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Economy


KC CRE Investment Has Dropped Slightly

During the first quarter, investment activity in commercial real estate decreased by 2.6 percent, though that slide is expected to decrease. Capitalization rates have dropped 47 basis points year over year, and multifamily and office transactions accounted for more than… more

COVID-19 Testing Improves in Missouri

COVID-19 testing is increasing in Missouri, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. About 60,000 tests could be performed in Missouri each week if needed, now, he said in his daily news brief. “One of our primary focuses during this pandemic… more

Another 3 Million File for Unemployment

The unemployment picture doesn't seem like it will change in a significant way any time soon. For the week ended May 9, just under three million filed for unemployment insurance, reported the U.S. Department of Labor, following the prior week's… more

KCMO Budget Holding Up…For Now

Kansas City's budget situation is currently holding up despite challenges from COVID-19, but council members are preparing for a scenario that could get worse. So far, there have been no layoffs or furloughs of city employees and a $1.7-billion budget… more

Q&A With … Quinton Lucas, Kansas City Mayor

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas talks about weighing business and health concerns in the age of COVID-19 as restrictions are eased for restaurants and other businesses.  Q. Is it tough to balance the health concerns you have for the public… more

Fed Chair Powell Sees A Gradual Recovery

Economic recovery will be gradual and prolonged, but federal aid programs are worth it to help stimulate the economy, said Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in statements to Peterson Institute for International Economics. “Additional fiscal support could be costly but… more

Producer Price Index Sees Biggest-Ever Drop

The Producer Price Index fell 1.3 percent in April, the biggest decline in the history of the report, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "In April, over 80 percent of the decrease in the final demand index can be… more

Fauci Warns Against Reopening Too Soon

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House COVID-19 task force, warned that cities and states reopening too soon could have a major negative impact if those locales don't have the proper resources to deal with an uptick in… more

House Proposes Another $3T in Stimulus

House Democrats have proposed another stimulus bill, totaling $3 trillion, in response to economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It would follow the $2 trillion stimulus bill passed in March, though the measure is not expected to make it… more

Malls Reopening This Week

Oak Park Mall, Independence Center, and other area malls are reopening this week, as stay-at-home orders are relaxed in several area municipalities. Oak Park, in Overland Park, is opening tomorrow, with 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours, while Independence Center… more