81. A number of industries, including construction and retailing, showed accelerating wage gains, indicating that tight labor markets were benefiting some workers. 82. A similar dynamic is at work in the labor market. 83. A regional Federal Reserve Board economic survey released yesterday reported labor markets tightening around the country. 84. A strong economy and tight labor market may prompt the Federal Reserve to raise bank lending rates by summer, according to investors and financial market indicators. 85. A report today showed that fewer Americans than expected applied for first-time unemployment benefits last week, a sign the labor market remains robust. 86. A separate government report also showed further signs of weakness in the labor market. 87. A separate Labor Department report showed a sharp cut in first-time claims for unemployment insurance last week, suggesting the extremely tight labor market continued into summer. 88. A tight labor market is a friend of the poor. 89. A tight labor market is the one wedge left for making wages outpace inflation. 90. A separate report Thursday from the Department of Labor hinted at a possible softening in the tight labor market. |