Widget Image
Follow PPD Social Media
follow
1,000 Followers
follow
0 Followers
follow
People's Pundit Locals Community
Friday, January 31, 2025
SECTIONS
logo
mobile-logo
HomeStandard Blog Whole Post (Page 212)
Economy

A shopper passes a ''Sale'' sign at Quincy Market in downtown in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. January 11, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)

A shopper passes a ”Sale” sign at Quincy Market in downtown in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. January 11, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)

The U.S. Census Bureau said the advance estimate for retail sales were $497.6 billion, an increase of 0.3% (±0.4%)* from the previous month and 4.7% (±0.5%) above April 2017. Revisions to previous data were also estimates higher.

Total retail sales for the February 2018 through April 2018 period were up 4.6% (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The February 2018 to March 2018 percent change was revised from up 0.6% (±0.5%) to up 0.8% (±0.2%).

Retail trade sales were up 0.4% (±0.5%)* from March 2018, and 4.8% (±0.5%) above last year. Gasoline Stations were up 11.7% (±1.6%) from April 2017, while Nonstore Retailers were up 9.6% (±1.4%) from last year

The U.S. Census Bureau said the advance

Economy

A factory worker at a New York manufacturing plant. (Photo: Reuters)

A factory worker at a New York manufacturing plant. (Photo: Reuters)

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey, a regional gauge of factory activity by the Federal Reserve, easily beat the 15.5 median forecast rising to 20.1 in May.

The new orders index rose 7 points to 16.0 and the shipments index was essentially unchanged at 19.1, indicating that orders and shipments again grew strongly.

Unfilled orders increased, and inventories moved higher. The delivery time index was close to last month’s level at 13.7, a sign that delivery times continued to lengthen.

The index for number of employees edged up three points to 8.7 and the average workweek index fell to 11.1, indicating a modest increase in employment and hours worked.

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey, a regional

Politics

President Donald J. Trump with his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, take the stage during a campaign-style "Thank You" rally for supporters on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in Melbourne, Florida. (Photo: Associated Press/AP)

President Donald J. Trump with his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, take the stage during a campaign-style “Thank You” rally for supporters on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in Melbourne, Florida. (Photo: Associated Press/AP)

First Lady Melania Trump is recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center after an “embolization procedure” to treat a benign kidney condition. The White House said the procedure was successful and there were no complications, though she will remain there for a week.

“This morning, First Lady Melania Trump underwent an embolization procedure to treat a benign kidney condition,” the White House said in a statement. “The procedure was successful and there were no complications. Mrs. Trump is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and will likely remain there for the duration of the week.”

“The First Lady looks forward to a full recovery so she can continue her work on behalf of children everywhere.”

President Donald Trump thanked everyone for their support on Twitter before heading over to Walter Reed to visit the first lady.

“Heading over to Walter Reed Medical Center to see our great First Lady, Melania. Successful procedure, she is in good spirits. Thank you to all of the well-wishers!”

First Lady Melania Trump is recovering at Walter

Polls

President Donald Trump, from left, greets Tony Kim, Kim Hak Song, seen in the shadow, and Kim Dong Chul, three Americans detained in North Korea for more than a year, as they arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., Thursday, May 10, 2018. First lady Melania Trump also greet them at right. (Photo: AP)

President Donald Trump, from left, greets Tony Kim, Kim Hak Song, seen in the shadow, and Kim Dong Chul, three Americans detained in North Korea for more than a year, as they arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., Thursday, May 10, 2018. First lady Melania Trump also greet them at right. (Photo: AP)

A majority now say it is likely the meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore will “slow or stop” North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

A Rasmussen Reports national survey finds 51% think it’s likely including 23% who say it is “very likely.” This compares to 38% and 12% respectively just two months ago. Another 28% say it is at least “somewhat likely.”

Twenty-five percent (25%) said it was “not very likely” and only 14% said it’s “not at all likely” to halt the program.

When asked if his strategy and posture during his dealings with North Korea, 43% said President Trump’s response has been “about right” and only 29% say he’s been “too aggressive.”

The announcement of the “highly anticipated meeting” comes shortly after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took his second known trip to the country to secure the release of three Americans previously detained by North Korea.

Mr. Pompeo’s first trip to the country came during Easter weekend. It was meant to gauge the potential for and viability of a summit, which would be the first-ever between the U.S. and North Korea after more than six decades of hostility.

Shortly after Mr. Pompeo returned to the U.S., Kim announced that he suspended Pyongyang’s nuclear testing program, including a freeze on intercontinental ballistic missile tests and closing a nuclear site.

The survey of 1,000 likely voters in the U.S. was conducted on May 10-13, 2018 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. See methodology.

