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"The debut of Economic Pulse gives businesses in Maryland the critical data they need to help them make strong and strategic decisions. This publication provides a brief, user-friendly, and regular snapshot of how strong, safe, and secure Maryland stacks up to its neighboring states
and the national economy."

-Governor Martin O'Malley

 

 
Maryland retains AAA bond rating
Maryland has retained its AAA bond rating from the three New York bond rating agencies. Only seven states have AAA ratings from all three bond rating agencies. The high rating means the state will pay lower interest rates on the bonds, which will finance large capital projects such as schools and higher education projects. The bond rating score reflects the state’s current fiscal and economic strength, as well as its future development potential.


Job growth in Maryland sixth best in nation
So far this year, Maryland has lost nonfarm payroll jobs at an annual rate of 1.8 percent, a little more than one-third the national rate of job loss of 4.9 percent. Maryland’s first half job loss rate ranks sixth best among states for the first half of 2009. During the first half of the year, North Dakota is the only state to have added jobs.  READ MORE


Maryland payroll employment stabilizing
After shrinking most months since mid-2008, Maryland nonfarm payroll job totals appear to be stabilizing the past four months. A big reason is that two major industrial sectors that alone accounted for about two-thirds of the state’s job losses the past year have stopped shedding jobs.  READ MORE


Job loss rate much slower rate for MD than the U.S.
Between June 2008 and June 2009, Maryland lost 57,200 nonfarm payroll jobs (not seasonally adjusted) for a 2.2 percent rate of loss. The country, as a whole, lost jobs at a 4.2 percent rate during the same period.   READ MORE


State's Professional & Business Services sector remains strong
Maryland’s already significant siting advantage in the vital Professional & Business Services industry category continues to grow, poising the state to benefit disproportionately after the nation’s economy begins its recovery.  READ MORE


Maryland’s unemployment rate still lower than U.S.
 Maryland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked upward from 7.2 percent in May to 7.3 percent in June. One year before, that rate stood at 4.3 percent. The national unemployment rate for June came in at 9.5 percent.  READ MORE