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Plosser Calls Fed Data-Dependence Words Step to More Clarity

Bloomberg Businessweek (11/12/14) Jeff Kearns

Charles Plosser, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, says language added to the central bank’s last statement about how it would keep interest rates low for a “considerable time” after its asset purchases end will help prepare markets for a sooner-than-expected increase in rates. Most policy makers forecast a rate hike in 2015.

“The committee explicitly noted that should the economy make faster progress than anticipated toward its goals, liftoff could occur earlier, and if progress was slower than anticipated, liftoff could be delayed,” says Plosser. “This is the operative language and it makes clear that the committee intends for policy to be data-dependent.” He adds that “the economy has made considerable progress toward full employment and price stability” and that “we should no longer be conducting monetary policy as if we were still in the midst of a financial crisis or in the depths of a recession.”

Robert Half Taps Into Temporary Jobs Surge

Investor’s Business Daily (11/11/14)

Keith Waddell, chief financial officer of Robert Half, says the company is reaping the benefits of workplace trends. “There’s clearly a secular shift for companies using more temporary staffers to have a more variable workforce,” he says, noting that temporary jobs have accounted for nearly 10% of jobs created since March 2010, versus slightly less than 3% during the last recovery cycle that began in September 2003.

The company also is benefiting from the demand for college-educated workers. Harold Messmer, chief executive officer of Robert Half, says, “Competition for experienced talent is intense right now in many cities and in some occupations the demand is growing faster than the supply of skilled workers.”

Free ASA Webinar Next Week—Understanding Ebola-Related Challenges

Employee and client concerns about Ebola virus disease are increasing. Get help determining how your firm can lawfully address such concerns during the ASA webinar “Ebola-Related Liability Challenges for Staffing and Recruiting Firms.” It takes place Wednesday, Nov. 19, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.