Martin Crutsinger

Read the latest stories and analysis from Martin Crutsinger.

FILE - In this May 9, 2014 file photo, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew testifies before a House Financial Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Lew on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 said that the economy should grow at much stronger rates the rest of this year as the country overcomes the impact of a harsh winter. But Lew said millions of Americans continue to struggle as unemployment remains too high and economic growth is too slow. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Lew says economy still facing major challenges

Martin Crutsinger · June 11, 2014 6:16 pm

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2011 file photo, a statue of former Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin stands outside the Treasury Building in Washington. The Treasury Department releases federal budget data for May on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

US records $130 billion budget deficit in May

Martin Crutsinger · June 11, 2014 2:49 pm

US consumer spending surges in April

Martin Crutsinger · June 6, 2014 8:39 pm

In this photo taken May 14, 2014, Jody Dickman, of Pittsburgh, shops in a Gap store in Pittsburgh. A Federal Reserve survey shows the U.S. economy strengthening over the past two months in areas from manufacturing and construction to retail sales and bank lending. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Fed survey: Economy showing improvement across US

Martin Crutsinger · June 4, 2014 8:33 pm

In this March 27, 2014 photo, rows of Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs await distribution at the company's Vehicle Processing Center in Baltimore. The Commerce Department reports on the U.S. trade deficit for April on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

US trade deficit at two-year high in April

Martin Crutsinger · June 4, 2014 1:30 pm

US productivity falls at 3.2 percent rate in 1Q

Martin Crutsinger · June 4, 2014 12:58 pm

FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2013, file photo, Fender Stratocaster bodies are cleaned out after being cut down by Manuel Espinoza at the Fender factory in Corona, Calif. The Commerce Department reports on U.S. factory orders in April on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

US factory orders up for third month in April

Martin Crutsinger · June 3, 2014 2:44 pm

In this May 1, 2014, file photo, welders connect iron support bars.

US construction spending up 0.2 percent in April

Martin Crutsinger · June 2, 2014 1:05 pm

FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 file photo, a cashier rings up a cash sale at a Sears store, in Las Vegas. The Commerce Department reports how much consumers spent and earned in April, and The University of Michigan issues its index of consumer sentiment for May, on Friday, May 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

US consumer spending down 0.1 percent in April

Martin Crutsinger · May 30, 2014 4:14 pm

FILE - In this June 3, 2009 file photo, Baldor Electric Co. employees Dave Johnston, left, and Steve Davis, right, work inside the company's factory in St. Louis. The government issues its second of three estimates of how fast the U.S. economy grew in the January-March quarter later Thursday May 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

US economy set for rebound after Q1 contraction

Martin Crutsinger · May 29, 2014 5:56 pm

Fischer sworn in as member of Fed board

Martin Crutsinger · May 28, 2014 5:09 pm

In this photo made on Friday, March 28, 2014, earth moving and construction equipment is stored on a lot at the Highway Equipment Company in Zelienople, Pa. The Commerce Department reports on business orders for durable goods in April on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

US durable goods orders up 0.8 percent in April

Martin Crutsinger · May 27, 2014 1:19 pm