Despite a slowdown in productivity and rising labor unit costs, the economy continues to show strength with initial jobless claims staying near recent lows and factory orders posting solid growth. … READ MORE >
Economics
Fed holds rates steady as rebound in inflation hampers progress
Citing a lack of progress in reducing inflation, the Federal Reserve kept its policy rate unchanged at 5.5% at its meeting on Wednesday, the same rate it has had since July. … READ MORE >
Job openings fall to a three-year low as manufacturing softens
Job openings in March plunged to 8.49 million, the lowest level in three years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Labor costs rise, complicating Fed’s decision on rate cuts
The employment cost index rose by 1.2% in the first quarter, up from 0.9% previously, while the year-over-year growth stayed elevated at 4.2%. … READ MORE >
American consumers continue to spend despite sticky inflation
Spending remained strong in March on the heels of robust income growth despite sticky inflation, according to Commerce Department released on Friday. … READ MORE >
GDP growth slows to 1.6% in first quarter, exaggerated by volatile trade and inventory data
Overall growth in U.S. gross domestic product fell to 1.6% in the first quarter, but the slowdown was exaggerated by volatile trade and inventory data, which provided a 1.2% drag on overall activity. … READ MORE >
Business equipment spending grows in March
The core capital goods shipments rose by 0.2% on a monthly basis, bringing the three-month moving average annualized pace to 2.0%. … READ MORE >
Regime change: Businesses face higher costs in nominal and real terms
Whether it is high single-digit borrowing costs for large multinationals or double-digit financing costs for middle market firms, elevated interest rates have become a fact of life for firm managers. … READ MORE >
Existing home sales plunge amid stable jobless claims
March proved challenging for the housing market, as sales of existing homes plummeted by 4.3%, marking the steepest drop since November 2022. … READ MORE >
Industrial production rebounds as housing starts plunge
Housing starts dropped by 14.7% to 1.32 million on an annualized rate, the lowest level since last August. … READ MORE >