Housing starts fell 1.5% in February, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,599,000, which is less than anticipated as forecasters projected a 4.3% decline. … READ MORE >
Blog
Preview: Jobless claims to soar in near-term
Over the next few weeks, U.S. data flow will capture the impact of the supply, demand and financial shocks that are cascading throughout the economy. Policymakers should anticipate a wave of layoffs reflecting the stunning downturn in the economy. … READ MORE >
Revising growth lower: A reset is coming for the U.S. economy
The American economy is simultaneously absorbing three distinct shocks, each of which will act as a large drag on economic growth during the current and second quarters of the year. The impact of the coronavirus will cause a disruption to American society that will last well beyond the current crisis and will affect growth over the next three to four years.
The shock to Canada’s system – unsettling financial conditions and unprecedented monetary response
Stress in Canada’s financial system this week amid the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has risen to levels unseen since the days prior to the September 2008 meltdown of the global financial system. … READ MORE >
As coronavirus spreads, private equity contracts even as it prepares for a rebound
As the U.S. financial system and broader economy swoon from fear of the damage that the coronavirus will leave in its wake, private equity deal flow will soon begin to feel the pinch. … READ MORE >
Fed and Treasury create Commercial Paper Funding Facility to ease credit stress
The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday granted the Federal Reserve 13(3) authority under Dodd-Frank that permits the central bank to take steps under exigent and unusual circumstances to stabilize financial markets and the economy. … READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales declined in February amid coronavirus uncertainty
Consumers pulled back across the board on spending in February as the onset of the coronavirus began to shape household expectations about the economy and society. … READ MORE >
Coronavirus impact on Canadian economy calls for more government action
There is no question COVID-19 will significantly wound the Canadian economy. The big question governments and policymakers have to grapple with is whether the downturn will be short term or longer term in nature. Indeed, the answer to this question will help to guide the appropriate fiscal policy response. … READ MORE >
Coronavirus concerns for rural health care
The coronavirus has largely affected more populated areas in the United States, but if the outbreak spreads to rural areas, hospitals will be put to the test to handle the health crisis. … READ MORE >
The case for social distancing: Reducing economic activity to reduce the spread of coronavirus
A simple analysis shows that social distancing should be taken as quickly as possible by individuals to preserve their health and by corporations to avoid liability issues. … READ MORE >