On February 3^rd, millions of Americans celebrated one of the most positive jobs reports that have been released since President Barack Obama was inaugurated more than three years ago.

According to the BLS’s “The Employment Situation – January 2012” report, roughly 243,000 jobs were added to the national economy in January. The BLS also found that the United States’ unemployment rate had fallen to 8.5 percent – the fifth consecutive month in which the rate has declined. The United States has not recorded such an optimistic streak since 1994.

Meanwhile, as the United States’ neighbors, Canada and Mexico, currently recover from weakened economies as well, some global  economists are concerned that each of the nations’ recoveries are progressing at a slower pace than had originally been predicted. Unemployment is still quite high. Inflation is still impacting the livelihoods of millions of families. And, citizens’ confidence levels are still very low.

But, did either of the two countries report encouraging news in January? Are there any signs that economic recovery will continue in 2012?

To answer such questions, Canada and Mexico released the following employment, inflation, and interest rate figures to the public in early February.

Canada:
According to recently released figures, Canada’s labor force was comprised of approximately 18.8 million citizens in January. Of these individuals, about 17.4 million were employed on either a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, nearly 14 million Canadians were working full-time and receiving annual salaries or were being paid according to the total amount of hours in which they worked. In the meantime, although 2,300 positions were added to the national economy in January, the country’s unemployment rate rose to 7.6 percent last month. Prior to January, Canada’s jobless rate had ranged from 7.2 to 7.5 percent throughout the second half of 2011.

Furthermore, the Bank of Canada’s benchmark interest rate remained at one percent for the 17th consecutive month. A majority of economists, both within and outside of Canada, had anticipated that the rate would not change. And, unfortunately, the bank’s deposit and bank rates did not increase or decrease either, as they remained at 0.75 and 1.25 percent, respectively. There are currently no signs that any of these rates will be raised or lowered anytime soon, at least within the next three to six months.

Mexico:
Ever since the end of the Great Recession in 2009, Mexican residents have been especially concerned with one aspect of the nation’s economy – high inflation rates. And, unfortunately, their concerns only intensified last month, as the country’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by four percent from January 2011 to January 2012, a .02 percent upturn from December’s year-to-year CPI of 3.8 percent. Mexico’s CPI has now expanded for five successive months – and has not been lower than 3.1 percent since July 2011.

Additionally, one characteristic of Mexico’s economy stayed the same again last month – the Central Bank Rate. The Bank of Mexico has not expanded or contracted this rate at all since August 2009, an astonishing 29 straight months. And, of particular interest, the rate has lingered at 4.5 percent throughout the last two-and-a-half years. Currently, the bank’s neutral nominal rate is about 6.5 percent.

US:
For more information, please visit www.workplaceeconomy.com.

Above average unemployment and inflation levels were still reported throughout North America in January is a post from: Workplace Economy

As citizen protests continue, the value of the euro declines, and the threat of a double-dip recession looms, millions of European residents are currently in a state of panic.

Many fear they may have no choice but to leave the region altogether and begin an entirely new career thousands of miles away from their homes. Others are concerned about the financial futures of their children and grandchildren, unsure of how they will be able to live long, fruitful lives if violence, political unrest, and economic insecurity continues.

But, how have such concerns impacted the financial stability of the region? Did the risk of future economic disaster decline or did it intensify even further?

Each of the following figures, concerning business and consumer confidence, employment, and inflation, provide a clearer picture of Europe’s current economic state.

Germany:
Throughout the second half of 2011, Germany’s unemployment rate hovered around seven percent, as it eventually decreased to 6.8 percent last December. The nation’s jobless rate continued to drop in January, as it was ultimately measured at 6.7 percent. In all, 2.8 million residents were without work last month, about 340,000 less than in December. Prior to January’s findings, a majority of economists had believed the rate would increase to figures that had not been recorded since the beginning of last year’s fourth quarter. Many economists still think the rate will begin to increase throughout the next few months.

France:
Unsurprisingly, France’s business confidence was still low last month – even lower than it had been in December. According to recently released figures, the country’s composite indicator for business confidence in manufacturing fell to 91 in January, three points lower than it had been in December. The indicator, which, on average, is typically measured at 100, has not been this low since February 2010, a month in which global economic recovery had just begun.

