Economic Indicators

The U.S. Economy Grew in Q2 2025

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in the second quarter of 2025 (April, May, and June), according to the third estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP decreased 0.6 percent (revised). The increase in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected a decrease in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and an increase in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by decreases in investment and exports. Read the full BEA report.

The GDP is measured as the total market value of the goods and services produced within a specific geography during a given time period. Gross domestic product is a key indicator of the general health of the economy and its performance, with increases indicative of economic growth.

Regional’s Unemployment Rate Decreases in August 

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.6% during August. Employment and unemployment in the Detroit MSA each fell by 3,000 over the month. The Detroit metro area labor force was reduced by 7,000 since July.

Employment Levels Slightly Up From Previous Year 

Nonfarm employment in the Detroit Region reached 2,059,700 in August 2025, marking a 0.06% increase from the previous year.

Job Postings Down in September 2025

In September 2025, total job postings in the Region reached 94,000—marking a 2.3% decrease year-over-year. Registered nurses have emerged as the most in-demand occupation in 2025 so far, with over 24,000 postings recorded through September.

The U.S. Economy Grew in Q2 2025

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in the second quarter of 2025 (April, May, and June), according to the third estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP decreased 0.6 percent (revised). The increase in real GDP in the second quarter primarily reflected a decrease in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and an increase in consumer spending. These movements were partly offset by decreases in investment and exports. Read the full BEA report.

The GDP is measured as the total market value of the goods and services produced within a specific geography during a given time period. Gross domestic product is a key indicator of the general health of the economy and its performance, with increases indicative of economic growth.

Inflation Increased in September 2025

In September, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.3 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.0 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.2 percent in September (SA); up 3.0 percent over the year (NSA).  Read the full report.

Consumer Sentiment Fell in November 2025

The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, consumer sentiment registered at 51.0 in November 2025. According to Surveys of Consumers director, Joanne Hsu,  consumer sentiment decreased 4.9% month-over-month. After the federal shutdown ended, sentiment lifted slightly from its mid-month reading. However, consumers remain frustrated about the persistence of high prices and weakening incomes. Read the full report. 

Michigan’s New Business Applications Move Higher in Q2 2025

In the second quarter of 2025, seasonally adjusted new business applications rose by 7% from the previous quarter, reaching a total of 34,794. Although this marks a decline from the exceptional highs seen during the pandemic, application numbers continue to hold strong compared to pre-pandemic benchmarks.

Economic Activity in the Manufacturing Sector Contracted in September for the Seven Consecutive Month

The Manufacturing PMI® registered at 49.1% in September, a 0.4 percentage point higher compared to the 48.7 percent reported in August according to the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®).  

ISM® states a reading above 50% shows that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50% indicates that it is generally contracting. The index is based on a monthly survey of supply chain managers and measures general direction of economic trends in manufacturing and other sectors.