Economic News: Manufacturing Index Falls Precipitously, Unemployment Claims Rising

Economic reports Thursday indicated the economy is contracting rapidly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with factory conditions deteriorating and unemployment rising as U.S. life grinds to a virtual halt.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported factory conditions in the region plunged a record 49 points in March and initial unemployment claims nationwide rose 70,000 for the week ended March 14, ahead of recommendations that people stop gathering in large groups and stay home as much as possible. The number of initial unemployment claims was expected to soar next week as more businesses shut down.

The reports came as President Trump signed legislation providing $104 billion in paid sick leave, expanded unemployment benefits, food aid and free testing for COVID-19, and the Senate worked on a more than $1 trillion package that includes funds for direct payments to taxpayers and bailouts for industries hammered by the pandemic.

The Philadelphia Fed said the general activity index fell to a negative 12.7 from a positive 36.7 in February, indicating a contraction is underway.

“The survey’s current indicators for general activity, new orders, and shipments fell precipitously this month, coinciding with developments related to the coronavirus,” the Philadelphia Fed said.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported earlier this week its business conditions index fell more than 34 points to a negative 21.5, the lowest level since 2009.

Economist Paul Krugman tweeted manufacturing indexes are “falling off a cliff.”

Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton, compared this week’s initial unemployment claims to what happens after a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake. She said, however, Americans can expect multiples of that in coming weeks, doubling the unemployment by late spring and sending it even higher by midsummer.

The unemployment rate for February stood at 3.6%. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Senate Republicans this week it could go as high as 20% if the government doesn’t take action to mitigate the virus’ impact. Trump later said that’s a worst case scenario.