Italy:
Unlike many other countries throughout Europe and around the world, Italy’s consumers remained just as confident about the nation’s economy in January as they had been in December. Nevertheless, at 91.6, the country’s total consumer confidence measurement is well below July’s rate of 100 – and, in general, has been declining ever since last summer. Of note, Italy’s consumer confidence has not been this low in years. In fact, it is near the lowest level that has been reported since 2008, a year in which the global recession was impairing consumer confidence levels in dozens of nations around the world. Meanwhile, Italy’s personal and current consumer confidence measurements increased on a monthly basis in January, from 97.3 to 97.9 and from 98.4 to 102.3, respectively.

Russia:
For many Russians, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate the beginning of 2012. Some had a renewed sense of hope for the future, eager to establish – and achieve – new career goals. For others, January was a month in which they received a raise, were promoted to a new position, or were employed for the first time in months. Yet, an even greater number of individuals were optimistic for an entirely different reason – the annual inflation rate had declined from 6.1 percent in December to 4.2 percent in January. As a result, the nation’s central bank’s interest rates remained unchanged as of early February. In total, the bank’s refinancing rate was eight percent, while its overnight auction-based purchase price was 5.25 percent.

United Kingdom:
Despite Europe’s ongoing financial crisis, citizen riots, and deflating euro, consumer confidence actually increased in the United Kingdom, from -33 in December to -29 in January. To say the least, the nation’s consumer confidence findings completely surprised worldwide economists, including employees at Moody’s Analytics, who had projected that confidence levels would diminish to -35 last month. Regrettably, a majority of economists do not believe such positive news will be reported for long, especially as the threat of an imminent double-dip recession looms throughout many European nations.

As the euro continues to devalue, millions of Europeans remain concerned about their financial futures is a post from: Workplace Economy

On March 11, 2011, one of the most devastating natural disasters of the last century occurred in the Tohoku region of Japan – a 9.1-magnitude earthquake that cost the nation $235 million and ended hundreds of lives. Currently known as the most expensive natural disaster of all time, the earthquake eventually led to a tsunami with waves as high as 130 feet, which injured or killed even more civilians.

Now, nearly one year later, Asia Pacific is still recovering financially – and emotionally – from the disaster. As the region continues to recover, which major events unfolded throughout Asia Pacific in January? And, are there any signs that full-fledged recovery will transpire this year?

The following statistics were documented last month in regards to the region’s inflation, business and consumer confidence, and trade deficit.

China:
Much like many other Asia Pacific nations, China’s year-to-year Consumer Price Index (CPI) has steadily declined throughout the last few months. Back in August 2011, the nation’s CPI was 6.2 percent; by December it had dropped to 4.1 percent. Prior to the beginning of 2012, many economists had believed the downward trend would continue in January, projecting the CPI would decrease from 4.1 to roughly 3.9 percent. However, as a complete shock to global economists, the trend suddenly was reversed, as the CPI rose all the way up to 4.5 percent, leading to global uncertainty in regards to the country’s economic future.

Japan:
For the third consecutive month, Japan’s consumer confidence index increased. In December the index had been measured at 38.1, slightly lower than January’s final index of 39.6. Still, each of these indexes pale in comparison to the measurements that had been acquired before the global recession occurred in 2008. At that time, the index had generally hovered around 45 until the bottom fell out in January 2008. During that month, the index diminished all the way down to 26.2, an all-time record low. As the economy continues to recover from last year’s natural disasters, economists believe the index will slowly improve throughout the coming months.

South Korea:
No one, not even the world’s most experienced economists, could have anticipated South Korea’s long-term trade surplus to unexpectedly decline to a deficit of nearly $2 billion in January – perhaps one of the most shocking global economic findings that have been documented in months. And why would they? Prior to January, the nation’s trade surplus had increased by $3.9 billion, $3 billion, and $3.4 billion in October, November, and December, respectively. As a result, many economists, including professionals from Moody’s Analytics, had projected the country’s foreign trade balance would rise by roughly $3 billion. Now economists are currently left shrugging their shoulders, unsure of what may – or may not – transpire in February and beyond.

Taiwan:
Throughout the last two months, Taiwan’s year-to-year CPI has risen considerably. From January 2011 to January 2012, the measurement increased by 2.37 percent. In addition, the country’s CPI rose by two percent from December 2011 to December 2012 – clear signs that inflation is beginning to uptick once again to levels that have not been recorded in over a year. In the meantime, export, import, and wholesale prices all escalated throughout January on a year-to-year basis as well, by 4.35, 7.6, and 4.28 percent, respectively.

