Minn. economic reports a mixed bag
by Annie Baxter, Minnesota Public RadioST. PAUL, Minn. — Regional reports on the job and housing markets for the month of May are due out this week.
Minnesota's most recent jobs report for the month of April presented what have now become routinely mixed signals: The unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 5.6 percent, even though employers dumped jobs.
Economists say such mixed signals are typical in a sluggish recovery.
The state's jobs report for May might not look much better, especially if it reflects national trends, which is often the case.
Hiring across the U.S was tepid last month, even as other measures of labor demand remained reasonably strong.
The employment numbers are due out Thursday.
Twin Cities housing numbers come out on Tuesday and could point in a more positive direction. Housing inventory levels have been dropping and sales rising, both signs of an improving market.
Annie Baxter
• ReporterAnnie Baxter started her radio trajectory answering the phones at a pledge drive at KQED, San Francisco's NPR member station, and managed to wriggle her way into an internship soon thereafter.
