SAN GABRIEL VALLEY — Slower Home Equity Growth could eventually affect spending beyond California’s housing market. Contractors, retailers and other local businesses may feel the effects if homeowners become more cautious about borrowing or making major purchases. California still has substantial homeowner equity. During the second quarter, 45.6% of mortgaged homes were equity rich, according…

July Jobs Report data showed a weaker national labor market, but several indicators offer reasons for San Gabriel Valley families to watch the months ahead. Private employers continued adding workers, unemployment edged lower and weaker hiring reduced expectations for higher interest rates. U.S. employers shed 23,000 jobs in July, according to the federal employment report.…

Household Financial Confidence is showing signs of improvement as Americans report a brighter view of their finances. Families still expect expenses to grow faster than income, but recent survey results offer several encouraging signs. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s June Survey of Consumer Expectations found that households felt better about their current financial…

EL MONTE — Cooling Inflation Offers Relief as price growth slowed nationally in July, offering a hopeful sign for San Gabriel Valley households. Families still face elevated costs, but the latest federal data shows inflation moving in a more favorable direction. Consumer prices rose 0.1% in July and 3.4% over the previous 12 months, according…

EL MONTE — Small Business Optimism Rises nationally as owners report improving expectations and renewed interest in hiring. The latest verified data offers a potentially encouraging backdrop for workers and independent businesses across the San Gabriel Valley. The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index increased 2.1 points in June to 97.4. That…

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY — San Gabriel Valley spending enters the back-to-school season as consumers remain active despite a July pullback in national retail sales. The latest federal data suggest shoppers are still spending, but local businesses may face customers who are more selective about value. U.S. retail and food service sales totaled $763.6 billion in…

U.S. economy growth continued during the second quarter of 2026 as consumer spending and business investment supported expansion despite higher interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty. The latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the economy remains on stable footing even as growth has moderated from earlier in the year. Real gross…

Small business optimism rebounds in June as easing energy costs and improved economic sentiment gave owners renewed confidence after a weaker spring. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported its Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points to 97.4, though it remained below its 52-year average of 98.0 for the fourth consecutive month. The…

Federal Reserve interest rates remained unchanged following the central bank’s July meeting, signaling borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated for homeowners, businesses and consumers. The decision means financing a home, expanding a business or carrying credit card debt will probably remain expensive in the months ahead. The Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to…