U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2016 expanded at a 2.9 percent annualized growth rate based on the advanced estimate. This unusual and surprising jump after three quarters of sluggish growth reflects a surge in agricultural (soybean) exports and a rebound in business inventories, which bring doubt about continued strong growth in the fourth … [Read more...] about December 2016: Business Indicators
Reno economy
Business Indicators: November 2016
The U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 1.4 percent annual rate in the second quarter of 2016, revised up by 0.3 percentage point from the second estimate. The upward revisions mainly reflected an increase in nonresidential fixed investment, which decreased in the previous estimate. Large gains in consumer spending contributed to a rise in real GDP, while cutback … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: November 2016
Business Indicators: October 2016
The U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 1.1 annual rate in the second quarter of 2016, The increase in real GDP was mainly due to surprisingly large gains in consumer spending, while cutbacks in private business investment contributed to U.S. economic growth remaining stuck in the slow lane. In spite of lackluster business investment, U.S. nonfarm employment added … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: October 2016
Economic Forecast 2016: Increasing Stability and Growth
According to analysts, Nevada’s economy will continue to show improvement in 2016, but with a few new wrinkles thrown in. Rising wages will mean more disposable income, which in turn boosts consumer spending. Job creation, described as the single best indicator of economic growth, is expected to add more than 52,000 workers to company payrolls this year, according to the Nevada … [Read more...] about Economic Forecast 2016: Increasing Stability and Growth
Business Indicators: October 2015
The “second” estimate for U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2015 indicates an annualized rate increase of 3.7 percent, which is a significant upward revision from the advance estimate of 2.3 percent. The Bureau of Economic Analysis stated that second-quarter increases in real GDP mostly reflected strong consumer spending. More generally, personal … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: October 2015
Office Summary: Second Quarter 2015
Southern Nevada Las Vegas Valley spec office vacancy rates during Q2, 2015 ranged from 16.3 percent for Class C space to 32.1 percent for Class A. The overall vacancy rate was 21.6 percent, a decline from 21.7 percent recorded in Q1, 2015. Compared to Q2, 2014, the vacancy rate is down 1.1 points from 22.7 percent. Q2’s decline in vacancy rate makes 6 quarters with an … [Read more...] about Office Summary: Second Quarter 2015
Business Indicators: May 2015
The “third” estimate for fourth quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product increasing at an annualized rate of 2.2 percent. Compared to the “second” estimate, personal consumption expenditures increased more, but were offset by smaller changes in private inventories. Nonresidential fixed investment, residential investment, and state and local government spending also … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: May 2015
Business Indicators: April 2015
The “second” estimate for fourth quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product increasing at an annualized rate of 2.2 percent, lower than the 2.6 percent growth first reported. Compared to the “advanced” estimate, changes in private inventories increased less and nonresidential fixed investment increased more. Personal consumption expenditures, residential investment, … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: April 2015
A Developing State: Growing Economy Encourages New Projects
As Nevada’s economy picks up the pace, businesses are returning to Nevada and Nevada is returning to business – mostly. In Southern Nevada there’s no real wage growth, gaming revenues are down, home sales are slowing. At the same time, industrial property vacancies are dropping, flex space rents are low but flex spaces themselves are filling, and big box industrial space is … [Read more...] about A Developing State: Growing Economy Encourages New Projects
Business Indicators: February 2015
The “third” estimate for third quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product increasing at an annualized rate of 5 percent, higher than the 3.9 percent growth initially reported. In the revision, personal consumption expenditures and nonresidential fixed investment increased more than previously estimated. Residential investment, net exports, federal government spending, … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: February 2015
Business Indicators: January 2015
The “second” estimate for third quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product increasing at an annualized rate of 3.9 percent, higher than the 3.5 percent growth initially reported. In the revision, personal consumption expenditures and nonresidential fixed investment increased more than previously estimated, while private inventory investment decreased less. Residential … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: January 2015
Minimum-Wage Hikes: The Path to Poverty for Poor People
Presumably, State Senator Tick Segerblom thinks his proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15-per-hour in Nevada would be beneficial. After all, it sounds appealing to double the pay of fast-food workers and other entry-level workers with one wave of the government’s mandate wand. As businessmen and women know firsthand, however, there’s a big difference between good … [Read more...] about Minimum-Wage Hikes: The Path to Poverty for Poor People
Industry Focus: Bankers
Enduring a slow economic recovery, the banking industry stays focused on getting businesses back on their feet in the midst of increasing regulations and legislative uncertainty. Nevada banking executives recently met at the Las Vegas offices of City National Bank to discuss the challenges in their industry. Connie Brennan, publisher of Nevada Business Magazine, served as … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Bankers
Business Indicators: September 2014
The “advance” estimate for second quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product increasing at an annualized rate of 4.0 percent, rebounding from the negative 2.1 percent growth experienced during first quarter 2014. Personal consumption expenditures, changes in private inventories, residential investment, non-residential fixed investment, and state and local government … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: September 2014
Business Indicators: July 2014
The “second” estimate for first quarter 2014 shows U.S. real gross domestic product decreasing at an annualized rate of 1.0 percent, lower than the positive 0.1 percent growth first reported. U.S. nonfarm employment experienced gains in May, adding 217,000 jobs over April. The unemployment rate remained constant at 6.3 percent, as labor force participation increased. Housing … [Read more...] about Business Indicators: July 2014