Economic experts take a look at what's ahead for the nation and the state of Arizona at the annual Economic Outlook Luncheon sponsored by the Economic Club of Phoenix. This year John Arnold, Director of the Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Dennis Hoffman, Director of the L.

Employment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the year through August show that every Western state lost jobs compared to the same eight-month period last year. Nationally, nonfarm employment through August was down by -3.7 percent.

Building necessary infrastructure is key to Arizona's economic competitiveness, yet realizing that fact may take a change of thinking.

A year ago, economists were talking of a possible recession, but few predicted the severity of the present financial crisis.

For decades, visitors to the office of the dean in the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University have asked about the Latin words Sine Emptore Nullum Negotium inscribed on a brass plaque on the door.

Have you heard? Economy-watchers (and incumbent office-holders) are saying the U.S. economy added nearly two million jobs in the past 15 months. Why focus on 15 months?

Compared to a year ago, jobs increased in 44 states, according to April figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of states adding jobs dipped from the 48 that posted employment gains in March.

With the absence of normal drivers of growth (consumers, construction, credit creation), economy watchers have become increasingly pessimistic. Based on employment gains so far this year, many analysts hoped to see a somewhat stronger figure than what the economy delivered for Q1 GDP growth.

The aerospace and defense industry is an established engine of growth in Arizona, contributing $8.8 billion to the state economy and providing almost 100,000 jobs.

The Economic Confidence Quiz has become a tradition at the annual mid-year Economic Outlook Luncheon hosted by the Economic Club of Phoenix. Here's your chance to test your economic acumen. How confident are you that you understand background facts on economic issues?