Thailand:
For the first time since last November, the Bank of Thailand reduced its interest rates by .25 percent in January. Back in November, rates had been cut down to 3.25 percent, .25 percent lower than they had been in August, September, and October. Last month, rates were contracted to three percent during the bank’s monthly policy meeting. As the country continues to recover from last year’s flooding, which severely disrupted global supply chains, many economists fear the nation’s interest rates will be constricted yet again in the near future.

Asia Pacific’s economic forecast remains quite cloudy is a post from: Workplace Economy

• 243,000 jobs added to the national economy in January.
• National unemployment rate drops for the fifth straight month.
• Dow increases to its highest level since May 2008.

These were just a few of the headlines that gripped the front pages of newspapers throughout the nation on February 3rd after the BLS released January’s “The Employment Situation” report – arguably the most positive jobs findings that have been recorded since Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009.

Last month, the national unemployment rate was 8.3 percent, slightly lower than December’s rate of 8.5 percent and nearly one percent less than it was last summer. In addition, the rate has now declined for five consecutive months, an employment feat which has not been accomplished since 1994.

Of equal importance, the national economy has added jobs for 23 straight months, as the number of unemployed individuals declined by 300,000 in January, in comparison to December’s findings.

Simply, the report absolutely shocked thousands of economists, many of whom had predicted that the unemployment rate would begin to increase once again, up to 8.6 percent, while only 150,000 to 155,000 jobs would be added – approximately 100,000 less than was actually reported by the BLS.

“It’s very unusual to get an unambiguous job report; usually you have a lot of cross currents in the data,” said Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics’ chief economist. “This [month’s report was] unambiguous. Everything [was] good.”

Perhaps the most positive aspect of January’s jobs report was the fact that job growth was very extensive, as nearly every private sector industry hired thousands of workers.

Manufacturing job growth – a strong sign that the economy is regaining momentum – was especially noticeable, as 50,000 jobs were generated. Since December 2010, 14 percent of all new jobs have been created within the manufacturing industry.

In addition, the BLS announced that 157,000 jobs had been generated last November, 57,000 more than had been originally reported. December’s jobs report was also revised, as 3,000 more jobs were added to the economy during the month. Overall, 1.82 million jobs were created throughout 2011.

Finally, as a further sign of economic recovery, stocks increased considerably on February 3rd. Nasdaq reached its highest level in more than a decade, while the Dow reached its highest level since May 2008.

Another positive month of BLS data is a post from: Workplace Economy

Much like the BLS’s “The Employment Situation – January 2011” report offered proof that the economy was indeed beginning to show signs of growth, the company’s most recent “Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment” report was quite reassuring to organizations, employees, and unemployed Americans as well.

Released on February 1st and depicting employment figures from last December, the report found that unemployment had decreased in 329 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas from December 2010 to December 2011.

The report also revealed that unemployment had remained unchanged on a year-to-year basis in seven areas, while jobless rates had also unfortunately increased in some areas – 36 to be exact. In addition, 66 areas had unemployment rates of 10 percent or higher, while 125 areas had much lower unemployment rates, at seven percent or below.

Additionally, El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., once again led all metropolitan areas in terms of high unemployment, with jobless rates of 26.8 and 23.1 percent, respectively. At the same time, Bismarck, N.D., and Lincoln, Neb., recorded the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, at 3.2 and 3.6 percent, respectively.

Furthermore, the BLS released the following regional employment and inflation statistics from the month of December –

• Mid–Atlantic: At 10.4 percent, the District of Columbia’s unemployment rate remained above the national average in December, although it had steadily decreased throughout the last five months of 2011. Back in August, it had been as high as 11.1 percent. (Link)
• Midwest: In Dayton, Ohio, employment rose in various industries, including professional and business services and trade and transportation, just in time for the holiday season. From December 2010 to December 2011, employment increased by 4.8 and 2.9 percent, respectively. (Link)
• Mountain-Plains: Unemployment was quite low in Salt Lake City, Utah last December. The jobless rate was only 5.4 percent, a significant decrease compared to July’s rate, which was 7.5 percent.  (Link)
• New England: Although employment hardly increased in most industries within the greater Burlington, Vt., area, employment rose in manufacturing by 2.1 percent and in mining, logging, and construction by 12.8 percent, from December 2010 to December 2011. (Link)
• New York–New Jersey: The greater New York City area’s Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased from December 2010 to December 2011, by 2.7 and three percent, respectively. (Link)
• Southeast: In December, Sumter, S.C.’s unemployment rate was approximately two percentage points higher than the national rate. However, at 10.3 percent, the rate was much lower in December than it had been in July, when it was 12.2 percent.  (Link)
• Southwest: Well known for having one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, at least in terms of large cities, Las Vegas’s jobless rate gradually decreased throughout the last five months of 2011, from 14.3 percent in August to 12.7 percent in December. (Link)
• West: The greater Los Angeles area’s CPI-U and CPI-W each increased from December 2010 to December 2011 by 2.2 percent. (Link)

