Economy News

Survey: Michigan Businesses Confident About Growth

The latest Michigan Future Business Index survey of small and midsize business leaders shows unequalled confidence in the state’s business economy and a rekindled desire to reinvest in their own future, according to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America. Business …

Midwest, Plains Economy Still Growing Steadily: Survey

A monthly survey of business leaders suggests the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states will continue growing steadily over the next few months. The overall economic index for the region declined slightly to 56.2 in May from April’s 56.8, …

Study: Agriculture Plays Important Role in Utah Economy

Agriculture continues to play an important role in Utah’s economy, according to a Utah State University study. The study found that when taking into account related industries such as food processing, agriculture contributed $17.5 billion to the state’s economy in …

Big Quake Could Cause $30B Damage to Oregon

A state commission says a magnitude 9 earthquake off the Oregon coast and tsunami could cause more than $30 billion damage to the state economy. Such a quake also could kill as many as 10,000 people in the state, but …

Great Plains Cities Seize New Wave of Prosperity

Take a look around: Life is pretty great in the Great Plains. So good that cities such as Sioux Falls and others in a region that stretches from the Dakotas to Texas are embarking on big building projects. While other …

Texas’ Expected Surplus Won’t Lessen 2013 Budget Fight

Shortfall and sacrifice: that’s how the Texas Legislature two years ago defended gutting $5.4 billion from public education, laying off thousands of public workers with slashed spending and stripping Medicaid to the bone. The new budget s-word this time around? …

Midwest Economic Index Rises Slightly

A monthly economic index report suggests an economic slump will continue over the next three to six months for nine Midwest and Plains states. The Mid-America Business Conditions index rose slightly in November to a weak 48.0 from 46.5 in …

EU Insurers’ Capital Charges May be Cut to Boost Loans

Capital charges for insurers in the European Union could be cut to encourage lending for long-term projects and help boost the flagging economy, the bloc’s executive body said in a high profile policy shift. The European Commission has written to …

WTO Cuts 2012 Global Trade Growth Forecast to 2.5%

World trade will grow by a mere 2.5 percent this year, dragged down by Europe to less than half of the previous 20-year average, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Friday. The WTO cut its estimate from a 2012 …

Commentary by Gordon Brown:* Europe Risks Going the Way of Japan

The good news is that Europe is no longer going the way of Greece. The sad news is that it is threatening to go the way of Japan. After years of hesitation punctuated by panic, Europe has finally accepted the …