Biz Buzz: A daily update on economic and business news
Archive: A comprehensive listing of Biz Buzz columns
Monday, July 3
CONSTRUCTION SPENDING: The Commerce Department reports on construction spending in May. The April figures showed a sharp decrease in spending on private residential construction, a trend that is expected to continue as housing starts have declined.
PURCHASING MANAGERS' INDEX: The Institute for Supply Management releases its index for June, which tracks new orders, production, employment, and prices paid, all of which can herald inflation.
Tuesday, July 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY: Financial markets and institutions are closed for the holiday, so the only fireworks will come after dark.
Wednesday, July 5
FACTORY ORDERS: The Commerce Department reports on this gauge of manufacturing activity in May.
Thursday, July 6
CHAIN STORE SALES: The International Council of Shopping Centers releases figures on June sales, covering sectors ranging from drugstore chains to wholesale clubs.
EMPLOYMENT INDEX: The online job site Monster Worldwide releases the June results of its Monster Employment Index, which measures online help-wanted ads. The numbers have shown solid growth this year in every month except April.
EARNINGS TO WATCH: Acuity Brands, CanWest Global Communications, and International Speedway
Friday, July 7
JOBS REPORT: The Labor Department releases its June report on payroll jobs and the national unemployment rate, which stood at 4.6 percent in May.
