March’s services composite index was 51.2, slightly higher than the long-term threshold of 49.9, according to ISM data. An index above 49.9 indicates expansion. … READ MORE >
Job openings and factory orders soften amid recession concerns
Job openings and factory orders came in lower than expected on Tuesday, continuing to show signs of softening economic demand that should work in the Federal Reserve’s favor in fighting inflation. When the new data is combined with softer economic data released recently, the risk of a recession in … … READ MORE >
Manufacturing continues to show recession signs
The manufacturing sector contracted for the fourth month in a row in March as the pace of the decline accelerated, according to ISM data. … READ MORE >
Fed’s key gauges of inflation soften in February
Prices grew by 0.3% on the month; for the core component, they rose by 0.3% while the “super core” stayed at 0.3%. … READ MORE >
Jobless claims inch up while revised GDP shows softer growth
New filings for jobless benefits inched up to 198,000 last week from 191,000 earlier, staying below the pre-pandemic level, while fourth-quarter gross domestic product was revised down slightly from a 2.7% increase to 2.6%. … READ MORE >
Core business investment orders inched up in February
Durable goods orders in February fell for the second month in a row, driven mostly by declines in orders for automobiles, aircraft and defense. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims drop further
Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 1,000 to 191,000 last week, remaining below the pre-pandemic average and below expectations of a slight increase to 197,000. … READ MORE >
Canada inflation slows in February
Canada’s inflation plunged to 5.2% from 5.9% on a year-ago basis as comparisons to last year’s elevated numbers kicked in, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
Financial shock sending Fed proxy rate into restrictive terrain
Should the crisis deteriorate further, with more bank seizures and further problems inside systemically financially important institutions, then the degree of financial shock is equivalent to 150 basis points of tightening. … READ MORE >
Consumer sentiment fell in March, before the financial turmoil
Consumer sentiment for March dropped to 63.4 from 67 as consumers’ confidence in the current economic conditions and their expectations both worsened on the month, though the survey results did not reflect the recent turmoil in financial markets … READ MORE >