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Business News Roundup, May 18, 2021

Positive labor indicators, negotiations on steel and aluminum tariffs, a plunge in home construction, and a new UConn MBA offering are among the top business news items this morning.

National

Despite a jobs report that came in well below expectations in April, the month saw improvement in three economic indicators related to the labor market. These included healthier job sentiment, better wage growth, and lower jobless claims.

The Biden administration and European Union officials have started discussions seeking to end tariffs on European steel and aluminum, established during the Trump administration, which prompted the E.U. to impose similar duties against certain American imports. The E.U. has agreed to suspend certain tariff increases that were set to go into effect in the near future as discussions proceed.

Business trends

Home construction dipped 9.5 percent in April, with supply issues and an increase in lumber prices causing some buyers to delay their projects. However, the month also saw an increase in building permit applications, likely signaling that the decline will be temporary.

Connecticut

The University of Connecticut School of Business is introducing a “HomeLink” option for its Executive MBA program this fall. Building on the school’s previous development of an online MBA program, HomeLink will allow students to participate in some live classes from home and attend in-person sessions twice a week once every two months.

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