Economy News

Small Businesses Are Burning Out: Survey

According to a recent survey by Next Insurance, small businesses are feeling stressed and frustrated by the state of the economy and inflation. Only 29% of respondents said they felt optimistic about an economic recovery in the next year, according …

Despite Challenges, New Year Will Bring Strong, Stable Industry: Hartwig

Despite a year of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty and a halting global economic recovery, the insurance industry remains strong, stable, sound and secure. Though below pre-COVID forecasts, major indicators point to positive rates of growth and a positive return on …

Federal Reserve Policymakers See Slow Economic Growth Until Virus Contained

The U.S. economic recovery will be slow until the coronavirus is under control, and Americans will have to manage life with the virus for at least the next several months, three Federal Reserve policymakers said on Wednesday. After rebounding strongly …

Insurance and the Local Economy

February is Insurance Careers Month and since insurance has been so good to my house, I feel compelled to participate. To paraphrase an old comedian, “If it hadn’t been for insurance, I would be in insurance today.” Our friends at …

Unemployment Claims on Rise in Louisiana

First-time claims for unemployment insurance in Louisiana for the week ending Oct. 15 increased from the previous week’s total. The state labor department figures show the initial claims rose to 2,674 from the previous week’s total of 2,558. For the …

Record Construction Pace in South Dakota’s Sioux Falls Not Easing

The record pace of construction in Sioux Falls isn’t letting up. The Argus Leader reported that the city has permitted $573.4 million in construction through September, up from $546 million over the same period last year. The city has permitted …

Report: Modest Economic Growth Expected in Midwest, Plains

Weakness in the agriculture and energy sectors will slow the economy in nine Midwestern and Plains states this spring, according to a monthly survey of business leaders released Feb. 2. The region’s overall economic index improved slightly to 54.8 in …

Manufacturing Growth to Aid Midwest Economy

A new survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests that manufacturing growth will help fuel the regional economy through the end of the year, according to a report released on Oct. 1. The overall Mid-America Business …

Survey: Michigan Businesses Confident About Growth

The latest Michigan Future Business Index survey of small and midsize business leaders shows unequalled confidence in the state’s business economy and a rekindled desire to reinvest in their own future, according to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Business …

Midwest, Plains Economy Still Growing Steadily: Survey

A monthly survey of business leaders suggests the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states will continue growing steadily over the next few months. The overall economic index for the region declined slightly to 56.2 in May from April’s 56.8, …