US Economy

• On Economic Recessions and Depressions Valeo Financial Advisors

• US GDP (economic growth) showed small gains in the second quarter, economists predict that things will continue to improve as the year goes on USA Today

• ISM Manufacturing Index rose to a level of 55.4 in July, showing an expanding US manufacturing sector MarketWatch

Employment & Income

• Jobless claims reach their lowest levels since January 2008 MSNBC

• US unemployment rate falls to lowest rate in over four years, but fewer jobs were created than expected NBC

• US Personal Income climbed by a less-than-expected rate of 0.3% compared to a 0.5% increase in spending Bloomberg