Category Archives: Economic News

Economic Update 1-8-2024 In the first week of the new year, economic data continued to show a mixed picture. ISM manufacturing continued to contract, but did improve, while ISM services grew, but at a far slower pace. The monthly employment … Continue reading →

Economic Update 1-2-2024 In a holiday-shortened week, economic data was light, consisting of increases in home prices from the fall, while jobless claims continued to be little changed.  Global equities saw gains to close out the year, with emerging markets … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-18-2023  Economic data for the week included the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates unchanged, while alluding to easing policy at a further pace than first expected in 2024. Both producer and consumer inflation showed continued signs of some … Continue reading →

At the December meeting, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee held the Fed funds rate steady at 5.25-5.50%, where it’s stood since July. There were no dissents.  The formal statement was minimally changed with a notation that economic growth ‘has … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-11-2023  Economic data for the week included the employment situation report that continued to show labor market strength, and gains in ISM services, while job openings fell back.  Global equities were mixed last week, with minor gains in … Continue reading →

Economic Update 12-04-2023  Economic data for the week included Q3 GDP being revised slightly higher, while PCE inflation continued to decelerate. Manufacturing data remained contractionary on net, and new and pending home sales fell back.  Stocks gained globally as falling … Continue reading →

Economic Update 11-27-2023  In a holiday-shortened week, economic data included the index of leading economic indicators continuing their slide downward over the past half-year. Durable goods orders also declined, as did existing home sales. On the positive side, jobless claims … Continue reading →

Economic Update 11-20-2023  Economic data for the week included producer and consumer inflation readings decelerating far faster than expected, boosting the mood of financial markets. Manufacturing releases were mixed, as was housing data, while retail sales fell back a bit.  … Continue reading →

Economic Update 11-13-2023  In an oddly quiet week for economic data, consumer sentiment declined, jobless claims were little changed, while the Fed’s bank loan officer survey showed continued tighter standards.  Stocks were mixed globally with gains in the U.S. large … Continue reading →

Economic Update 11-06-2023  Economic data for the week included the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady, ISM manufacturing and services both showing declines, gains in home prices, while the employment situation report showed job positive gains, but at a weaker … Continue reading →

The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee kept the Fed funds rate unchanged today at 5.25-5.50%. The vote was unanimous. The formal statement wording was minimally changed, but with more important underlying meaning. Economic activity was upgraded from ‘solid’ to ‘strong,’ … Continue reading →

Economic Update 10-30-2023  Economic data for the week included U.S. GDP growth for Q3 coming in over double that of the prior quarter. Durable goods orders also came better than expectations. In housing, new home and pending home sales both … Continue reading →