A majority now say it is likely

Video

Watch: The U.S. State Department holds the dedication ceremony for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, May 14.

In December 2017, President Donald Trump made the “historic decision” to “officially recognize” Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, announcing the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv would be moved.

He said it was “long overdue” and “the right thing to do,” adding that Israel “like every other sovereign nation has the right to determine its capital.” He repeated that in his video address to those in attendance.

Watch: The U.S. State Department holds the

Politics

President Donald Trump in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House signs an order beginning the process of moving the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem on December 6, 2017.

President Donald Trump in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House signs an order beginning the process of moving the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem on December 6, 2017.

The U.S. State Department announced the dedication ceremony for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has been scheduled for Monday, May 14. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump will attend along with U.S. Treasury Department Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Deputy Secretary John J. Sullivan, who is leading the Presidential Delegation to the historic opening, will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu beforehand. He will also meet with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Hotovely, the Director General Yuval Rotem and various members of both our Embassy and Consulate General staff.

In December 2017, President Donald Trump made the “historic decision” to “officially recognize” Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, announcing the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv would be moved. He said it was “long overdue” and “the right thing to do,” adding that Israel “like every other sovereign nation has the right to determine its capital.”

U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) shakes hands, after signing the guest book, with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (2nd R) with his wife Nechama Reuven (R) and first lady Melania Trump (L), in Jerusalem May 22, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)

U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) shakes hands, after signing the guest book, with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (2nd R) with his wife Nechama Reuven (R) and first lady Melania Trump (L), in Jerusalem May 22, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)

The decision not only fulfills a major campaign promise to religious conservatives and the vast majority of Americans who support Israel but also a 22-year old national promise to the key ally.

In 1995, Congress passed The Jerusalem Embassy and Relocation Act, which recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and called for moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Waivers are permitted by presidents in the event national security is a concern, which President Trump signed in June.

But Vice President Mike Pence told the Knesset in January that the U.S. Embassy will be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by the end of 2019, ahead of schedule. His remarks, which received a standing ovation, came during the first ever address by a sitting U.S. vice president to the Israeli parliament.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen wave as they landed at Tel Aviv airport Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018. Pence will pay a three day visit to Israel. (Photo: AP)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen wave as they landed at Tel Aviv airport Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018. Pence will pay a three day visit to Israel. (Photo: AP)

FULL STATEMENT BELOW

The Department of State is proud to announce that the U.S. Embassy to Israel in Jerusalem will be dedicated on Monday, May 14. Ambassador David M. Friedman will preside over the dedication ceremony and Deputy Secretary John J. Sullivan will lead the Presidential Delegation to the historic opening along with Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, Advisor Ivanka Trump, and Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt.

As the President stated on December 6, 2017, the historic opening of our embassy recognizes the reality that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the seat of its government. Seventy years ago, the United States, under President Harry S Truman, became the first nation to recognize the State of Israel. Moving our Embassy is not a departure from our strong commitment to facilitate a lasting peace deal; rather it is a necessary condition for it. We are not taking a position on final status issues, including the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem, nor on the resolution of contested borders.

Consulate General Jerusalem will continue to operate as an independent mission with an unchanged mandate responsible for U.S. relations with the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority. The United States continues to support the status quo with regard to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. The Administration is firmly committed to pursuing a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians that promises a brighter future for both.

While in Jerusalem as the Head of Delegation, Deputy Secretary Sullivan will also meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Hotovely, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Yuval Rotem, and members of both our Embassy and Consulate General staff.

The Department will livestream the Dedication Ceremony on www.state.gov and Facebook.com/usdos.

The U.S. State Department announced the dedication

Economy

Consumer Spending and Consumer Sentiment. (Photo: AP)

Consumer Spending and Consumer Sentiment. (Photo: AP)

The preliminary 98.8 reading of consumer sentiment by the Survey of Consumers indicates continued strength in May, unchanged from April. Current Economic Conditions ticked down slightly to 113.3, while the Index of Consumer Expectations rose 1.1 point to 89.5.

The changes are statistically insignificant. But the internals of the survey will thus provide some additional points for both sides in the debate about the timing and number of future interest rate hikes.

“What is likely to capture attention, however, are the small uptick in near term inflation expectations, the downward slippage in income expectations, and the expected stabilization of the national unemployment rate at decade lows,” Richard Curtain, the chief economist for the Survey of Consumers said.

“Eight-in-ten consumers anticipated interest rate hikes during the year ahead, and fewer consumers anticipated further declines in the unemployment rate–although all of the shift was toward the expectation of a stable unemployment rate rather than an increased rate.”

Worth noting, which Mr. Curtain did, American consumers have an impressive track record for anticipating and predicting changes in the actual unemployment rate.

