Initial jobless claims inched up by 11,000 last week, most likely a temporary spike as most of the increase came from New York and California with 16,000 and 6,000 new claims, respectively. … READ MORE >
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Preview of coming attractions: Inflation surges to 7.9%
The February consumer price index provided an unpleasant preview of coming attractions in the U.S. economy as top-line inflation soared by 0.8% on the month, pushing the year-ago reading to 7.9%, the fastest rate in 40 years. … READ MORE >
Consumer choice, self-rationing and preparing for shortages
The war in Ukraine, the cutoff of Russian exports and the possible removal of roughly 4.3 million barrels of crude from U.S. and European markets are likely to have a harmful impact on household balance sheets. … READ MORE >
Along with community benefits, ESG efforts could reduce capital costs for health care providers
Investors are allocating more capital toward investments that meet environmental, social and governance criteria; health care organizations should take notice. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Job openings surpass 11 million in back-to-back months
The scramble by employers to find workers continued amid a historically tight labor market in January, as employers reported 11.3 million job openings for the month. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: U.S. trade deficit nears $90 billion, a record
The United States trade deficit reached a record high in January as strong domestic demand continued to push imports higher, especially oil, while exports were dampened by the omicron surge which shut down production and limited travel. … READ MORE >
As global tensions rise, RSM US Financial Conditions Index deteriorates
Our composite RSM U.S. Financial Conditions Index is falling, reaching nearly one standard deviation below zero as the situation in Ukraine continues to threaten trade and global financial stability. … READ MORE >
Energy shock will hit low-income Americans the hardest
Despite such a significant price shock, the Federal Reserve should not overreact by hiking interest rates aggressively because the spillovers from higher energy prices on core goods and services will most likely be relatively small and fade quickly. … READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of Feb. 28, 2022
This week we highlight clinical holds on cell and gene therapies, clinical trials and patient experience, artificial intelligence and identifying bone fractures, and more. Each week we highlight five things you need to know about in the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest. … READ MORE >
U.S. February jobs report: Bittersweet symphony as employment rises by 678,000
Despite a net increase in total employment of 678,000 and a decline in the unemployment rate to 3.8% in February, the improvement in the American labor market is now in the rear-view mirror as the impact of geopolitical tensions and inflation sets in. … READ MORE >