Commerce Department Archives - CFO

U.S. Cracks Down on Chinese Tech Firms

U.S. Cracks Down on Chinese Tech Firms

The Treasury Department added eight companies to an investment blacklist for supporting Beijing’s repression of the Uyghur minority.

By Matthew Heller | December 17, 2021

Inflation Surge Adds to Pressure on Fed

Inflation Surge Adds to Pressure on Fed

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation metric rose 4.1% in October, the biggest jump since January 1991.

By Matthew Heller | November 24, 2021

U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 2% in 3rd Quarter

U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 2% in 3rd Quarter

"The October-December quarter will be very different; spending on services is already rebounding as delta subsides.”

By Matthew Heller | October 28, 2021

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record $73.3B

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record $73.3B

Economists say the pace of the increase in imports is likely to slow in coming months as U.S. consumer demand cools down.

By Matthew Heller | October 5, 2021

Retail Sales Rebound in August With 0.7% Gain

Retail Sales Rebound in August With 0.7% Gain

Consumers delivered an unexpected increase in sales despite the delta variant and supply-chain bottlenecks that have hurt auto production.

By Matthew Heller | September 16, 2021

Facebook Unveils $100M Trade Finance Program

Corporate Finance

Facebook Unveils $100M Trade Finance Program

The social media giant will buy invoices from small businesses owned by women and minorities, sparing them the usual wait to be paid by customers.

By Matthew Heller | September 14, 2021

U.S. Factory Orders Decline 0.1% in June

U.S. Factory Orders Decline 0.1% in June

“The underlying trend of demand for durable goods remains at very elevated levels and should support sustained production into 2022."

By Matthew Heller | August 25, 2021

U.S. Housing Starts Decline 7% in July

U.S. Housing Starts Decline 7% in July

“As demand continues to overpower builders’ ability to keep up with new inventory, we will keep seeing a stressed housing market."

By Matthew Heller | August 18, 2021

U.S. Economy Surges Back to Pre-Virus Levels

U.S. Economy Surges Back to Pre-Virus Levels

GDP rose at an annual rate of 6.5% in Q2 but shortages of workers and supplies of crucial products could slow growth for the rest of the year.

By Matthew Heller | July 29, 2021

U.S. Factory Orders Climb 0.8% in June

U.S. Factory Orders Climb 0.8% in June

Despite supply chain issues, "business investment is showing no signs of slowing down or a lack of confidence in continuing strength in consumer demand."

By Matthew Heller | July 27, 2021

Retail Sales Rebound in June With 0.6% Gain

Retail Sales Rebound in June With 0.6% Gain

“Inflation is a challenge for businesses right now, but sales growth is very good and consumer demand is very good."

By Matthew Heller | July 19, 2021

Commerce Secretary Pushes Funding for Chip Factories

Commerce Secretary Pushes Funding for Chip Factories

Gina Raimondo says the $52 billion in funding for the U.S. semiconductor industry could result in seven to 10 new factories.

By Matthew Heller | May 25, 2021

U.S. Economy Shakes off Virus, Surges 6.4%

U.S. Economy Shakes off Virus, Surges 6.4%

“We’re at the opening stages of what could be a very strong six to nine months for the U.S. economy as it emerges from the pandemic."

By Matthew Heller | April 29, 2021

U.S. Factory Orders Climb 0.5% in March

U.S. Factory Orders Climb 0.5% in March

"The response of capital spending to the COVID pandemic is encouraging for the outlook for 2021."

By Matthew Heller | April 26, 2021

Business Inventories Increase 0.5% in February

Business Inventories Increase 0.5% in February

February’s gain in the GDP component, which was in line with economists’ expectations, followed a 0.4% advance in January.

By Matthew Heller | April 15, 2021