases were in California (-14,135), Pennsylvania (- 4,151), New York (-3,792), Illinois (-2,953), and Texas (-2,419).

Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits.

See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


19 February 2015

• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 14 FEB 2015


In the week ending February 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 283,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 304,000.

The 4-week moving average was 283,250, a decrease of 6,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 289,750.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending February 7, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending February 7 was 2,425,000, an increase of 58,000 from the previous week's revised level.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending January 31 were in Alaska (4.5), New Jersey (3.7), Connecticut (3.5), Massachusetts (3.3), Pennsylvania (3.3), Rhode Island (3.3), Montana (3.2), Puerto Rico (3.1), Illinois (2.9), West Virginia (2.9), and Wisconsin (2.9).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending February 7 were in New York (+4,205), Texas (+2,437), California (+2,333), Pennsylvania (+1,998), and New Jersey (+1,536), while the largest decreases were in Georgia (- 1,672), Tennessee (-491), Maryland (-484), Indiana (-341), and Puerto Rico (-295).

Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits.

See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


18 February 2015

• U.S. Producer Price Index — January 2015


The Producer Price Index for final demand decreased 0.8 percent in January, seasonally adjusted. Final demand prices moved down 0.2 percent in both December and November.

On an unadjusted basis, the index for final demand was unchanged for the 12 months ended in January.

In January, the 0.8-percent decline in final demand prices can be traced primarily to a 2.1-percent decrease in the index for final demand goods. Prices for final demand services fell 0.2 percent.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


13 February 2015

• U.S. Employment Turnover: Two-Year Comparison — December 2014


Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


12 February 2015

• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 07 FEB 2015


In the week ending February 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 304,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 278,000 to 279,000.

The 4-week moving average was 289,750, a decrease of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 292,750 to 293,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending January 31, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending January 31 was 2,354,000, a decrease of 51,000 from the previous week's revised level.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending January 24 were in Alaska (4.7), New Jersey (3.6), Connecticut (3.3), Montana (3.3), Massachusetts (3.2), Pennsylvania (3.2), California (3.1), Puerto Rico (3.1), Rhode Island (3.1), Illinois (3.0), Wisconsin (2.9), and West Virginia (2.8).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending January 31 were in California (+18,068), Pennsylvania (+1,507), Georgia (+1,078), Michigan (+1,055), and Ohio (+1,051), while the largest decreases were in New Jersey (- 1,608), Rhode Island (-988), Virginia (-522), Tennessee (-383), and Nebraska (-294).d

Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits.

See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


11 February 2015

• U.S. Major Work Stoppages — 2014


In 2014, there were 11 major work stoppages involving 1,000 or more workers and lasting at least one shift.

The 11 major work stoppages beginning in 2014 were down from the 15 major work stoppages beginning in 2013, and equaled the second lowest annual total (11 in 2010) of work stoppages since the series began in 1947. The lowest annual total was 5 in 2009.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


10 February 2015

• U.S. Job Openings, Hires, Turnover, Quits — December 2014


[1] The job openings rate is the number of job openings on the last business day of the month as a percent of total employment plus job openings. [2] The hires rate is the number of hires during the entire month as a percent of total employment. [3] The total separations rate is the number of total separations during the entire month as a percent of total employment; includes quits. [4] The quits rate is the number of quits during the entire month as a percent of total employment; included in "total turnover."

Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


• U.S. Job Openings and Hires — December 2014


The number of job openings (not seasonally adjusted) increased over the 12 months ending in December for total nonfarm, total private, and government. Job openings increased over the year for many industries including the professional and business services and the health care and social assistance industries. The number of openings increased over the year in all four regions.

Over the 12 months ending in December, the number of hires (not seasonally adjusted) increased for total nonfarm and total private, and was little changed for government. Hires increased over the year in construction, finance and insurance, and accommodation and food services. The number of hires increased in the South region.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


09 February 2015

• U.S. Official Unemployment Rate vs. Alternative Rate — January 2015


Please visit this link to read the full report: LinkToArticle

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


07 February 2015

• U.S. Workers: Many Looking To Change Jobs — 2015


”Employers—this is your wake-up call!

