Posted on 02/22/2016 7:39:51 PM PST by Citizen Zed
The U.S. labor market has recovered faster than expected, though that strength is tempered by economic challenges both at home and abroad, according to an annual assessment from the president's Council of Economic Advisers.
The 430-page "Economic Report of the President" released today summarizes recent developments in the economy and highlights areas where the administration sees room for policy improvements.
This year's report notes that the unemployment rate has fallen more quickly than most analysts predicted, dropping to 4.9 percent in January. That tightening job market is finally showing up in larger paychecks. Wage growth over the past 12 months is the strongest it's been since the Great Recession. The combination of more jobs and higher wages has helped push consumer sentiment to its highest level since 2004.
But the report also highlights potential problems on the horizon. Slow growth in other countries, such as China, has limited demand for U.S. exports. Deteriorating roads, bridges and other public works are also a drag on U.S. growth -- a problem that was only partially remedied last year when Congress passed the first major highway bill in more than a decade.
The steep drop in oil prices was expected to give a big boost to the U.S. economy, but it's turned out to be pretty much a wash. Low prices at the gas pump have left consumers with more money to spend elsewhere, but that's largely been offset by a decline in domestic drilling activity.
White House economists also devote considerable attention to income inequality, which has emerged as a major theme in the 2016 presidential campaign. While the Affordable Care Act and changes to the tax code have made a modest difference in balancing after-tax incomes, "there's a lot more that we need to do," said Jason Furman, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. The report notes that the seeds of inequality are often planted early, and suggests long-term benefits from greater public investment in the health care, education and well-being of children.
In other words, more people have stopped looking for work and are now under the table. Manufacturing is still losing jobs.
The view is always better on the top.
While thousands of jobs leave the country.
We’re all going to be rich!
4.9% unemployment with 94 million Americans not working and record numbers of people on food stamps. I think I prefer the old fashioned way they counted unemployment.
Or was that the other way around? Higher wages for billionaire Dem donors, more jobs for Democrats?
Looking forward to higher wages!
Haven’t had a raise in 6 years.
LOL! More satire from NPR and its White House.
Dennis Miller said that if everybody stops looking for a job tomorrow, we can bring the “unemployment” rated down to 0%. Sounds like a good plan. LOL!
That's great....just great.
I just love these satire articles.
They’ve been doing that every year. Not happening.
Real unemployment is now at 22.5%.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.