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 >
Industrials
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 >
Jobless claims and producer prices point to a further slowdown
For the Federal Reserve, the new data bolstered the case that it will pause its rate increases after one final hike in this cycle on May 3. … READ MORE >
This week in energy: Surprise OPEC+ cuts, energy project legislation, electricity demand growth
We examine the aftermath of the OPEC+ surprise cut announcement, a proposed bill to expedite energy projects, and transmission constraints on electricity demand growth. … READ MORE >
Job openings and factory orders soften amid recession concerns
Job openings and factory orders came in lower than expected on Tuesday, continuing to show signs of softening economic demand that should work in the Federal Reserve’s favor in fighting inflation. When the new data is combined with softer economic data released recently, the risk of a recession in … … READ MORE >
Manufacturing continues to show recession signs
The manufacturing sector contracted for the fourth month in a row in March as the pace of the decline accelerated, according to ISM data. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Slowdown continues
According to the RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index based on those surveys, manufacturing activity remains at 1.8 standard deviations below normal. … READ MORE >