Durable goods orders fell by 0.4% in September after a strong gain of 1.3% in August. But even with this decline, investment in the private sector as seen in core capital goods orders remained strong, suggesting continued robust growth. … READ MORE >
Economics
The new RSM US Financial Conditions Index shows a favorable investment climate
Financial conditions in the United States continue to be highly favorable for investment despite the recent rise in some asset classes, according to the new RSM US Financial Conditions Index. … READ MORE >
New home sales highest since March
New home sales increased by 14% in September to 800,000, the highest since March, indicating that strong demand for new houses continued to drive the market. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Rising consumer confidence
The headline Consumer Confidence Index rose to 113.8, up from 109.8 in September, as consumers expressed a more buoyant view of the economy, according to Conference Board data released on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
A bumpy path toward a net-zero future
As world energy leaders prepare to kick off a major United Nations conference on climate change on Sunday, nations are turning back to coal as natural gas falls into short supply. But the shortage will prove to be temporary. … READ MORE >
GDP preview: Look for 2.9% growth in third quarter
Economic growth in the third quarter will capture the impact of the delta variant on the economy as disruptions to global supply chains and rising inflation have dampened American household consumption and fixed investment by businesses. … READ MORE >
Existing home sales rebounded in September to highest level since February
The sales number was an upside surprise to earlier estimates of 6.1 million units, pointing to a stronger-than-expected housing market last month. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims fall for third straight week as labor shortage continues
New filings for unemployment benefits beat estimates with a decrease of 6,000 for the week ending Oct. 16, reaching 290,000 initial jobless claims. That’s the lowest level since March 14, 2020, according to a report from the Department of Labor on Thursday. … READ MORE >
Inflation in Canada persists amid shortages
Inflation is proving to be persistent in Canada, with the Consumer Price Index increasing at an annual pace of 4.4% in September amid shortages of workers and supplies. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: U.S. housing starts and permits slowed amid shortages
Housing starts and permits stayed below expectations in September, signaling a supply slowdown because of shortages of materials and labor. … READ MORE >