Economy

Anyone looking for a temporary job during the upcoming holiday shopping season might have a tougher time this year than in past years. Seasonal hiring commitments were “thin” at the start of the fourth quarter of 2026, with only a handful of businesses announcing their Christmas hiring plans, and announcing …

The Inland Empire recorded a 5.7 percent unemployment rate in September, down from a revised 5.9 percent in August and below the 5.9 percent forecast of one year ago, according to the state Employment Development Department. At the same time, California and the nation posted jobless rates of 5.1 percent …

U.S. retail sales were up in September, the 12th consecutive month that number has risen, according to the National Retail Federation. Not counting automobile and gasoline sales, retail sales totaled nearly $561 billion, up 0.28 percent from August and up four percent compared with September 2025, the association reported. Both …

Despite inflation, record-high fuel prices and declining consumer confidence, Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels in 2026. U.S. consumers are likely to spend $13.5 billion on candy, costumes, decorations and other artifacts, up from the record $13.1 billion spent last year, according to the National Retail Federation. But …

U.S retail sales rose 0.2 percent in August, the 11th consecutive month over month increase, according to the National Retail Federation. That number, which doesn’t include automobile and gasoline sales, were up 3.8 percent year-over-year, the federation reported. Both categories were seasonally adjusted. “Supported by low unemployment and steady wage …

U.S. consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, topping last year’s record spending by $400,000 if that prediction holds true, according to the National Retail Federation. “Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,” said …