Worker confidence weakened in Boston, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 2.9 points to 93.3 in September. A decrease in hiring expectations drove the drop. However, Boston’s latest Index is 1.5 points higher than last September, when it registered 91.8. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
Confidence among accounting and finance workers continued to weaken, as the group’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) slid 1.2 points to 111.9 in September. The latest reading for this group, however, is 5.7 points higher than last September’s 106.2. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, also dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
Worker confidence took a large hit in September, as the legal sector’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) plummeted almost 20 points to 98.9. Worse financial sentiments and greater concern over job loss drove the decline. The group’s latest reading, however, is a point higher than this time last year, when the Index was 97.9. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
New York City workers were noticeably less optimistic in September, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) decreased 5.6 points to 91.4. Finance concerns and less expected hiring contributed to the drop. Nevertheless, the latest reading comes in significantly higher than last September’s 84.4. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers, declined for the second consecutive month in September, falling 2.1 points to 97.1.
Worker confidence held steady in DC in September, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) shifted down just .1 point to 107. The capital city’s latest reading is well below last September, when it registered 119.9. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, declined for the second consecutive month in September, as the reading fell 2.1 points to 107.6.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for healthcare workers fell 4.6 points to 99.3 in September. The latest Index is also five points lower than last September’s reading of 104.3. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
Confidence among manufacturing workers fell in September, as the sector’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) slipped 2.3 points to 82.8. The Index for this group has been steadily decreasing since June, and has fallen over 16 points in that time. The latest reading is also lower than last September’s reading of 86.1. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
IT workers felt more confident in September, as the group’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) jumped 9.5 points to 114.6. Increased job satisfaction, greater sense of job security, and improved financial sentiments drove the increase. The latest reading is also 5.3 points higher than a year ago, when it came in at 109.3. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Los Angeles fell 3.1 points to 93.3 in September. Fewer hiring expectations and more anticipated layoffs were offset by an increase in satisfaction with finances. The city’s latest Index is more than seven points lower than last September’s score of 100.6. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, dropped for the second month in a row, falling 2.1 points in September to 97.1.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) in San Francisco slipped 2.2 points to 93.5 in September, marking the fourth consecutive decline for the city’s measure of worker sentiment. Steady declines in expected hiring and workers’ sense of job security have contributed to the Index’s downfall. The city’s Index registered 100.2 at this time last year. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, declined for the second consecutive month in September, falling 2.1 points to 97.1.
Worker confidence edged up in California, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed 1.9 points to 102.2 in September. An increase in most factors triggered the up-tick, but hiring expectations fell to a record low this month. California’s latest monthly measure of worker confidence is five and a half points shy of last September’s Index. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, declined for the second consecutive month in September, falling 2.1 points to 97.1.
Sixty-six percent (66%) of all likely voters believe that "just about anyone who is willing to work hard" can make a decent living in this country; 28% disagree and say that’s not the case.
The Discover (R) U.S. Spending Monitor(sm) rose slightly in September as consumers reported having more money left over after paying debts and less concern about unexpected expenses or shortfalls in income.
On the heels of August’s large drop, the Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell another 2.1 points to 97.1 in September.
Economic confidence among small business owners fell to its lowest point in a year in September marked mainly by increasing cash flow issues, according to the Discover (R) Small Business Watch(SM).
In “The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World,” Alan Greenspan criticizes President Bush and Congressional Republicans for spending too much and running up large federal deficits.
Worker confidence stumbled in California in August, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index SM fell 8.8 points to 100.3. This is the lowest reading since September 2005. Concern around finances and hiring, as well as lower levels of job satisfaction, triggered the drop. California’s latest monthly measure of worker confidence is more than ten points lower than last August’s reading. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, also plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
Worker sentiment has resembled a rollercoaster ride for finance and accounting workers so far this year. After rebounding in July, confidence dropped seven points for this group in August, with their Hudson Employment Index (SM) registering at 113.1. Greater financial concerns drove the decline. The latest reading for this group is virtually the same as last August’s reading of 112.5. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, plunged 6.6 points in August to 99.2.
Ohio workers were more optimistic for the second consecutive month in August, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) climbed 2.8 points to 109.6. This is the highest reading for the state in nearly three years. Improved perceptions of finances and less expected job cuts triggered the improvement. The state’s latest Index is more than ten points above last August’s 98.7. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
Worker confidence in Pennsylvania declined for the second month in a row in August, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) slipped 2.2 points to 102. Concerns around finances and job cuts triggered the decline. The state’s latest Index is five points above last August’s reading of 97. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, plunged 6.6 points to 99.2.
