A series of economic reports released on Thursday showed a much more resilient economy than expected heading into a crucial period when the Federal Reserve is on the verge of hiking interest rates again. … READ MORE >
Economics
Spending and inflation cool in May
Inflation continued to decelerate in May as the Federal Reserve’s key pricing metric—the personal consumption expenditures index—grew by only 3.8% from a year ago, the lowest level in more than two years. … READ MORE >
June jobs preview: Low unemployment shows a rapidly evolving labor market
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 >
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 >