Ending a four-month skid, worker confidence rose in Florida in August. The state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose 1.7 points to 94.3 while almost all other geographies reported declines. Florida’s latest measure of worker confidence is dramatically lower than last August, when it registered 122.3. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Los Angeles fell 3.2 points to 96.4 in August. Greater dissatisfaction with finances and fewer hiring expectations were offset by less concern over job loss. The latest reading is below last August’s reading of 102.2. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
After two months of steady increase, the Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Minneapolis-St. Paul fell 6.9 points to 102.6 in August. The Twin Cities’ reading registered 92.1 last August, more than 10 points below the latest Index. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
Worker confidence fell for the fourth consecutive month in Tampa, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) stumbled 3.4 more points to 88.2 in August. This latest drop brings Tampa’s Index more than 30 points from where it was in January. The difference is even more dramatic looking back to August 2006, when the city’s reading was 121. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, tumbled 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
Worker confidence improved in DC in August, as the city’s Hudson Employment IndexSM climbed 4.6 points to 107.1. Optimism around finances and job security contributed to the increase, but were offset by less expected hiring. The capital’s latest reading is significantly lower than last August, when it registered 122.1. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, tumbled 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
After rebounding in July, IT worker confidence dropped again in August. This group’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 7.6 points to 105.1. Worsened financial sentiments drove the decrease, but were offset by an increase in expected hiring. The latest reading, however, is two points higher than the reading a year ago, when the Index for IT workers was 103.1. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, plunged 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Atlanta fell 7.7 points to 102.4 in August. Less expected hiring drove the decline. Atlanta’s latest reading is dramatically lower than last August’s reading of 121.1. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
Worker confidence fell for the fourth consecutive month in Philadelphia, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) edged down 1.6 points to 92.5. The city’s reading has dropped more than 16 points since April. Nevertheless, Philadelphia’s latest Index is well above last August’s 87.5. The national Index based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, tumbled 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
While African-Americans workers were more confident in August, confidence among Hispanic workers took a plunge. The monthly Hudson Employment Index (SM) for African-Americans rose 2.7 points to register 93.2, while the reading for Hispanics plummeted 10.3 points to 93.0. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all races and ethnicities, also took a 6.6 point nosedive to 99.2.
Despite much turmoil witnessed in the current economy, workers in the legal sector remained confident in August. Their Hudson Employment Index (SM) inched up .8 points to 118.6. Less concern over layoffs and increased job security was offset by a drop in job satisfaction. The group’s latest reading is also higher than last August’s Index of 114.2. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, plunged 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
Worker confidence waned in Boston, as the city’s Hudson Employment IndexSM fell 8.6 points to 96.2 in August.
After several months of declines or steady readings, Chicago worker confidence inched up in August, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose one point to 86.5
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for healthcare workers fell 6.4 points to 103.9 in August. Increased financial concern and greater layoff expectations drove the decline.
Confidence among manufacturing workers fell in August, as the sector’s Hudson Employment Index SM slipped 2.8 points to 85.1.
With the Emmy Awards less than a week away, TV fans have selected their picks for best new drama and comedy of the year.
The Emmy awards will be announced on September 16, but if TV fans have their way, two-time nominee Charlie Sheen will win the Emmy for best actor in a comedy.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll finds Rudy Giuliani and Barack Obama in an Election 2008 toss-up while the Democratic hopeful maintains a slight advantage over Fred Thompson.
John Edwards leads Mitt Romney by eleven percentage points in a hypothetical 2008 Presidential match-up.
If the Congressional Election were held today, 47% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district while 37% would opt for the Republican.
In a month of roller coaster-like changes in economic confidence, consumers gave their personal finances remarkably consistent ratings.
