Unemployment decreases to 9.7% for May, 431k jobs added
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that the unemployment rate edged down to 9.7% in May with 431,000 jobs being added. Temporary Census workers accounted for 411,000 of the total jobs added. Private sector employment increased by 41,000 jobs.
Let’s breakdown the numbers:
Case-Shiller Index: Home prices drop 0.5% In March
Home prices in the Top 20 Metropolitan Areas declined 0.5% in March, according to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Index. It was the sixth consecutive monthly drop. The big winner was Cleveland with a 1.8% increase over February. Detroit suffered a catastrophic drop of 4.1% over the previous month. The biggest loser in this current market downturn continues to be Las Vegas where prices are off 56.3% from their peak. Las Vegas suffered a 0.8% decrease over February. Overall, home prices in the Top 20 Metropolitan Areas were down 30.6% from their July, 2006 peak .
Here’s a look at how the individual Top 20 Metropolitan Areas are performing: Read more
Unemployment increases to 9.9% for April, 290k jobs added
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that the unemployment rate jumped to 9.9% in April despite 290,000 jobs being added. This was the biggest increase in employment in 4 years. The fact that the unemployment rate increased despite the large increase in employment indicates that more people continue to enter the workforce.
Let’s breakdown the numbers: Read more
Case-Shiller Index: Home prices drop 0.9% In February
Home prices in the Top 20 Metropolitan Areas declined 0.9% in February, according to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Index. It was the fifth consecutive monthly drop. The big winner was San Diego with a 0.6% increase over January. Portland suffered a 2.4% drop over the previous month. The biggest loser in this current market downturn continues to be Las Vegas where prices are off 56.0% from their peak. Las Vegas suffered a 0.4% decrease over January. Overall, home prices in the Top 20 Metropolitan Areas were down 30.3% from their July, 2006 peak .
Here’s a look at how the individual Top 20 Metropolitan Areas are performing: Read more
Fees waived at all National Parks during National Parks Week
From April 17th through April 25th, entrance fees will be waived at all National Parks in honor of National Parks Week. These fees normally run as high as $25 per car! In addition, some park concessionaires are offering special promotions during National Parks Week. Click here for a list of participating concessionaires. Read more
