Americans' Economic Expectations Match Strongest Since 2002
U.S. Jobless Claims Indicate a Tight Labor Market
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Americans’ outlook for the economy climbed in March for a third straight month to match the highest level since 2002, data from the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Thursday.
Resilient hiring and more take-home pay in the wake of reduced taxes are generating more optimism about the economy. The tight labor market has been keeping weekly consumer comfort elevated as Americans feel more secure in their jobs. A February surge in payrolls as the jobless rate held at 4.1 percent signals the labor market still has room to grow before it reaches full employment.