Topic: Naroff Economic Advisors Inc.

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Gasoline prices: Have we reached the top yet, or just a false summit?

The danger of consumer sticker shock faded at the pumps this week as gasoline prices appeared to hit a plateau. But analysts are divided over where they go from here.
1940 Census data: what you need to know to look up relatives

Monday's release of 1940 Census data sets off frenzy to dig into records on family past, crashing the website. When it comes back online, you'll need to know a few basics.
Unemployment rate drops to 8.3 percent. Is that a problem for Mitt Romney?

It could become harder for Republicans such as Mitt Romney to blame President Obama for a lack of jobs. In January, the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since February 2009.
Unemployment rate falls to 8.5%; GOP still using jobs as battering ram (+video)

The US economy netted 200,000 new jobs in December, and the unemployment rate fell. Even as Democratic politicians hail the jobs report, Republicans say any number above 8 percent is unacceptable by now.
Phew! Employers cut fewer jobs in October than expected.

Announced layoffs by governments and businesses, at 42,759, were the fewest since June, says a new report. That's a big improvement over September's 155,730 job losses.
Rick Perry's flat tax plan: Would you have to do your taxes twice?

People could opt for flat tax rate of 20 percent or stick with the current tax system. The Rick Perry plan offers choice, but people might need to do two calculations to tell which is best, some say.
A long, steep drop for Americans' standard of living

Not since at least 1960 has the US standard of living fallen so fast for so long. The average American has $1,315 less in annual disposable income now than at the onset of the Great Recession.
Obama deficit plan: Is there ever a good time for a tax increase?

The Obama deficit plan would raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, but would it hurt the economy? The answer to that question depends on what happens during the next two years.
US economy 'has barely budged': 1.3 percent growth in GDP

The GDP grew at an annual rate of only 1.3 percent in the second quarter of 2011, announces the Commerce Department, which also revised first-quarter growth down to 0.4 percent.
US reports a drop in jobless claims. Is this the beginning of something?

Weekly unemployment claims dropped below 400,000 in the most recent report. While some see this as a signal that the economy is firming up, others caution that more positive indicators are needed.
Economic bright spot: bargain-hunting foreigners flocking to US

The dollar has taken a beating, but that makes America an attractive destination for foreigners looking for bargain vacations. It's a boon for the US tourist industry and travel-related jobs.
New jobs down, unemployment up: Is the economy hitting a pothole or a ditch?

Unemployment increased to 9.1 percent in May, and only 54,000 new jobs were created. Economists point to lingering impacts of the tsunami plus rising food and gas prices.
McDonald's jobs: Hiring 50,000 workers signals larger shift in economy

McDonald’s jobs are a sign that businesses can no longer provide more goods and services by just increasing productivity. McDonald’s is holding a National Hiring Day on Tuesday.
Dow is down, oil prices up as nervous markets eye Libya's Qaddafi

Unfounded rumors, such as one that a besieged Qaddafi plans to destroy Libya's oil wells, drove oil prices above $100 a barrel Wednesday before closing at $98.10. It all means higher gasoline prices for consumers.
Inflation rate: why prices are rising on everything from cornflakes to socks

The Consumer Price Index, a measure of the inflation rate, rose 0.4 percent in December and January. This is the first time the CPI has increased this much for two straight months since 2008.
Inflation rate headed up? The impact of higher food, energy prices.

Higher food and energy prices helped propel the Producer Price Index up by 1.1 percent in December. But the outlook on the inflation rate is not entirely bleak, some say.
Who needs Black Friday? More stores are opening Thanksgiving Day.

Surveys show that more consumers want to get a jump on Black Friday and shop on Thanksgiving Day. With retailers desperate to boost sales, an increasing number are staying open.
Jobs growth shows some zip; unemployment rate unmoved

The economy created more jobs than expected – 151,000 – in October, the best showing since May. Jobs are being added in many sectors, including health care, retail, and temp agencies. The unemployment rate, though, still stands at 9.6 percent.
Consumers, businesses boost US economy; 5 things we learn from GDP report

The US economy grew 2 percent in the third quarter, the Commerce Department reports. But imports limited the benefit to the GDP from increased consumer and business spending.
Unemployment rate shows US 'upturn is nothing great'

Unemployment rate watchers noted that summer is traditionally a slow season for hiring, but the economy continues to show signs of slow progress. The unemployment rate stayed at 9.5 percent in a jobs report issued Friday.
Four things to learn from new GDP data

From Friday's GDP report: Imports are surging. Jobs growth is slowing. Regulators may need to lighten their grip. Until November's midterm elections, politics will color economic reports.
Consumer confidence slumps badly on falling stock prices and no new jobs

Consumer confidence fell almost ten percent in June. The consumer confidence index recorded the biggest drop since February.
This Memorial Day weekend, prices at the gas pump are going down

The average US price of regular gasoline is now $2.75 a gallon, down from $2.87 a month ago. The last time prices at the gas pump fell leading up to Memorial Day was in 2005.
Dow average shoots up after Europeans agree on Greece debt plan

The Dow average was up by more than 340 points as of early Monday afternoon. Investors were relieved to see European leaders agree on a Greece debt plan.
US economy expands in first quarter, as consumers spend more

GDP grew by 3.2 percent in the first quarter, indicating improvement in the US economy. Consumer spending rose by 3.6 percent.