“Overall, the data are consistent with a growth rate of 2.7% in real personal consumption from the second half of 2018 to first half of 2019.”

The preliminary 98.8 reading of consumer sentiment

Economy

Cargo containers sit idle at the Port of Los Angeles as a back-log of over 30 container ships sit anchored outside the Port in Los Angeles, California, February 18, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

Cargo containers sit idle at the Port of Los Angeles as a back-log of over 30 container ships sit anchored outside the Port in Los Angeles, California, February 18, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said import prices increased 0.3% in April, while export prices rose 0.6%, beating the median forecast. The gain in imports follows a 0.2% decline in March and exports followed a 0.3% gain.

Imports

The decline in import prices in March was the first time the index recorded a drop since July 2017, when it fell 0.2%. Prices for U.S. imports rose 3.3% between April 2017 and April 2018.

U.S. import prices have not posted a 12-month decline since October 2016, when the end-year fell 2.0%.

Exports

Prices for U.S. exports have not recorded a decline since June 2017. The monthly advance was driven by higher nonagricultural export prices which more than offset declining agricultural prices.

The price index for U.S. exports gained 3.8% over the past year, the largest 12-month increase since a 4.8% rise for the year ended November 2011. The index has not recorded a decrease on a 12-month basis since the period from November 2015 to  November 2016, when it posted a 0.2% decline.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said import

Economy

A fast food restaurant advertises for workers on its front window in Encinitas, California, U.S., September 13, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

A fast food restaurant advertises for workers on its front window in Encinitas, California, U.S., September 13, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

The percentage of Americans who know someone who is looking for work or gave up looking has hit its lowest level ever since tracking began in early 2010. Meanwhile, confidence in the job market remains near record highs.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 46% of American Adults know someone who is out of work and looking for a job, down from the previous low of 53% measured last November.

The highest percentage ever came in at 82% in December 2011.

Another 47% now say they do not know anyone out of work and looking for a job, up 7 points from November’s previous high. Only 25% say they know anyone who, out of frustration with the difficult job market, has given up looking for a job. Sixty-four (64%) percent say they do not.

When asked whether the labor market is better or worse than a year ago, 45% say it is better. Only 13% said it was worse and 36% said it is about the same.

The survey of 1,000 American adults was conducted on May 6-7, 2018 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. See methodology.

The percentage of Americans who know someone

Politics

Mike Braun thanks supporters after winning the republican primary in Whitestown, Ind., Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Braun faced Todd Rokita and Luke Messer in the Republican primary race. Braun advances to a November matchup with Democrat Joe Donnelly, who is considered one of the Senate's most vulnerable incumbents. (Photo: AP)

Mike Braun thanks supporters after winning the republican primary in Whitestown, Ind., Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Braun faced Todd Rokita and Luke Messer in the Republican primary race. Braun advances to a November matchup with Democrat Joe Donnelly, who is considered one of the Senate’s most vulnerable incumbents. (Photo: AP)

Mike Braun, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Indiana, is calling on Senator Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., to “put Hoosiers first” and “vote to confirm Gina Haspel.” The incumbent Democrat is one of the most vulnerable in the upper chamber.

“If I was in the Senate I would vote to confirm Gina Haspel to be the CIA Director,” the businessman from Jasper said. “This historic choice by President Trump would provide strong leadership to a vital arm of our national security infrastructure.”

“Joe Donnelly, as he always does, is dodging the press on where he stands on Haspel and playing the political game. Will he stand once again with the liberal extreme of his party, or will he put Hoosiers first and vote to confirm Gina Haspel?”

Ms. Haspel is expected to make it through a tough nomination. Democrats as a whole and with few exceptions oppose her nomination due to her peripheral role in detention and enhanced interrogation techniques adopted after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

John Brennan, who served as the CIA director under Barack Obama, was her boss at the time. Yet, he coasted through his confirmation.

On the other side of the aisle, Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., is urging colleagues to vote “No,” even though he was one of 13 Republican senators who supported Mr. Brennan.

As of now, only Senator Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., has announced he would support her nomination, but Mr. Donnelly’s office has yet to give a straight answer.

“Hoosiers deserve a Senator who will stand up and lead, not a career politician who is constantly trying to evaluate whether a decision is right for re-election or their left-wing donor base,” Mr. Braun added.

Republican turnout in Indiana was up 43% from the previous midterm and the race for the U.S. Senate in Indiana is rated Leans Republican on the PPD Election Projection Model.

Mike Braun, the Republican nominee for U.S.

People's Pundit Daily
You have %%pigeonMeterAvailable%% free %%pigeonCopyPage%% remaining this month. Get unlimited access and support reader-funded, independent data journalism.

Start a 14-day free trial now. Pay later!

Start Trial

Subscribe