by sslifer | Feb 1, 2024 | NumberNomics Notes, Productivity
February 1, 2024 The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that hourly compensation rose 3.7% in the fourth quarter after gaining 3.8% in the third quarter. In the past year compensation has risen 5.0-%. Growth in hourly compensation is a good thing, but that...
by sslifer | Nov 10, 2023 | Commentary for the Week, NumberNomics Notes
November 10, 2023 The recent productivity spurt is worth noting and is, perhaps, the beginning of a longer-lasting uptrend. If so, the economy’s economic speed limit could climb from 1.8% today to perhaps 2.5%. Faster potential growth is the holy grail of...
by sslifer | Jun 9, 2023 | Commentary for the Week, NumberNomics Notes
June 9, 2023 Much has been written recently regarding the recent disquieting decline in productivity. The productivity drop suggests that firms are hanging onto more workers than they need. If demand does not soon accelerate, firms will eventually determine that...
by sslifer | Jun 2, 2023 | Commentary for the Week, NumberNomics Notes
June 2, 2023 The monthly employment report is always a key indicator for economists in assessing the degree of economic activity for any given month. It is significant because it is the first solid evidence of what the economy did in the prior month. It has the...
by sslifer | Apr 29, 2022 | Commentary for the Week, NumberNomics Notes
April 29, 2022 First quarter 2022 GDP surprisingly declined 1.4%. But it would be a serious mistake to view the single-quarter decline in GDP as a harbinger of recession. Recessions begin when consumers pull back and cut spending. They have not. Recessions begin...
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