The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the labor force participation rate as the percentage of civilian noninstitutional population 16 years old and over either working or actively seeking work. However, when comparing one region to another, this may not be the best metric to use.
In the last quarter of 2017, there were over 210,000 private sector establishments in the wholesale trade agents and brokers industry (NAICS 425120) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Just one quarter later, however, the number of these establishments plummeted by 27%.
Economic growth in the United States has generally been modest to moderate since the recovery began in the 3rd quarter of 2009. After increasing at a 4.2% annual rate in the 2nd quarter of 2018, real GDP rose at a 3.4% annual rate in the 3rd quarter as growth in consumer spending remained strong and a healthy contribution to growth from change in private inventories offset a subtraction from trade. Due to the 9.2% drop in the S&P 500 in December and the narrowing yield spread, the probability of recession jumped to 35% through June 2019.
The EQ Connect 18 conference was a success on many levels. From the speakers, to the attendees getting JobsEQ FIT certified, to the Salamander Resort, we had numerous epiphanies. The unexpected snow was the biggest epiphany of them all! Yes, Virginia, there are still epiphanies! As a special treat, Reilly, the Chief Data Dog, was available throughout the conference for selfies with our attendees! It was quite the social media hit!
The government shutdown just became more tangible. Several federal agencies remain unfunded, leaving 800,000 workers missing out on wages that were to be paid today. It can be difficult to form a mental image of who this affects and how, but JobsEQ makes it easy to see the direct and ripple impact this has on the economy.