A confluence of events triggered by supply chain disruptions, global security tensions and a changing political landscape has resulted in a boom in manufacturing construction. Call it the return of industrial policy. … READ MORE >
Industrials
Mixed signals from retail sales and industrial production data ahead of Fed meeting
Underlying retail sales showed a strong increase in June while industrial production posted another sharp drop, giving mixed signals on the health of the economy heading toward a pivotal period for rate hike decisions. … READ MORE >
Manufacturing sector gained jobs in June, labor shortage remained
Even with the job growth in June, the softening in the manufacturing job market has continued since November as the sector adapts to the slowdown in overall manufacturing activity. … READ MORE >
This week in energy: Summer brings the heat; clean energy investment on the rise
This week we look at weaknesses in the existing energy grid, the case for improved natural gas infrastructure and the rise in clean energy investment. … 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 >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Downturn continues
The combination of monetary policy tightening and geopolitical pressures on energy prices and demand has taken its toll on the U.S. manufacturing sector. … READ MORE >
This week in energy: FERC cybersecurity investment rule, oil prices, Canada wildfires
In this week’s energy industry roundup, we examine a new federal rule that allows certain electric utilities to recover cybersecurity investment costs, the bearish oil market and the impact of wildfires in Canada. … READ MORE >
Business spending on equipment falls more than expected
Orders and shipments of core capital goods that exclude defense and aircraft spending, a key measure of private business investment, both fell by 0.4% in March. … READ MORE >
Activity at top 10 U.S. ports signals softening economy; manufacturing activity contracts
February inbound container shipments at the top 10 U.S. ports hit their lowest level since before the pandemic, according to the latest available port data aggregated by Bloomberg. … READ MORE >