The Federal Reserve on Wednesday set the stage for multiple increases in the federal funds policy rate next year by accelerating the tapering of asset purchases to $30 billion per month, up from $15 billion. The tapering should be wrapped up by March. … READ MORE >
U.S. November retail sales: Consumer spending moderates
The American consumer has held up remarkably well during the recent surge in inflation. But that was not the case in November as the pace of spending moderated to an 0.3% increase, which is likely because of an adjustment to rising prices. … READ MORE >
U.S. Consumer Price Index: Inflation broadens out as shelter costs rise by 4.8%
The overall Consumer Price Index climbed by 6.8% on a year-ago basis in November, and by 0.8% on the month as inflation continued to broaden out. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada decision: Central bankers set the stage for 2022 rate hikes
The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 0.25% at its December meeting on Wednesday as it prepares the public and market participants for the normalization of monetary policy and the first increase in interest rates next year. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: With oil prices elevated, will U.S. production follow?
Our model of the relationship between wholesale gasoline futures and retail gasoline prices implies a decline of 15% to 20% from the current national average of $3.36 per gallon. … READ MORE >
November U.S. job data: A tale of two reports as unemployment rate fell to 4.2%
The labor market is tightening, and wages are rising in what is the best labor market for workers since the late 1990s. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: November was a good month
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index in November reached its highest level since the spring, indicating a sustained economic recovery should the health crisis not get in the way. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: A look at the strategic petroleum reserve
With roughly 1.05 billion barrels in reserve, some of which are used to meet basic demand each year during hurricanes or other periods of stress, the United States is not in a position to influence oil prices beyond the near term by releasing a portion of the strategic petroleum reserve. … READ MORE >
Wholesale gas futures point to decline in retail prices
Based on the relationship between retail gasoline costs and wholesale gasoline prices, that cost for consumers is likely to decline in the near term. … READ MORE >
What the global coordinated release of petroleum reserves means
The politics and policy of global inflation will begin to shape markets as major global economies push back in direct and indirect ways on the surging price of oil. … READ MORE >