Menu

The latest Adecco USA Workplace Insights survey offers insight into the American workers outlook at the end of 2008 on the current economic climate and its effects on the job market. The survey found that the number one work-life concern for the majority (69%) of American workers is keeping their job, yet few (24%) are saving more money than they used to for potential unemployment and only 11% are delaying their planned retirement. While unemployment may be their top concern, very few workers (13%) are currently looking for another job and only 17% would be willing to take a pay cut to keep their job.

The renewable energy and energy efficiency (RE&EE) industries represented more than 9 million jobs and $1,045 billion in U.S. revenue in 2007, according to a new report offering the most detailed analysis yet of the green economy. The renewable energy industry grew three times as fast as the U.S. economy, with the solar thermal, photovoltaic, biodiesel, and ethanol sectors leading the way, each with 25%+ annual revenue growth.

RealtyTrac(R)released its 2008 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report(TM), which shows a total of 3,157,806 foreclosure filings - default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions - were reported on 2,330,483 U.S. properties during the year, an 81 percent increase in total properties from 2007 and a 225 percent increase in total properties from 2006.

The credit crunch is biting as the grim economic chill settles over Europe, leaving many private individuals and businesses alike struggling to make ends meet. Ongoing research by Intrum Justitia across Europe shows that for SMEs it has never been more important to get paid – hopefully on time. Get smart fast in getting paid for goods or services delivered or risk being forced out of business.

The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods fell 1.9 percent in December, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported. This decrease followed a 2.2-percent decline in November and a 2.8-percent drop in October.

Consumer sentiment reached a six-year low as Americans continued to be rocked by increasing job losses, poor holiday shopping season reports and the ongoing inability of the government and the private sector to stabilize the economy, according to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index. As a result, the overall RBC CASH Index stands at 13.3 for January 2009, down slightly from 15.3 in December 2008. However, the continued slide in consumer confidence is offset somewhat by an increase in expectations for the future, just days before President-elect Obama is inaugurated.

According to a new report issued by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), changes made in 2005 to federal geothermal leasing laws are bringing in millions of new and additional dollars to federal, state, and county government coffers. In just two years, FY 2007 and FY 2008, $82 million in new revenues were generated by geothermal activities, according to GEA.

Mortgage rates fell for the third week in a row, tying a record low last seen in 2003. According to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 5.28 percent with an average of 0.42 discount and origination points.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for Spain declined 0.5 percent and The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index decreased 0.6 percent in November.

Euro area annual inflation was 1.6% in December 2008, down from 2.1% in November. A year earlier the rate was 3.1%. Monthly inflation was -0.1% in December 2008.