Confidence among manufacturing workers rose for the second consecutive month, as the sector’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) increased 4.3 points in March to 98.8. Increased job satisfaction coupled with fewer job loss concerns drove the uptick.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Atlanta workers held strong for the second consecutive month in March, inching up 0.6 points to 119.7. The latest Index is more than five points stronger than last March’s reading of 114.6.
After spiking in February, the Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Boston workers fell 8.4 points to 97.3. Concern regarding finances largely triggered the drop in sentiment. Boston’s latest measure of worker confidence falls well below last March’s reading of 101.4.
Confidence among Chicago workers improved dramatically in March, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) jumped 8.1 points to 106.8. This marks the city’s strongest reading on record. Hiring expectations and improved sentiments regarding finances contributed to the increase in the monthly measure of worker confidence.
Worker confidence rose in Dallas, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed 3.1 points to 118.0, just 1.6 points lower than its record high in February 2006. This is the second highest recording for Dallas.
After hitting its highest level on record in February, Los Angeles worker confidence slipped in March, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 1.3 pints to 111.7. However, the latest reading is significantly higher than last March’s Index of 104.7.
After hitting a record high in February, the Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Minneapolis-St. Paul continued to increase in March, edging up another 1.1 points to 114.1. Improved perceptions of workers’ finances triggered the uptick.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for New York City jumped 9.7 points in March to 99, its highest reading on record. Improvements in all factors contributed to the strong level of confidence. The current reading is 11.8 points higher than last March’s reading of 87.2.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Philadelphia rose 5.9 points to 98.7, as the city’s measure of workers confidence recorded its fifth consecutive increase. Greater hiring expectations coupled with improved perceptions of finances triggered the rise.
After recording a minimal gain in February, the Hudson Employment Index (SM) for San Francisco jumped 11.7 points to 106.5 in March. Improved hiring expectations and a greater sense of job satisfaction prompted the increase.
Worker confidence fell for the second consecutive month in March, as Tampa's Hudson Employment Index (SM) dropped 3.5 points to 112.6. Many of the factors contributing to the measure of worker confidence declined, but they were countered by less job security concerns.
Worker confidence slipped in Washington, DC, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 2.3 points to 109.4 in March. Pessimism regarding personal finances and job satisfaction contributed to the fall, but were countered by more expected hiring.
Worker confidence in California decreased in March as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 3.3 points to 112.9. An increase in expected layoffs and greater concern over job loss drove the decline.
Florida workers felt more confident in March, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed 6.9 points to 121.1. Increased job satisfaction coupled with fewer job loss concerns contributed to the increase.
Ohio worker confidence fell in March, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) slid 3.1 points to 105.5. Worsened sentiments about personal finances and lower job satisfaction drove the decrease. Despite this month’s decline, the state’s Index is notably stronger than last March, when it came in at 101.8.
Worker confidence in Pennsylvania rebounded in March, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed 3.7 points to 102.6. More expected hiring and reduced concerns about job loss contributed to the increase.
Confidence among Texas workers improved for the third consecutive month, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose 6.8 points to 131.1 in March. Increased job satisfaction coupled with reduced concern about job loss drove the uptick.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed to 109.0 in March from 107.1 in February. Improved sentiment regarding personal finances and job satisfaction prompted the third consecutive monthly rise in worker optimism.
In spite of mixed messages from other segments of the economy, economic confidence among small business owners increased in March, driven in part by improved cash flow and rising confidence among consumer-focused merchants, according to surveys conducted for this month’s Discover® Small Business Watch (SM).
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for San Francisco was virtually unchanged in February, inching up .6 points to 94.8. The latest Index is 4.4 points stronger than last February’s 90.4. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