Metropolitan unemployment figures were encouraging in December is a post from: Workplace Economy

For the first time in months, job growth was quite extensive throughout the private sector in January, according to the BLS’s latest “The Employment Situation” report.

Hiring statistics blossomed in a majority of industries, including the following –

• Construction: Employment within the industry increased by 21,000 jobs. Of all construction positions, nonresidential specialty trade contracting opportunities were the most plentiful.
• Healthcare: The industry added nearly 31,000 positions to the economy in January, with ambulatory care services and hospitals leading the way as the industry’s top two employers.
• Leisure and hospitality: 44,000 professionals were hired within the industry in January. A majority were employed in either drinking places or food services places.
• Manufacturing: Once again, manufacturing hiring continued to rise, as 50,000 professionals were freshly employed last month. Fabricated metal products and machinery organizations each hired roughly 11,000 employees in January.
• Professional and business services: More than 70,000 workers accepted new employment opportunities within the industry in January. Temporary employment and accounting and bookkeeping were two standouts in terms of employment last month, as each industry hired 20,100 and 12,500 new employees, respectively.

Private sector job growth was wide-ranging in January is a post from: Workplace Economy

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, January’s BLS jobs report was among the most optimistic that has been released since the end of the ‘Great Recession’ more than three years ago. Approximately 141 million Americans were employed last month, as the national unemployment rate continued to trend downwards.

But, despite all of the positive news that has recently been mentioned by various media outlets, which negative aspects of the report will affect the future of the national economy – and how will they influence economists’ projections for the remainder of 2012?

Although the national unemployment rate is currently lower than it has been in years, the rate does not include the 8.2 million individuals who must now work part-time hours as they have been unable to acquire a full-time position despite applying regularly.

The rate also doesn’t include the 2.8 million Americans who have not searched for employment throughout the last four weeks, even though they are physically able to work on a full-time basis. In addition, roughly 1.1 million Americans are “discouraged workers” who have completely given up on the prospect of finding a new job, at least for the time being.

If all of these individuals are added to the present total number of jobless Americans, the unemployment rate is actually 15.1 percent—a much different number than the 8.3 percent announced in the report.

Earlier this year, the Congressional Budget Office predicted the unemployment rate would increase to 8.9 percent by the end of the year. The Federal Reserve’s and Moody’s Analytics’ projections were slightly more positive, as they believed the rate would range from 8.2 to 8.5 percent by December 2012.

Still, despite economists’ concerns, Alan Krueger, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, remains optimistic about the nation’s economic future.

“The economy is continuing to heal from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, said Krueger. “It is critical that we continue the economic policies that are helping us to dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the recession.”

So, what exactly does the future hold? Will the unemployment rate continue to decline – or will it once again uptick to levels that have not been measured since last summer? And, how will the rate influence this November’s election results?

Stay tuned.

In the world

Will the national unemployment rate continue to steadily decline? is a post from: Workplace Economy

After months of disappointment in regards to high national unemployment figures, the United States and Canada finally recorded some significant job creation in December. According to the BLS’ monthly jobs report, 120,000 new jobs were added to the national economy throughout the month, as the unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent for the first time since February 2009. And, although Canada did not document nearly as much job creation as the United States, the nation still noticed considerable employment increases in December, during a year in which monthly employment actually decreased multiple times.

Meanwhile, one statistic especially stood out from Mexico’s economic figures in December – inflation. For yet another month, the nation’s inflation was higher than usual, which continued to influence citizens’ monthly savings and capabilities to spend their salaries on entertainment, rather than just food, clothing, and shelter. Even as North America’s economy continues to recover, there are still no signs that inflation will improve during the coming months.

Canada:
Canada’s latest Labor Force Survey, regarding the nation’s employment in December, featured some of the most positive – and surprising – employment figures that had been recorded in months. First, employment rose by 17,500 throughout the month. Although monthly employment increases have been much higher in the past, many economists quickly pointed out that employment had declined by 19,000 just a month before that. Considering that, as well as the fact that employment decreased off and on throughout 2011, the year ended on quite a high note, at least in regards to employment.

