Author Archives: LSAConnect

(+) Retail sales for July rose for the fourth consecutive month, with a gain of +0.2%, which came in slightly below the forecasted +0.3%.  While broadly stronger, the tempered headline result was based on a -1% decline in autos and … Continue reading →

It was an eventful week in regard to economic releases, so we tried to keep the summary relatively succinct (sometimes a tall order). (+) Perhaps the biggest news was the release of real 2nd quarter GDP.  Estimates had been continually … Continue reading →

The FOMC completed their July meeting today with little fanfare.  Their official statement alluded to ‘modest’ economic growth as of late (downgraded from ‘moderate’), reflecting recent weaker figures, as well as an acknowledgement of improved but continued struggles with high unemployment, … Continue reading →

(+/0) Durable goods orders for June came in a bit better than expected, at a gain of +4.2% versus a consensus increase of +1.4%.  The surprise was led by a +31% increase in non-defense aircraft orders during the month, so, … Continue reading →

It was a week with a few interesting economic reports being released.  The bottom line with the bulk of recent releases is that estimated GDP for the second quarter has fallen from close to 2% to perhaps a shade below … Continue reading →

(-) Wholesale inventories came in weaker than expected for May, falling -0.5% versus an anticipated gain of +0.3%.  Auto inventories were flat (in contrast to making positive contributions in recent months), while machinery and nondurable goods fell nearly a percent … Continue reading →