Wishing for Wages

By Econ70 | 03/26/2013

While the economic recovery will soon enter its fifth year, wage growth is invisible. In part, it’s because unemployment is high, but also because more and more jobs are in leisure/hospitality and retail. These two sectors now account for 21% of US employment, yet pay just $13/hour and $16/hour respectively. Manufacturing pays $23/hour, yet employs…

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Goods Going Global

By Econ70 | 08/16/2012

While manufacturing and exports have helped lead the nation out of the financial crisis, the importance of manufactured exports on state economies varies tremendously. TX leads the way with almost $9,000 per capita in manufactured exports, with LA next at $7,700, followed by WA at $7,193 and VT at $6,615. NM is lowest at $933,…

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ISM REPORTS GROWTH!

By Econ70 | 02/03/2011

The monthly Institute of Supply Management Report on Business (ISM) is a survey based index of more than 300 manufacturing firms that tracks 11 dimensions of activity across 18 Industries. Readings below 50 indicate recession. Value above 50 indicate growth. The index ranges from 0 to 100. The Jan ISM rose to 60.8 (it’s highest…

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