However, in spite of such positive news, the unemployment rate actually rose to 7.5 percent, the highest it had been in months, likely due to population increases during the month. Nonetheless, Canada had not recorded a net increase in jobs since September, leaving many to believe the expansion in employment will continue throughout 2012.

Mexico:
While millions of Mexican citizens had much to celebrate at the end of 2011, including the upcoming new year, as well as time with friends and family, they certainly were not overjoyed by the fact that inflation increased yet again in December, as the year-to-year Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose all the way up to 3.8 percent, much higher than it had been throughout the second half of the year. In fact, Mexico’s CPI had not been any greater than 3.5 percent since June.

Each of the inflation figures, including total underlying inflation, underlying inflation for goods, and underlying inflation for services, were quite high in December, at 3.7, 4.5, and 3.0 percent, respectively. The underlying inflation for goods had lingered around 4.4 percent since June, but it increased by 0.2 percent in December. However, the total underlying inflation figure remained unchanged, while the underlying inflation for services percentage was lower in December than in November, although it was only 0.1 percent less. Of note, the nation’s central bank’s monetary policy did not change at all in 2011, as it retained its level for the 28^th successive month. And, due to the current global economic climate, many economists do not believe the rate will change in early 2012 either.

US:
For more information, please visit www.workplaceeconomy.com.

For the first time in months, North America reported significant job growth in December is a post from: Workplace Economy

From 2007 to 2009, many worldwide economists and media sources were especially focused on the economic downfall of the United States, fearing that, if recovery did not occur soon, several other countries would face an economic recession similar to, or even worse than, the United States’. Of course, many countries’ economies, especially within Europe, ultimately encountered near economic collapse.

Today, while the United States’ arduous economic recovery remains a daily topic, many world citizens are also concerned about the ever-faltering euro, as well as the deterioration of Europe’s economy, which may very well fail in 2012.

Consequently, business confidence remains very low. Consumers seem to have absolutely no confidence in their countries’ present financial situations and are even more concerned about their economic futures.

Currently, many questions linger within the minds of Europeans, as well as allies throughout the world. Will economic collapse actually occur in 2012? How can it be avoided? And, what can Europe’s friends and neighbors do in order to help the region prevent financial downfall? Now, arguably more than ever before, is the time for Europe’s allies to reach out and do whatever they can to save the region’s economy, before it’s too late.

Euro Zone:
As 2011 came to a close, many consumers and workers still had a lack of confidence. Some were likely uncertain about the future of the United States’ economy and the impact that it would have on their imminent livelihoods. Others worried that yet another natural disaster would strike Asia Pacific again, leading to less importation in 2012. And, of course, many others were concerned about Europe’s economic future, uncertain whether or not a recession would begin in December or soon after. Whatever the case, the Euro Zone’s economic sentiment index dropped to 93.3 in December, from 93.8 in November. It had not been that low since November 2009. The index actually declined throughout a majority of 2011; December was the 10^th consecutive month that the index had fallen.

Italy:
In regards to business and consumer confidence, December was a very disappointing month for Italian workers and employers, at least in terms of the economy. After the country’s business confidence had remained unchanged for three straight months at 94, the measurement dropped to 93 in December, the lowest it had been throughout the second half of the year. In fact, the rate had been as high as 100 in June. In the meantime, consumer confidence declined quite noticeably in December, even more so than the business confidence measure. From November to December, the rate decreased from 96.1 to 91.6, one of the lowest rates that had been documented in quite some time.

Russia:
Although inflation has been very high throughout the world in recent years, Russia actually recorded its lowest year-end inflation rate in 20 years back in December, a feat that helped ease some consumers’ worries, at least for the time being. From December 2010 to December 2011, the rate rose by 6.1 percent, about 0.7 percent less than it had risen from November 2010 to November 2011. Still, many economists do not believe the inflation rate will remain low for long. In fact, some have predicted that the rate will even begin to increase throughout the next couple months.

Spain:
Throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2011, Spain’s monthly business confidence measurements seemed to follow the pattern of a yo-yo – up and down, over and over again. In December, the measurement’s downward effect was recorded, as the business climate indicator decreased from -17 in November to -20 at the end of the year. The decline was likely due to the nation’s debt, as well as the rest of the world’s economic instability, which had showed signs of improvement earlier in the year, but had begun to dwindle again towards the end of 2011. All four of the country’s other business confidence measurements also dropped in December, including consumption and investment.

