U.S. Economic News
May 4, 2020
U.S. Economic Indicators
New factory orders for manufactured goods fell 10.3% in March following a 0.1% (revised) decrease in February. New orders excluding transportation were down 3.7%, while new orders for nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft fell 0.1%. Census Bureau Report
U.S. News
The Washington Post reports that the U.S. housing and rental market has fallen into a severe crisis as surging unemployment and delayed jobless benefits and stimulus checks threaten the ability of millions of Americans to make May rent and mortgage payments. Without billions in federal relief for homeowners, tenants, and landlords, many Americans may face eviction as eviction moratoriums are lifted and forbearance periods run out. WaPo
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. businesses are calling for Congress to pass legislation shielding companies from virus-exposure lawsuits as the economy begins to emerge from its partial shutdown. The extent of liability protection has become a major point of contention as lawmakers begin working on the next round of stimulus funding for households and businesses. WSJ