Intermodal rail freight is in the midst of a strong recovery in another sign that the manufacturing sector and the economy have entered the early stages of what we expect to be a robust expansion this year. … READ MORE >
Blog
Consumer Price Index: Inflation begins its temporary march upward
Increases in energy and transportation costs that were made more extreme by comparisons to last year’s economic downturn helped push the Consumer Price Index higher at an annual rate of 2.6% in March. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: The CLO market is back
The volume of CLO issuances over the past two quarters has rebounded to levels last seen in 2019, and spreads have narrowed to pre-pandemic levels as pricing benefited from low interest rates, even with the recent surges in Treasury yields. … READ MORE >
RSM recovery watch: Upgraded growth forecast and more evidence of a turn in the business cycle
There are arguably enough positive indications to begin planning for a return to normal commercial activity. Here is a sampling of what’s to come, or better put, what the data is suggesting. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Spillover effects of U.S. stimulus programs on Canada’s commodity and energy prices
Upward pressure on the Canadian dollar will have positive effects on the value of Canadian output, with increased demand for its products and increased buying power for Canadian consumers having a positive impact on both U.S. and Canadian economies. … READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of April 5
This week we highlight vaccine mandate considerations, the lack of diversity on the boards of life sciences companies, a promising new class of drugs and more. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Existing home supply lags demand and spike in real estate agents
Combine the recent spike in real estate agents with the high-demand environment and the existing home supply has not been able to keep pace. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Broadband expansion is the bridge to better health
While there have been some strides in broadband expansion in the U.S., challenges remain. The proposed infrastructure bill could address expansion, improving telehealth access and more. … READ MORE >
Labor market update: Signs of normalization as long-term challenges persist
The labor market is showing signs of optimism that might best be described as hedging its bets—confident that the vaccination program will eventually allow the reemergence of the normal workplace, but recognizing that it may not take just a snap of the fingers to get there. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Fracking gives Texas and New Mexico swing-state status
We can anticipate increased consumer demand for energy, especially given the rapid advances in vaccine distribution. But whether price increases are sustainable or more North American wells come back online is speculation because of the potential of market interference. … READ MORE >