First-time jobless claims increased by 1.434 million for the week ending July 25, the Labor Department reported on Thursday, while continuing claims increased by 17.01 million, implying an increase to an 11.6% insured unemployment rate. … READ MORE >
Blog
Assessing the bond market ahead of the coming change to Fed policy
The bond market is signaling that investors are preparing for an average inflation targeting regime, a quicker and more brisk pace of asset purchases or perhaps a yield curve cap out to the three-year maturity spectrum … READ MORE >
FOMC rate decision: Waiting on September
In keeping interest rates steady, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday underscored its ultra-cautious outlook and reiterated its view that the pandemic is the primary driving force within the economy. … READ MORE >
The back-to-school debate and its impact on the real economy
Since the close of the 2019-2020 school year, Americans have turned their attention to plans for school reopening. Their decisions have significant impact for the broader economy, both traditional businesses and emerging concerns that find opportunity in the ‘new normal.’ … READ MORE >
Education technology will be crucial this school year, could see record venture capital in 2020
Given the enormous upheaval the education system will face in the coming year because of the coronavirus pandemic, technology will undoubtedly play a bigger role in connecting students to their teachers. … READ MORE >
School’s out for summer (or forever?)
It seems as if we are living through an alternate version of Alice Cooper’s song. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact across real estate sectors, student housing, once a beacon of stability, is now vulnerable as universities prepare for the school year. … READ MORE >
Rational business and investment planning during an irrational pandemic
If there were any remaining doubts that the pandemic was real or that it would suddenly disappear into the warm summer air, the recent headlines should have dispelled them. … READ MORE >
Alternative data is flashing warning signs of a slowing economy
The story of the recent stall in the economy can be seen through a series of alternative and near real-time data, from restaurant reservations to public transit ridership to mobility data. … READ MORE >
Managing expectations of dollar strength during and after the pandemic
The greenback has increased 3.89% this year using the Fed’s broad trade-weighted index as our benchmark. Because of growing risks around the domestic management of the pandemic and increasing uncertainty around U.S. fiscal policy, we think that strength is at risk. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Coming attractions at the Fed
The Federal Reserve’s rate decisions on July 29 will likely be remembered not for what is stated inside the policy communique. Rather, it will be long noted by what Fed Chairman Jerome Powell says at his news conference afterward regarding policy change. … READ MORE >