Worker confidence in Pennsylvania waned for the second consecutive month in February, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) slipped 1.2 points to 98.9. The latest measure of worker sentiment is substantially lower than last February, when the state’s Index was 107.7. In contrast, the national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, climbed up 2.9 points to 107.1.
Confidence among Texas workers improved for the second consecutive month in February, as the state’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) registered 124.5, up 4.2 points from January. Improved perceptions regarding personal finances were among the primary triggers of the increase in the monthly measure of worker confidence. The latest reading is in line with last February’s Index of 123.9. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across the country, also rose in February, gaining 2.9 points to 107.1.
After a large jump in January, worker confidence among accounting and finance workers cooled in February, as the group’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) fell 7 points to 113.5. Decreased job satisfaction and increased worry about job loss fueled this drop. The latest reading for this group of workers is virtually unchanged from last February’s 113.0. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, climbed up 2.9 points to 107.1.
Worker confidence jumped among both African-American and Hispanic workers in February. The monthly Hudson Employment Index (SM) for African-Americans climbed 9.2 points to 94.0, and rose 11.8 points to 110.5 for Hispanics. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all races and ethnicities, also increased in February, gaining 2.9 points to 107.1.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for healthcare workers increased 2.4 points in February to 110.8. Increased hiring expectations and a greater sense of job satisfaction influenced the rise. The latest Index, however, is 2.6 points lower than last February’s reading of 113.4. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, climbed up 2.9 points to 107.1.
Confidence among IT professionals increased in January, as the group’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose 7.7 points to 112.3. Improved sentiments regarding finances, increased hiring expectations and less concern about job loss contributed to the rise. The latest reading is up almost eight points from last February’s 104.6. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, climbed up 2.9 points to 107.1.
Confidence among workers in the legal sector rebounded in February after two months of consecutive decline. The sector’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) skyrocketed 20.4 points to 119.9 in February, its highest reading since last February. The rise was primarily a result of workers feeling better about their finances and being more satisfied with their job. Despite the dramatic rise, the latest reading is more than two points lower than last February’s reading of 122.2.
After falling significantly in January, confidence among manufacturing workers rose in February, as the sector’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) increased 4.4 points to 94.5. Higher expectations around hiring coupled with improved sentiments about personal finances drove the uptick. The latest reading is 2.5 points higher than last February’s reading of 92.0. The national Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers across all sectors, climbed up 2.9 points to 107.1 in February.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Atlanta workers jumped 8.8 points to 119.1 in February.
Worker confidence rose in Boston in February, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) jumped 7.7 points to 105.7. This is the highest the Index has been for Boston in a year and a half. More workers feeling better about their finances, coupled with fewer workers worrying about losing their job drove the increase.
Confidence among Chicago workers rose in February after a two-month decline. The city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) is 6.3 points higher than January at 98.7. An increase in hiring expectations and improved sentiment regarding personal finances triggered the uptick. The city’s reading is virtually the same as last February’s when it registered 98.5. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
After two consecutive months of decline, worker confidence increased in Dallas, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose 8.8 points to 114.9 in February. An increase in employees who said their finances were better coupled with greater job satisfaction contributed to the rise. The latest reading is 4.7 points less than last February’s Index of 119.6. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
Worker confidence reached its highest reading for Los Angeles in February, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) jumped 10.7 points to 113.0. Increased job satisfaction, greater hiring expectations and improved sentiments about finances drove the rise. The latest reading is higher than one year ago when LA’s Index was 106.2. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for Minneapolis-St. Paul rose 3.8 points to 113.0, hitting a record high for the area. This month’s increase was primarily fueled by workers feeling better about their finances and reporting greater hiring expectations. The latest reading is dramatically higher than one year ago, when the Index was 104.0. The composite Index, based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) for New York City dropped one point to 89.3 in February. Heightened concern about job loss drove the decrease in employee sentiment. New York City’s latest reading, however, is well above last February’s Index of 85.7. In sharp contrast, the composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
Worker confidence in Philadelphia improved for the fourth consecutive month in February, as the city’s Hudson Employment Index (SM) rose 1.2 points to 92.8. Improved perceptions of finances prompted the uptick, but they were offset by a decrease in job satisfaction. Despite the gain, the city’s measure of worker sentiment is down over 11 points from last February, when it registered 104.1. The composite Index, which is based on responses from approximately 9,000 workers nationwide, rose 2.9 points this month to 107.1.
Despite a long-term slump in the auto industry-hitting jobs hardest in Michigan-most Americans view the country's big auto makers at least somewhat favorably. An overwhelming majority (84%) say the U.S. auto industry is at least somewhat important to the financial stability of the national economy overall, with 49% saying it is "very important."
The American Idol phenomenon continues. The talent show’s ratings sweep to the top of Nielsen’s list each week, beating out other TV favorites like Ugly Betty , Survivor and My Name Is Earl .
The Hudson Employment Index (SM) improved for the second consecutive month in February, climbing 2.9 points to 107.1. An increase in the number of workers forecasting hiring primarily triggered the rise, supported by the third month-over-month improvement in workers' perceptions of their finances.
New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D) down three points. Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D) unchanged. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards (D) up two points.
