Minn. economic reports a mixed bag

Enbridge interviews
Jason Krajewski, left, talks to Laura Kircher, and Patrick Zambori, center, talks to Cheryl Christensen, right, about employment at a job fair hosted by Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-Minn., and Sean Duffy, R-Wis., in Superior, Wis., on May 30. Minnesota's most recent jobs report for the month of April presented mixed signals.
MPR Photo/Derek Montgomery

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.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.