The likelihood of a 50 basis-point rate hike by the Federal Reserve in May increased on Thursday as the government reported that a key inflation gauge continued to surge in February. The data for the personal consumption expenditures price index came as another strong jobs report is expected on ... READ MORE >
Robust job openings data might accelerate Fed’s rate hikes
U.S. job openings in February came in blazing hot again at 11.3 million, which translated to 1.8 jobs available per unemployed worker, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday. The new data will add more pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates and cool the economy, and ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Pending home sales drop again in February
Pending home sales in February dipped for the fourth straight month as depleted inventory and rising mortgage rates dampened sales. The number of contracts signed for homes dropped 4.1% in February, following a 5.7% decline in January, according to data from the National Association of Realtors ... READ MORE >
Durable goods orders decline amid rate hikes and geopolitical uncertainties
Durable goods orders declined for the first time in five months in February because of geopolitical uncertainties and the anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate hike since 2018. With multiple rate increases expected this year, we expect investment spending for the entire year to ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims lowest since 1969
New filings for U.S. jobless benefits last week dropped to the lowest point since 1969 as the tight labor market showed no sign of cooling. The number of new claims fell to 187,000 from 215,000 in the prior week, significantly below the pre-pandemic level in 2019 of 218,000, according to government ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: New home sales drop amid rising rates
New home sales posted the second consecutive month of decline in February as elevated prices and rising mortgage rates deterred buyers. Sales fell by 2% to 772,000 on an annualized rate, following a sharp 8.4% decrease in January, according to government data released on Wednesday. The decline, ... READ MORE >
RSM US Supply Chain Index posted the best result in a year
As much of the world eases COVID restrictions, we believe that the worst of domestic supply chain issues are in the rear-view mirror. Yet rising infections in some countries, along with geopolitical tensions, could delay a full return to normal. After a dip in January because of the omicron ... READ MORE >
Home sales dip in February amid rising prices and mortgage rates
Sales of existing homes dipped 7.2% in February after recording a sharp 6.6% rise in January, the National Association of Realtors reported on Friday. Elevated home prices and rising mortgage rates to above 4% for the first time since 2019 drove sales to decline on the month. Sales drops were seen from ... READ MORE >
Industrial production advanced, and oil and coal outputs ramped up amid rising prices
Industrial production grew at a slower rate in February as utility outputs dropped back down from an unusually cold January. Manufacturing took the driver seat on the month, despite a sharp drop in auto production. The top line for production activities remained solid at 0.5% increase month-over-month, ... READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims fall below pre-pandemic level while housing starts improve
Economic data released Thursday showed improvement in both weekly U.S. jobless claims for the week ending March 12 and housing starts in February. The number of building permits remained elevated, despite a small decrease on the month. New filings for jobless claims, a proxy for job layoffs, fell below ... READ MORE >