New filings for jobless benefits fell to 166,000 last week—the fewest since 1968—as millions of job vacancies remained unfilled, the Labor Department reported on Thursday. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Manufacturing slows amid surge in raw material prices
The headline manufacturing purchasing managers’ index was down to 57.1% from 58.6% in February, the lowest since September 2020. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims remain low
New claims for jobless benefits increased by 14,000 last week to 202,000, continuing to stay below the pre-pandemic level in 2019. The increase was likely temporary as the labor market remained tight. … READ MORE >
A key inflation gauge surged in February, dampening spending
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. … READ MORE >
Robust job openings data might accelerate Fed’s rate hikes
Job openings in February came in blazing hot again at 11.3 million, which translated into 1.8 jobs available per unemployed worker, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday. … 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. … 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. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims lowest since 1969
New filings for jobless benefits last week dropped to the lowest since 1969 as the tight labor market showed no sign of cooling. … 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. … READ MORE >
RSM US Supply Chain Index posted the best result in a year
As much of the world prepares for a post-COVID phase, 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. … READ MORE >









