Business News - Government Economic Figures

Jobless claims drop from 7-year high

WASHINGTON - Thursday, 09 October 2008 07:04:04

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER - AP Business Writer

New applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week from a seven-year high, the Labor Department said Thursday, though they remain at elevated levels that indicate recession.

Japan's core machinery orders plunge in August

TOKYO - Wednesday, 08 October 2008 19:44:07

By TOMOKO A. HOSAKA

A key barometer of corporate capital spending in Japan plunged in August to its lowest level in more than five years, the government said Thursday, as business investment retreated sharply amid fears of a broader global slowdown.

Retirement accounts have lost $2 trillion

WASHINGTON - Tuesday, 07 October 2008 11:45:46

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS - Associated Press Writer

Americans' retirement plans have lost as much as $2 trillion in the past 15 months, Congress' top budget analyst estimated Tuesday.

Economy sheds most jobs since 2003, more cuts seen

WASHINGTON - Friday, 03 October 2008 21:06:35

By JEANNINE AVERSA - AP Economics Writer

Jobs are vanishing at the fastest pace in more than five years with pink slips likely to keep stacking higher in the months ahead, an urgent signal the country may be careening toward a deep and painful recession just as Americans prepare to elect a new president.

Payrolls drop by most in 5 years; more pain ahead

By The Associated Press

THE LATEST: Employers slashed 159,000 jobs in September, the most in more than five years and the ninth month in a row of nationwide job losses. So far this year, the economy has lost a staggering 760,000 jobs.