Encouraging economic news came from the early release of data on Wednesday: Jobless claims dropped to 199,000 last week, the lowest since 1969, while the advance goods trade deficit narrowed significantly to $82.9 billion in October, led by a sharp rise in exports. … READ MORE >
Blog
Wholesale gas futures point to decline in retail prices
Based on the relationship between retail gasoline costs and wholesale gasoline prices, that cost for consumers is likely to decline in the near term. … READ MORE >
Holiday inventory problem: Some firms are better prepared than others
While the demand for goods remains strong and supplies are constrained, the impact of inventory shortages is in fact uneven across sectors. … READ MORE >
What the global coordinated release of petroleum reserves means
The politics and policy of global inflation will begin to shape markets as major global economies push back in direct and indirect ways on the surging price of oil. … READ MORE >
Law firms investing in technology aren’t just cutting costs. They’re building a multifaceted competitive advantage.
In a remarkable twist, law firms are using technology to combat the No. 1 self-perceived threat to profitability without really knowing it. … READ MORE >
Law firms are not guaranteed another profitable year despite strong demand and rate increases
Law firms aim to sustain profitability in 2021 by prioritizing existing clients and operations as opposed to investing in new business. … READ MORE >
Introducing the RSM Canada Supply Chain Index
The RSM Canada Supply Chain Index accounts for factors affecting the delivery of intermediate goods to manufacturers and service providers, providing an overview of the economic conditions surrounding supply chains and offering a forward look for businesses. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Existing home sales inched up in October
Sales of existing homes inched up by 0.8% in October to 6.34 million, carrying some of the momentum in September, when sales jumped by a significant 7.0%, according to data released by the National Association of Realtors on Monday. … READ MORE >
Powell reappointed to lead the Fed, with Brainard elevated to vice chairwoman
The Biden administration’s widely expected reappointment of Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve on Monday is a strong step toward providing stability and clarity for financial markets at a time when the central bank is under pressure to accelerate efforts to address inflation. … READ MORE >
RSM US Financial Conditions Index: Setting the stage for sustained growth
In its current reading, the RSM US Financial Conditions Index indicates a level of accommodation that is more than 1.4 standard deviations above normal. … READ MORE >