There's two tranches of good news for the Manx Government as they meet in Washington with members of both the Republican and Democrat parties.

Unemployment now stands at a modest 1.4%, a total of 544 unemployed. 287 jobs are being held on file at the Douglas Job Centre.

And inflation has dipped.
Its down from 3.3% in May to 2.9% in June.
The General Index of Retail Prices for All Items stands at 122.8, compared to 100 in January 2000.

Of continuing concern, particularly for business, will be the influence of spiralling global fuel prices in the wake of Middle East tensions.
Manx petrol prices have gone up by about 2p a litre in the last few days and could rise further if the Mid East problems continue. That's despite OPEC assertions that there are enough oil supplies. The reason for the concern is what the future may hold.
The Chief Minister and the Treasury Minister are in the United States, to persuade movers and shakers that the Isle of Man is a legitimate place to do business.