U.S. Economic News
July 3, 2017
U.S. Economic Indicators
The ISM Manufacturing Index rose 2.9 percentage points to 57.8 in June. The new orders index jumped 4.0 percentage points to 63.5 and the employment index increased 3.7 percentage points to 57.2. ISM Report
Construction spending held steady in May at an annualized rate of $1.2 trillion. Public construction increased 2.1% while private construction dipped 0.6%. Census Bureau
U.S. News
Ben Leubsdorf of the Wall Street Journal argues that differences in child care policy may explain why female labor force participation is lower in the U.S. than in Canada. Leubsdorf believes that the U.S. should follow Canada’s lead in expanding part-time job opportunities, providing more affordable child care, and extending paid leave following childbirth. WSJ
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. car manufacturers observed sharp declines over the first half of 2017 as auto sales fell to 2014 levels. The authors attribute this decline in part to rising vehicle prices, which have deterred consumers from buying. WSJ