Author Archives: LSAConnect

Economic Update 1-31-2022 Economic data for the week included the Fed signaling upcoming rate hikes, a stronger-than-expected GDP growth report for Q4, and robust housing data, but a weaker durable goods report. U.S. equity markets ended mixed to higher in … Continue reading →

Fed Note: The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee made no changes in interest rates today, as expected, staying with the target of 0.00-0.25%. But, times are changing. The formal statement language was significantly simplified from December, that economic activity and … Continue reading →

Economic Update 1-24-2022 Economic data for the holiday-shortened week included mixed regional manufacturing results and housing data, higher jobless claims, but continued gains in the index of leading indicators. U.S. equity markets, especially the Nasdaq-heavy group of technology stocks, fell … Continue reading →

Economic Update 1-18-2022 Economic data for the week included continued historically-strong producer and consumer inflation readings, while retail sales came in weaker than expected. U.S. equity markets fell back last week, as investor continued to digest tighter monetary policy and … Continue reading →

Economic Update 1-10-2022 Economic data for the week included a disappointment in December nonfarm payrolls, although the unemployment rate continued to improve. ISM manufacturing and services both fell back for the month, but remained solidly in expansion. Minutes from the … Continue reading →

Economic Update 1-3-2022 For the final week of 2021, sparse economic data included a continued rise in national home prices, although pending sales fell back. Jobless claims continued to show downward improvement. Global equity markets ended the year on a … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-27-2021 Economic data during the holiday week included a slight revision upward for Q3 U.S. GDP, and a slight improvement in consumer confidence. Durable goods orders and housing metrics were mixed. Global equity markets gained broadly last week, … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-20-2021 Economic data for the week included the Federal Reserve announcing a faster pace in the tapering off of bond purchases, reflecting stronger growth and inflation pressures, as seen by last week’s high PPI number. Retail sales and … Continue reading →

Fed Note: The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee made no changes in interest rates today, as expected, staying at the target of 0.00-0.25%. However, in keeping with intensified market expectations in recent weeks (and signaled by the Fed itself), a … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-13-2021 In a lighter week for economic data, releases included consumer price inflation reaching a 40-year high, while jobs statistics continued to show improvement. Global equity markets rose with waning concern over the severity of the Covid omicron … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-06-2021 Economic data for the week included stronger manufacturing data and higher home prices, while consumer sentiment fell back a bit. The employment situation report came in far weaker than expected on a headline basis, although other data … Continue reading →

Economic Update 11-29-2021 In a holiday-shortened week, economic data included stronger personal income and spending, as well as recovering consumer sentiment, while durable goods orders fell back. Housing data was strong in both new and existing home sales. Global equity … Continue reading →