We expect this strength to continue when the June employment report is released next Friday. Our provisional forecast implies a net gain of 225,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 3.7%. … READ MORE >
Economics
U.S. economy was a lot stronger in first quarter, final GDP estimate shows
The third and final estimate of gross domestic product showed a drastic upward revision to a 2.0% gain from 1.3% on a quarterly and annualized basis. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Slowdown continues
Manufacturers across much of the U.S. reported slowing activity in June. The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index remained 1.7 standard deviations below normal, the 14th consecutive month of negative values. … READ MORE >
Business equipment spending rises for the second straight month
Despite May’s top-line upside surprises in the durable goods report, our forecast for GDP growth in the second quarter stays at 1.8%. … READ MORE >
The benefits of diversity for middle market companies
For middle market businesses, the path to greater diversity, equity and inclusion can be difficult to navigate. But it helps companies gain a competitive edge. … READ MORE >
Is the economy headed for a recession? Jobless claims are saying yes.
Despite the labor market’s resilience and persistently low claims compared to historical norms, the steady increases in claims since late last year are ringing alarm bells. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims highest since November 2021
Initial jobless claims last week remained unchanged at 264,000, a figure that exceeded expectations and suggested that the robust labor market is softening. … READ MORE >
U.S. charitable donations fell last year
Donations to charity fell to $499 billion last year, a 3.4% decrease from 2021, according to a report released on Wednesday by Giving USA. … READ MORE >
Midyear global outlook: Slowdown followed by recovery as India leads the way
The global economy is in a precarious state these days, with the resilience that was exhibited earlier this year expected to fade. … READ MORE >
Housing starts and permits spike in May as sentiment improves
There were 1.6 million new housing starts in May—the most in two years and a 21.7% increase from the previous month. … READ MORE >