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Economy may be growing faster than GDP data shows
Reuters, May 18, 2007
Signs of unexpected vigor in the job market are among several factors that may mean the economy may be performing better than gross domestic product data suggests. Over the past several weeks, the number of Americans joining unemployment lines has steadily fallen. A four-week moving average of initial weekly filings for jobless benefits has now fallen back to where it stood more than a year ago. That strength in the labor market, which suggests an easing in the pace of lay-offs, has joined a list of other indicators, including a rally in the U.S. stock market, that have analysts puzzling over the true health of the economy. MORE

Economy may slow this summer, data show
Forbes, May 17, 2007
Higher gas prices and a sluggish housing industry are taking a toll on the economy, a gauge of future U.S. economic growth shown last week. The Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators dropped 0.5 percent, higher than the 0.1 decline analysts were expecting. The reading is designed to forecast economic activity over the next three to six months. The increase almost reversed a revised 0.6 percent climb in March, which could point to weaker growth. MORE

Minority population grows to 100 million — 1 of 3 in U.S.
San Francisco Chronicle, May 17, 2007
The nation's minority population topped 100 million last year, about one-third of the total, and California had roughly 20 million minority residents, more than half of its total, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Between the rising minority population — particularly of Latinos of any race — and the low median age of Latinos, a new kind of generation gap is arising across the country, experts said Wednesday: Most people over 60 are non-Hispanic whites, and most under 40 are not. California starkly reflects this new gap. MORE

Valley home prices rise, sales drop
San Jose Mercury News, May 17, 2007
Even as Bay Area April home sales slumped to their lowest level in 12 years, home prices in more expensive counties set records, while prices fell in counties with more affordable homes, a real estate information firm reported Wednesday. For example, the median price of resale single-family houses in Santa Clara County jumped nearly 11 percent to a record $803,000, the first time it has broken the $800,000 mark. MORE

A new energy for chip industry
San Jose Mercury News, April 22, 2007
As Silicon Valley increases its attention on solar technology, chip-related companies like Applied Materials are poised to capitalize on the growing market. Michael Splinter, chief executive of the 40-year-old maker of chip production equipment, believes that the solar business holds the key to new gorwth at his Santa Clara company. MORE

Cities try to find a green direction
San Mateo Daily Journal, April 21, 2007
As cities struggle to find their way in the increasingly confusing green future, there are a number of people and businesses leading the way. “There is a lot going on. One of the challenges we have is pulling all the threads together,” said Brian Moura, San Carlos assistant city manager. In San Mateo, the City Council recently approved a carbon emissions study and the Planning Commission is studying stricter green building policies. MORE

California must prepare now for changing workforce
San Jose Mercury News, April 3, 2007
Two powerful forces - globalization and the coming wave of baby boomer retirements - are transforming the world of work in Silicon Valley and across the nation. In response, California needs a comprehensive workforce investment strategy with the same energy and commitment as we are now devoting to the state's physical infrastructure. Global competition is affecting a greater number of jobs here at home. Globalization has moved beyond manufacturing to areas such as call centers, tax preparation, advertising and even hip surgery. MORE

In the News What's New in the World of Work

In the News

What's New in the World of Work