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This R&D provides resources on the U.S. economy.  Unemployment in the United States is currently 4.9%, but a lack of global demand for some agricultural commodities and low oil prices are doing damage to several U.S. states such as Alaska, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  Wage growth in the economy has also been flat and consumer confidence appears stunted.  Some economists have warned that there could be a recession later in 2016 and that could benefit Republicans in the presidential campaign. A recession would also create problems for the Federal Reserve, which recently raised interest rates.