The U.S. import price index decreased by 0.3% in August, the first decline since October 2020, following an upwardly revised 0.4% increase in July, while the core index, which excludes petroleum, fell by 0.1%. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Small business optimism inched up in August, yet hiring struggles remained
The small business optimism index increased slightly to 100.1 in August, rising by 0.4 points over July, as employers struggled to fill job openings. … READ MORE >
Global supply chain disruptions accelerate, presenting a challenge to the middle market
Fragile global supply chains are facing another round of port closures, factory shutdowns, production halts and labor shortages as the delta variant spreads. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Producer Price Index decelerated in August
The headline Producer Price Index increased by 0.7% in August, a slower pace than the 1.0% monthly gains in June and July, while the core index excluding food and energy rose by 0.6%. The lower numbers indicate that inflation, at least from the sellers’ perspective, has most likely passed its summer peak. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Job openings set another record at 10.9 million in July
Job openings in the United States reached a record 10.9 million in July, continuing to show that the demand for workers remains strong while employers struggle to fill job vacancies. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: U.S. trade deficit improved in July after a record high
The U.S. trade deficit of goods and services, which measures exports minus imports, declined by $4.6 billion to $70.1 billion in July as domestic demand for foreign goods slowed and foreign countries’ needs for U.S. goods rose. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Consumer confidence falls amid spread of the delta variant
The headline consumer confidence index released by the Conference Board on Tuesday declined to 113.8 in August from a downwardly revised 125.1 in July, in the latest sign that the spread of the delta variant is beginning to weigh on the economy. … READ MORE >
Amid Ida’s devastating human toll, the national economic damage is likely to be limited
In our estimation, the disruption to economic activity, including higher energy prices, supply chain disruptions and extensive property damage, will result in a 0.2% drag on American gross domestic product in this quarter. … READ MORE >







