Initial Claims Under 700,000 First Time in Year

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell by nearly 100,000 last week, dropping below 700,000 for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic staggered the U.S. economy last March, the Labor Department reported yesterday.

Final 4Q GDP Sees 4.3% Increase

Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the fourth quarter, according to the “third” (final) estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

New Home Sales Take a February Hit

Historically, February has never been a big month for home sales—it’s cold, the weather is unpredictable and it’s, well, February. But during the hottest—and strangest—housing winter in memory, could this February also defy logic.

February Existing Home Sales Drop 6.6%

Existing home sales declined in February, following two prior months of gains, the National Association of Realtors reported yesterday.

Initial Claims Rise; Trend Remains Positive

Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday, but analysts said overall trends stayed positive as economic activity picked up steam.

Winter Catches Up with February Housing Starts

Housing starts fell in February for the second straight month, HUD and the Census Bureau reported yesterday, with winter weather largely the culprit.

Unemployment Claims Fall to Near Post-Pandemic Low

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell by 42,000 to their lowest level since November, the Labor Department reported yesterday, nearly matching a post-pandemic low.

Improving Economy Could Greatly Benefit the CRE Sector

Commercial real estate operating fundamentals are still “wallowing” for several property types, but improving economic conditions could greatly benefit the sector, said Wells Fargo Securities, Charlotte, N.C.

Unemployment Insurance Claims Rise, But Trend Lower

Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose for the sixth time in the past seven weeks, the Labor Department reported yesterday, but overall claims continued to trend lower with spring approaching.