Top-line U.S. inflation is moving back toward levels where it is appropriate for the Federal Reserve to pause in its efforts to restore price stability. … READ MORE >
Inflation
Interest rate outlook: Debt ceiling standoff raised the cost of doing business
The Treasury’s need to sell $1.1 trillion in debt along with a strong probability of another Federal Reserve rate hike or two will push interest rates higher, raising the cost of doing business. … READ MORE >
The wealth effect and the Great Resignation
As household balance sheets have ballooned for older workers, many have retired. The implications are only now beginning to be understood. … READ MORE >
Consumer confidence falls to six-month low
The top-line confidence level fell to 102.3 from an upwardly revised 103.7, the Conference Board reported on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
Have consumers maxed out their spending?
As consumer liquidity begins to dwindle, middle market businesses in the consumer products industry need adaptable tools to ensure profitability. … READ MORE >
About that recession: Resilience now, risks ahead
Despite elevated inflation and interest rates, as well as tightening financial conditions and softening demand for loans, the economy has chugged along, thanks in no small part to strong consumer spending. … READ MORE >
Retail sales rise as American consumers stay resilient
While the top-line number came out lower than expected, spending on retail goods continued to show an underlying strength in April. … READ MORE >
Consumer sentiment drops as inflation expectations rise
The report showed a marked increase in long-term inflation expectations for the next five to 10 years, rising to 3.2% from 3.0% to reach the highest level since 2011. … READ MORE >
Jobless claims and producer inflation show mixed results
Initial jobless claims rose by 9.1% last week to 264,000, the most since 2021 as producer prices rebounded in April, largely because of comparisons to the surging prices a year ago. … READ MORE >
Inflation remains sticky in April, rising by 4.9% over a year ago
April’s increase in the consumer price index was in line with RSM’s forecast of a 4.9% gain and the consensus estimate of 5%, and will most likely support the doves at the Federal Reserve who want to pause interest rate increases. … READ MORE >