Economy

With election season in full gear, polls in New Hampshire show the economy remains the most important issue for voters.

The national average for gas prices on Monday stood around $3.44, according to AAA. That's down about 9 cents from a week ago — marking the largest one-week drop recorded by the motor club so far in 2024.

Inflation had come in uncomfortably high in the first three months of this year, dimming hopes that it would continue to steadily cool, as it had in the second half of last year.

U.S. employers added 353,000 jobs in January — far more than forecasters expected. The sizzling job market is good for workers but could cause the Federal Reserve to postpone a cut in interest rates.

Local welfare administrators say high rental, child care and utility costs in New Hampshire are driving an increase in first-time and elderly clients seeking assistance.

U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs in June, marking another respectable month of job growth, though it was slower than in previous months.

A dispute over the state’s settlement with a victim of abuse at the former Youth Development Center has revealed some of how private lawyers are handling cases brought against the state.

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center team said negative consumer perception is likely being spurred by soaring energy costs and rising inflation.

The reports are positive for the broader economy, but they make the Fed's fight against inflation more difficult because it likely means the central bank will have to keep raising interest rates in order to bring down inflation.

Town representatives and advocates from more than 10 rural towns say the federal funds are critical for residents to access education, telehealth and work opportunities online.