The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it later this month would start paring back its pandemic-era monetary accommodation even as it held its policy rate between zero and 25 basis points. … READ MORE >
Enhanced child tax credit was a game-changer for families, and the economy
Even as the economy slowed in the third quarter as the delta variant took hold, that slowdown would have been far worse if not for the enhanced child tax credit that was introduced on July 15. … READ MORE >
The pandemic and the vanishing American worker
A lack of prime-age workers, the exit of baby boomers during the pandemic and the willingness by many to simply walk away from a job are indicative of a structural change in the economy. … READ MORE >
RSM UK Financial Conditions Index: Holding steady
Financial conditions in the UK remain accommodative, signaling confidence that the policies of the monetary and fiscal authorities have created the framework for a sustained economic recovery. … READ MORE >
U.S. jobs report preview: Expect a gain of 475,000 in October
When the October U.S. employment report is released on Friday, a central area of focus will be on the potential return of women in their prime working years to the labor force. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Expansion hits headwinds
The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index was more than 1.2 standard deviations above normal in October, suggesting an expansionary production sector; only 18% of the months since 1968 have had higher results. … READ MORE >
Workers chart a different course as new business formations surge
New business formations surged during the pandemic and are reshaping the labor market in a way that bodes well for economic growth. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Tapering explained
Next week’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee will focus on the Federal Reserve’s exit from its pandemic-era asset purchase program that has sent its balance sheet above $8.5 trillion. … READ MORE >
GDP grows 2% as delta variant, supply chains and inflation take their toll
The delta variant, disruptions to global supply chains and inflation all took a powerful toll on U.S. gross domestic product in the third quarter as the pace of growth slowed to 2% from 6.7% in the prior quarter. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada talks like a hawk and walks like a dove as it keeps rates steady
The emerging trend of central banks talking like hawks and walking like doves amid supply chain disruptions and persistent inflation continued as the Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 0.25% on Wednesday. … READ MORE >