Total retail sales jumped 0.7% on the month, while February’s number was revised up to 0.9% from 0.6%. … READ MORE >
Economics
Geopolitical tensions and the rising oil risk premium threaten global recovery
Global oil markets are pricing in a risk premium of $7 to $10 a barrel in the wake of Iran’s drone attacks on Israel over the weekend, posing the single largest risk to the current global economic recovery. … READ MORE >
U.S. consumer sentiment falls as inflation stays sticky
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 77.9 in April from 79.4, according to data released on Friday. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada holds its rate at 5% in dovish statement
The Bank of Canada has signaled that it is ready to take the foot off the brakes in June as long as job and inflation numbers progress as expected. … READ MORE >
Hot inflation data dims prospects for a Fed rate cut in June
The year-ago consumer price index rose to 3.5% from 3.2% for overall inflation and stalled at 3.8% for the core inflation reading. … READ MORE >
Financial markets update: An improved outlook for corporate borrowing
With spreads on corporate bonds easing, borrowing by firms will bolster a sustained expansion and an economy that outperforms expectations this year. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada preview: A dovish tone with rate cuts on horizon
The Bank of Canada will almost certainly leave its policy rate unchanged when it meets this week, but the tone of its statement will shift to dovish. … READ MORE >
Canada’s unemployment rate surpasses 6% for the first time in over two years
While Canada has added more than 300,000 jobs over the past year, the working age population has grown by more than a million, resulting an inevitable rise in the unemployment rate. … READ MORE >
U.S. jobs report: American exceptionalism amid dynamic growth
The American economy continued to show resilience in March, adding 303,000 jobs as the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%. … READ MORE >
Initial claims reflect remarkable job security in American economy
First-time claims increased to 221,000 from an upwardly revised 212,000 during the previous week. … READ MORE >