Economy

The Inland Empire’s manufacturing sector grew for the 16th consecutive month in December. The region’s purchasing managers index last month was 55.5, down slightly from November but still above the baseline 50 that determines growth or reductions, according to data released this week by the Institute of Applied Research and …

Despite the supply chain disruption, Omicron variant, and labor shortage, the Inland economy should do OK, but probably not great, in 2022. Much depends on whether the Federal Reserve decides to raise interest rates and if it does, by how much. Some clouds are on the horizon – creeping inflation, …

California’s housing market remained strong in November, despite its perennial problem of not enough houses being built, according to the California Association of Realtors. Sales of existing, single-family homes totaled 454,450 last month, up 4.7 percent from October but down 10.7 percent year-over-year, the association reported. Statewide, the median home …

E-commerce returns this year could total $66.7 billion, a 45.6 percent increase compared with the average amount compiled during the last five years, according to data released last week. That would mean more stress for retailers, many of whom are having enough problems dealing with supply chain, CBRE said in …

Vacancy and lease rates likely will be flat during the next 12 months, and don’t expect to see many office buildings under construction. The big issue, like everywhere else, will be how many people return to the office after working at home during the pandemic. As the new year approaches, …

The Inland Empire labor market has replaced 185,600 jobs since April 2020, the month when the local employment market reached its lowest ebb following the onset of COVID-19, according to a study released this week. Though still below its pre-pandemic peak by 37,600 jobs, that is a recovery rate of …