Economy

Federal Inflation Reduction Bill: Review of Impact on California

Given its size and economic diversity, California will both enjoy and suffer some major effects of the Inflation Reduction Act — approved Saturday by...

Foreign Direct Investment in State, U.S. Rebounding After Dropping During COVID

International economies continued to be beset by the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, reducing the amount of foreign direct investment in...

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Full Impact on Economy, Markets, State Uncertain

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have an impact on the world economy that is still not fully recovered from the pandemic. However, it is...

Finance Director Says Budget Windfall Gives State Opportunity to Invest in Future

California’s revenues and economic conditions have continued to improve, enabling the state to address some of its greatest threats, such as climate change, the...

Economy’s Fundamentals Remain Firm; Household/Corporate Balance Sheets Solid

Overview Economic recoveries and expansions never go as planned. This one is no exception. It has been marred by two major COVID outbreaks, supply shortages,...

Unemployment Fund Insolvency Will Lead to Payroll Tax Increases

With the legislative frenzy complete for the year, Sacramento’s policymakers are turning their eyes toward next year’s budget and their next round of legislative...

Strong Demand for Goods; Supply Lagging; Imbalance Keeps Upward Pressure on Prices

Overview The recession is officially over. It ended more than a year ago, but it takes time for the group of economists at the National...

Legislative Action Can Avert Tax Hike on State Employers

Like the rest of California society, employers are cautiously hopeful the worst of the pandemic has passed. The wreckage of human life, family health,...

State Must Act Now to Pay Down Unemployment Insurance Debt

This pandemic created unprecedented unemployment, which was not only devastating to thousands of Californians and their families, but also drained the state’s unemployment insurance...

Legislature Passes Budget, Clearing Way for Real Negotiations

The Legislature fulfilled its constitutional obligation this week by approving a state budget just ahead of the June 15 deadline. But meeting the formal...