American Staffing Association (09/04/14) Cynthia Poole

Economic activity continued to expand in all 12 districts during the most recent six-week reporting period, according to the Federal Reserve Board’s latest report on regional economies (known as the “beige book”). None of the districts, however, cited any distinct shifts in the pace of growth. Consumer spending grew slightly to moderately in most districts. Manufacturing reports were mixed and labor market conditions were relatively unchanged, but contacts in nearly all districts reported challenges finding certain types of skilled labor. Conditions for staffing services were generally positive across the nation.

Bloomberg (09/04/14) Michelle Jamrisko; Lorraine Woellert

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the week ended Aug. 30 rose by 4,000 to 302,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The 49 economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast claims of 300,000. The four-week moving average of new claims rose by 3,000 to 302,750.

Reuters (09/04/14) Ryan Vlastelica

U.S. private sector employers hired 204,000 employees in August, down from 212,000 in July, according to data from Automatic Data Processing. Economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast new hiring of 220,000.

Reuters (09/03/14) Lucia Mutikani

New orders for U.S. factory goods rose across a broad base of sectors in July, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Manufactured goods orders increased 10.5% in July compared with a 1.5% increase in June due to strong demand for aircraft and automobiles. Orders excluding transportation fell 0.8% in July, following a 1.4% increase in June.