Author Archives: LSAConnect

Economic Update 5-20-2024 In a busy week for economic data, most of which was keyed in on inflation, consumer and producer prices continued strong in April, but showed signs of stabilization. Retail sales and industrial production were little changed, while … Continue reading →

Economic Update 5-06-2024 Economic data for the week included the FOMC meeting ending in no action, as expected, with dovish undertones at the press conference. Both ISM manufacturing and services fell back into contraction, while the employment situation report came … Continue reading →

In this week’s meeting, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee kept the Fed funds range unchanged at 5.25-5.50%, where it has been since last July. There were no dissents. Despite no action, messaging remains closely-watched for future signals. The formal … Continue reading →

Economic Update 4-29-2024 Economic data for the week included U.S. economic growth coming in positively for Q1, but not as robust as expected, in addition to rises in durable goods and new home sales, while consumer sentiment remained challenged. Equities … Continue reading →

Economic Update 4-22-2024 Economic data for the week included gains in retail sales and industrial production, as well as for several regional manufacturing indicators. However, the index of leading economic indicators turned downward again, as did existing home sales and … Continue reading →

Economic Update 4-15-2024 Economic news for the week was dominated by inflation, for which consumer prices disappointed by remaining sticky on the services side, while producer price inflation came in far cooler. Consumer sentiment fell back a bit. Global equities … Continue reading →

Economic Update 4-08-2024 Economic data for the week included ISM manufacturing improving into expansion, while ISM services/non-manufacturing slowed a bit, but remained in expansion as well. Nonfarm payrolls came in stronger than expected again, while job openings data has steadily … Continue reading →

Economic Update 4-01-2024 On a week shortened by the Good Friday holiday, economic data included the final U.S. GDP growth number for the 4th quarter being revised slightly higher. Recent monthly data included gains in durable goods orders, and mixed house … Continue reading →

Economic Update 3-25-2024 Economic data for the week included the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates unchanged, coupled with a continued balanced narrative. The index of leading economic indicators ticked up for the first time in years, coupled with stronger housing … Continue reading →

At their March meeting, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee kept the Fed funds range unchanged at 5.25-5.50%, where it’s been since last July. There were no dissents. The formal statement today was barely changed from January, when it was … Continue reading →