July marks the 12th consecutive month of increasing confidence in the manufacturing sector, with sentiment now reaching more than two standard deviations above what would be considered normal. … READ MORE >
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Coronavirus update: The rise of the delta variant
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that because of its transmissibility, the delta variant of the virus is now responsible for more than 83% of COVID-19 infections. Sixteen weeks ago, what was then referred to as the UK variant accounted for fewer than 1% of infections. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Expect more talk, less action at the July meeting
Inflationary risk and the delta variant of the coronavirus will be front and center at next week’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, while policy changes will take a back seat. … READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of July 19
From an innovative artificial intelligence app used to treat mental health issues to investment opportunities related to women’s health, each week we highlight five things you need to know in the life sciences industry. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Port activity continues its record pace as supply chain normalizes
The increases in seaport activity and the nationwide distribution of goods signal growing confidence in a robust U.S. recovery. … READ MORE >
Jobless claims back above 400,000 for the first time in four weeks
First-time jobless claims increased by 51,000 to 419,000 for the week ending July 3, according to government data released Thursday. … READ MORE >
3 things to know in energy: OPEC+ compromise, coal-to-gas conversion, pipeline cybersecurity
Biweekly, we highlight three things going on in the energy industry that we think you should know about. Here’s the latest. … READ MORE >
Negative-yielding debt back above $15 trillion globally as risk of delta variant rises
Over the past 90 days, rising economic and social risks linked to the Delta variant around the world have rattled investors and pushed them back into the safety of government-issued debt. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Foreign investment in U.S. securities rebounds
The latest data from the Treasury International Capital System indicates a 65% increase in net foreign long-term portfolio investment in U.S. securities compared to the imposition of tariffs on China in July 2018, and a 138% increase since February 2019, the month before the pandemic. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Housing market remains strong
Home builder confidence dipped slightly in June, with the National Association of Home Builders on Tuesday reporting a confidence index of 80, down from 81 in May. … READ MORE >