Canada's labor productivity has fallen for a third straight quarter, the longest decline since 1990, and a track record that analysts said shows businesses are on unsteady footing as the economy flirts with recession.

A private research group says that Americans remain the most pessimistic about the economy since the tail end of the last prolonged recession 16 years ago.

A key measure of consumer confidence dropped in May to the lowest level in 16 years, as Americans grew more concerned about their jobs and more pessimistic about business conditions.

Utah small-business conditions slipped in October below the lowest annual figure in at least 17 years, in part because of tighter access to labor, according to a report released Tuesday.

Here are latest employment and earnings estimates for employees in some occupations that often receive tips. Released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the figures came out before the economy hit the skids.