Economics

The Augusta Labor Market Index (LMI) for the first quarter of 2015 increased by 0.25 percent. This compares favorably to the Georgia LMI, which decreased by 0.2 percent and is just below the growth rate of the LMI for South Carolina, which was 0.3 percent. In Augusta, employment increased by 500 jobs, and average weekly earnings were up $38.20. Hours worked fell by 42 minutes. The two other components in the LMI are the unemployment rate and the labor force. Normally, my favorite site, the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED),

The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services increased by 14% in March to a record $140.5 billion. Imports of goods totaled $346.8 billion, and exports of goods totaled $183.2 billion. Import increases were seen across several categories, including pharmaceuticals, cars, and computer accessories. Industrial supplies and materials, including oil, decreased. The U.S runs a trade surplus in services, importing $72.2 billion in March while exporting $95.2 billion. Both imports and exports of travel decreased. The increase in imported goods is largely to avoid potential future tariffs. The decline in

The state’s business leaders recently met to examine Georgia’s current energy needs and anticipate future demands. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce sponsored the third annual Future of Energy and Sustainability conference in early May. It brought together leaders from Georgia Power and Oglethorpe Power, Norfolk Southern, Delta Airlines and Kia Georgia. Savannah Taylor, Research Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, said they examined how businesses are working to provide a feasible investment by looking at sustainable energy and increasing natural resources to support expanding economic development. In addition to traditional energy