Mass vaccinations have stimulated a revitalization of the domestic U.K. economy in recent months, which is resulting in a rapid normalization of consumer behavior. … READ MORE >
Coronavirus
Pandemic pressures leave women struggling to regain lost ground on jobs
During the pandemic, women have taken the brunt of the damage to the labor force, whether in the form of losing their jobs or working triple-duty at home with child care and education on top of their work obligations. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Duration of unemployment suggests patience by the Fed
Among mounting signs of recovery from the pandemic and recession, it’s taking longer for out-of-work members of the labor force to find employment. It now takes almost 30 weeks on average to find a job, with a median of more than 19 weeks. … READ MORE >
May employment report: Job gains accelerate, adding 559,000
The American labor market showed improved signs of life in May, adding 559,000 jobs along with an upward revision that added 27,000 jobs to the April figure, which now stands at 586,000. In many respects, this a Goldilocks number — not too hot and not too cold. … READ MORE >
RSM UK Financial Conditions Index: A third month of stability in May
The RSM U.K. Financial Conditions Index implies that conditions are ripe to support a robust reopening of the British economy. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims fall to pandemic low of 385,000
As the American economy moves toward its full capacity to produce, the labor market continues to improve. First-time jobless claims fell to a fresh pandemic low of 385,000 for the week ending May 29, according to government data released on Thursday. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: What caused the increase in consumer prices in April?
The debate of the moment in financial markets is inflation: Is it a risk to the economy? The data and our forecast would imply that while prices are rising in a cluster of industrial ecosystems that make up roughly 20% of the economy, we do not expect a sustained increase in overall prices. … READ MORE >
May jobs report preview: Seasonal adjustment challenges amid strong growth
We expect total employment to increase by 615,000 jobs when the jobs report for May is released on Friday, with the possibility of a strong month of growth because of what are diminished seasonal effects. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Lumber futures down 33% over past month
Lumber futures have declined 33% since May 7, which likely reflects a mix of falling demand as contractors—shaken by the 372% surge in lumber prices during the past two years—back off potential projects and the slow but steady return of supply. … READ MORE >
Recovery monitor: Economy set to expand as income and spending close pandemic deficits
The recession is rapidly becoming a memory as the economy shows remarkable signs of regaining its footing. Spending has reached its pre-pandemic level and we anticipate that June will mark the point at which the economy moves beyond recovering lost ground and enters expansion. … READ MORE >