”With a new year comes change, and that is exactly what one third of the United States workforce are currently doing as 36% of employees are looking for a new job according to a new survey….”

Please visit this link to read the full report: BLR.com

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


06 February 2015

• U.S. Employment Situation — January 2015


Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 257,000 in January. Job gains occurred in retail trade, construction, health care, financial activities, and manufacturing.

The unemployment rate, at 5.7 percent, changed little in January and has shown no net change since October. The number of unemployed persons, at 9.0 million, was little changed in January.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


05 February 2015

• U.S. Labor Productivity and Costs, Fourth Quarter and Annual Averages — 2014


Nonfarm business sector labor productivity decreased at a 1.8 percent annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2014 , as output increased 3.2 percent and hours worked increased 5.1 percent. (All quarterly percent changes in this release are seasonally adjusted annual rates.) The increase in hours worked is the largest increase in this series since a gain of 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 1998.

From the fourth quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2014, productivity was unchanged as output and hours worked both increased 3.1 percent.

Annual average productivity increased 0.8 percent from 2013 to 2014.

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector increased 2.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, reflecting a 0.9 percent increase in hourly compensation and a 1.8 percent decline in productivity. Unit labor costs increased 1.9 percent over the last four quarters.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


• U.S. Initial Unemployment Claims — 31 JAN 2015


In the week ending January 31, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 278,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 265,000 to 267,000.

The 4-week moving average was 292,750, a decrease of 6,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 750 from 298,500 to 299,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.8 percent for the week ending January 24, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending January 24 was 2,400,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending January 17 were in Alaska (4.7), New Jersey (3.6), Connecticut (3.4), Pennsylvania (3.4), Montana (3.3), Puerto Rico (3.3), Massachusetts (3.2), Illinois (3.1), Rhode Island (3.1), West Virginia (2.9), and Wisconsin (2.9).

There were no increases in initial claims for the week ending January 24. The largest decreases were in California (- 21,586), New York (-6,919), Pennsylvania (-6,649), Michigan (-6,458), and Illinois (-5,751).

Note: “Insured unemployment rate” refers to individuals who are unemployed and receiving UC benefits.

See the complete report at this link: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


04 February 2015

• U.S. Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment — December 2014


Unemployment: Unemployment rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 341 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 25 areas, and unchanged in 6 areas . Fourteen areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 158 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent.

Employment: Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 312 metropolitan areas, decreased in 49 areas, and was unchanged in 11 areas.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOL-BLS

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


03 February 2015

• U.S. Employment Payrolls — December 2014


Wages and salaries increased $6.9 billion in December, compared with an increase of $42.2 billion in November.

• Private wages and salaries increased $4.9 billion, compared with an increase of $40.6 billion.

• Government wages and salaries increased $1.9 billion, compared with an increase of $1.7 billion.

• Supplements to wages and salaries increased $3.3 billion in December, compared with an increase of $5.6 billion in November.

Please visit this link to read the full report: USDOC-BEA

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/


02 February 2015

• U.S. Personal Income and Outlays — December 2014


Personal income increased $41.3 billion, or 0.3 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $35.8 billion, or 0.3 percent, in December.

Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) decreased $40.0 billion, or 0.3 percent.

In November, personal income increased $47.2 billion, or 0.3 percent, DPI increased $34.2 billion, or 0.3 percent, and PCE increased $58.8 billion, or 0.5 percent, based on revised estimates.

Real DPI increased 0.5 percent in December, compared with an increase of 0.4 percent in November. Real PCE decreased 0.1 percent, in contrast to an increase of 0.7 percent.

The price index for PCE decreased 0.2 percent in December, the same decrease as in November.

NOTE: This report is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing legal, financial, accounting or other professional advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Furthermore, while we do our best to ensure that these data are accurate, we suggest that any entity making decisions based on these numbers should verify the data at their source prior to making such decisions.

© 2015 Connecticut Human Resource Reports, LLC

URL: http://connecticuthumanresources.blogspot.com/