United Kingdom:
Throughout 2011, news networks around the world featured reports about Europe’s disparate economic crisis. Of course, much like most other nations throughout the globe, the United Kingdom has encountered its own economic ordeals in recent years and inflation has been impacted as a result. In December, the UK’s Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 4.8 percent in comparison to December 2010. Although producer output prices are still high, input prices declined in December, by 0.7 percent, compared to November. Economists expect such price decreases in 2012 too, allowing the nation’s monetary policy to remain expansionary for the coming years.

As Europe strives to stay afloat financially, business and consumer confidence remains low is a post from: Workplace Economy

For thousands of Asia Pacific residents, New Year’s Eve was a night to remember. To celebrate the beginning of a new year, many citizens gathered with family members and friends to watch the television coverage of 2012 festivities, while others chose to light fireworks or simply relax and reflect on the past year.

There is little wonder why many citizens chose to celebrate the beginning of 2012. After all, 2011 had been one of the most challenging years they had witnessed in their lives. From the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan in March to the devastating flooding that occurred in Thailand, the region’s multiple natural disasters were simply unparalleled in comparison to any that had ever occurred in a single year.

The natural disasters also created a financial earthquake, sending tremors throughout a faltering economy. Consequently, hundreds of Asia Pacific-based businesses lost millions of dollars, declared bankruptcy, or laid off thousands of their employees. However, the nation slowly but surely rose from the rubble and destruction and rebuilt their lives and their businesses. And, as a result, the region’s economic progress was documented throughout the remainder of 2011. Hopefully, such progress will continue in 2012, and at a much faster pace, so that Asia Pacific can fully recover from the financial storms of 2011 and once again thrive within a stable, fruitful economy.

China:
For the third consecutive month, China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) year-to-year percentage change had decreased in December. However, inflation still remained quite high within the nation, especially in comparison to 2010’s figures. In December alone, the country’s CPI was 4.1 percent higher than it had been at the end of 2010. And, unfortunately for the nation’s consumers, many other prices had risen even more from December 2010 to December 2011, including food prices, which had amplified by 9.1 percent.

Japan:
The results are officially in. The Bank of Japan’s Target Overnight Call Rate percentage did not rise or drop in 2011; it simply remained the same – at 0.05 percent. In fact, the rate has not changed since late 2010, when it had declined from 0.10 percent to its current level. The bank has taken very few chances lately in regards to its target interest rate for a variety of reasons, including Europe’s threat of economic collapse, as well as the present, uncertain conditions of many other countries’ economies, which have not yet fully recovered from previous recessions.

South Korea:
Despite many economists’ predictions that the nation’s unemployment rate would rise to 3.2 percent in December, the rate instead remained unchanged at 3.1 percent, for the third straight month. Overall, 24,431,000 individuals were employed throughout the month as the country’s participation rate was 61.1 percent. In addition, 772,000 South Koreans were unemployed, roughly 12 percent less than in the previous month. Of equal importance, 72,000 more workers were employed in December than in November, the fourth time that total employment had increased on a month-to-month basis since May 2011.

Taiwan:
Unfortunately, the ebbs and flows of the global economy impacted a majority of Asia Pacific nations throughout 2011, including Taiwan, particularly in regards to trading capabilities and profits. Therefore, few economists were surprised that Taiwan’s monthly trade balance decreased quite considerably from November to December, likely as a result of global economic uncertainty. Back in November, the balance measured at $3.2 billion, roughly $1 billion more than December’s balance of $2.3 billion. According to a year-to-year comparison, both import and export growth decelerated in December – by 2.7 and 0.6 percent, respectively.

Vietnam:
Once again, Vietnam’s monthly trade deficit expanded even further in December than it had in the previous month. Back in November, the deficit was $567 million, remarkably high, especially when one realizes that the deficit had declined to $160 million as recently as June 2011. Yet, the deficit continued to increase in December, by approximately $130 million, all the way up to $700 million. Meanwhile, as many countries were celebrating the holiday season and spending more money on gifts, the nation’s exports increased by 19 percent from December 2010 to December 2011. Such increases, albeit higher, were noticed throughout the year too, as exports escalated by 33 percent in 2011.

Asia Pacific prepares for a more stable economic future, while continuing to recover from 2011’s storms is a post from: Workplace Economy