Stubborn Drag From Declining Inventory Buildup Should Diminish Throughout the Year

A slow growth pattern dominated the first quarter of the year, but the economy is expected to gain momentum in the second quarter amid an increase in government spending and diminishing drag from a slowdown in inventory stockpiling, according to Fannie Mae's (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) Economic & Strategic Research Group. Factors including consumer and business capital spending, relief from fiscal policy concerns, and improvements in the housing sector also may contribute to growth.

• Hiring plans remain consistent; concerns about available pool of qualified workers on the rise
• Persistent global uncertainty capping long-term capital spending outlays

The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) dropped half a point in March, but continues to indicate positive conditions for consumers. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending[i].

"The outlook for consumer spending remains healthy," said Daniel Bachman, Deloitte's senior U.S. economist. "The Index declined primarily due to a slower increase in median home prices. While housing prices are cooling off a bit, possibly due to the weather, there is no indication that the inventory of houses for sale has suddenly picked up."

Outsell's Ninth Annual Study Reveals Shift to Direct-to-Customer Outreach and Content Marketing, Eclipsing Ads

Outsell, Inc., the leading research and advisory firm focused on media, information and technology, today released results of its ninth annual Marketing and Advertising Study, which analyzes the investments, strategies and challenges of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) across the U.S. Key findings include an overall 4.3 percent increase in spending to $432 billion, with the majority focused away from advertising to marketing, and a significant increase in direct-to-customer engagement.

Rasmussen College launches interactive hub to help Americans find the perfect career

Many Americans are unhappy at work. According to new research conducted on behalf of Rasmussen College, almost one in five Americans say they are dissatisfied with their job, partially because they have no room to grow. In fact, more than half of the 2,000 U.S. adults surveyed say they don't have significant growth opportunities in their current positions.

Canadian consumer confidence in the first quarter of 2014 was higher than it was one year ago but slightly lower than the final quarter of 2013.

The Harris/Decima - Investors Group Index of Consumer Confidence stood at 81.2 in the first quarter of 2014, ahead of where it stood one year ago when the index was 77.6 but down slightly from the 84.4 recorded in the last quarter of 2013.

Locally targeted mobile ads will represent more than half of overall U.S. mobile ad spending by 2018, largely driven by local marketing initiatives of national advertisers

U.S. mobile local advertising revenues will reach $4.5 billion in 2014, up from $2.9 billion in 2013, according to BIA/Kelsey, advisor to companies in the local media industry. In its Annual U.S. Local Media Forecast (2013-2018), the firm projects mobile local ad revenues to more than triple over the next five years, reaching $15.7 billion in 2018.

The number of IT jobs grew 0.38 percent sequentially last month to 4,623,800, according to TechServe Alliance, the national trade association of the IT & Engineering Staffing and Solutions industry.

Confidence at Two-Year High

The Conference Board and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence™, which had increased in the fourth quarter of 2013, improved further in the first quarter of 2014. The Measure now reads 63, up from 60 in the previous quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses).

Solid Job Growth is Likely to Continue

The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) increased in March. The index now stands at 117.52, up from 117.01 (an upward revision) in February. This represents a 5.1 percent gain in the ETI compared to a year ago.

Randstad's U.S. Employee Confidence Index rose to a six-month high in March, increasing 3.1 points from February to 57.1. In addition, workers reported the highest level of job security since May 2008, with 77 percent indicating it is unlikely they will lose their positions.

Q1 2014 Vistage CEO Confidence Index Results Released

CEOs in the latest Vistage survey maintain their economic optimism at the same high level as in late 2013, despite the negative impact from the harsh winter. This increase in confidence was most strongly reflected by record-setting increases in hiring. Among all firms in the 1st quarter survey, 58% planned on expanding their payrolls during the year ahead.