Inflation in the United States accelerated modestly in February, increasing by 0.4% on the month and by 6% on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Inflation
Canada’s job gains came in hotter than expected as wage growth spiked
The net change in Canada’s total employment dropped to 21,800 from a whopping 150,000 increase in January yet remained above the expectations of only 10,000. … READ MORE >
U.S. job creation remains robust, implying more aggressive rate hikes
February showed a 311,000 net change in total employment amid a 3.6% unemployment rate and 4.6% increase in average hourly earnings on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims spike to highest level since December
New claims for jobless benefits last week came in hotter than expected at 211,000, significantly higher than the 190,000 of the previous week. … READ MORE >
Job openings remained plentiful in January, adding to pressure on the Fed
January’s job openings—a proxy for labor demand—fell to 10.8 million from an upwardly revised 11.2 million in December. … READ MORE >
RSM US Financial Conditions Index tightens as market sees a hard landing
The RSM US Financial Conditions Index inched down to 0.6 standard deviations below neutral as policymakers, investors and firm managers prepare for a period of higher interest rates and persistent inflation. … READ MORE >
February’s jobs report is likely to generate more questions than answers
We expect a net change in total employment of 310,000 when the jobs data for February is released on Friday, with many of the gains attributable to seasonal fluctuations in hiring. … READ MORE >
New jobless claims fall again amid strong labor market
New claims dropped by 2,000 to 190,000 for the week ending Feb. 24, lower than the pre-pandemic average at 218,000, according to Labor Department data released on Thursday. … READ MORE >
Consumer confidence falls in February amid a worsening outlook
The top-line confidence index dropped to 102.9 from 106.0 in the prior month, while the expectations index fell to 69.7 from 76.0. … READ MORE >
Canada’s economy stalled even as consumer spending held up
The Canadian economy stalled in the fourth quarter, eking out a 0.03% gain in what was a significant downside surprise from expectations of a 1.6% increase.= … READ MORE >