Because of supply conditions and easing demand, domestic gasoline prices peaked at $3.67 per gallon for regular on April 18 and have declined since then. They are poised to decline even further. … READ MORE >
Inflation
Consumer sentiment falls more than expected
Consumer sentiment dropped to 65.6 in June, a seven-month low, which was much less than expected with declining sentiment on personal finances as the focus, according to the University of Michigan survey. … READ MORE >
PCE inflation preview: From noise to norm, rate cuts are on the horizon
Following the release of the consumer price index and producer price index this week, we are now forecasting a 0.084% increase in the May personal consumption expenditures index, translating to a 2.6% increase on a year-over-year basis. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims jump as inflation continues to improve
The weekly initial jobless claims figure was the highest level in almost a year, nearing the threshold of 250,000 that in our view signals conditions for a possible recession. … READ MORE >
FOMC holds rates steady but is divided on their direction
Seven FOMC members supported one cut this year, eight supported two and four supported no cuts. Overall, the forecast projects a 5.125% rate later this year. … READ MORE >
U.S. consumer price index cools in May as gas and transportation costs decline
The encouraging May CPI data released by the Labor Department on Thursday is likely to be the first in a string of constructive inflation reports that will define policy normalization at the Fed. … READ MORE >
U.S. financial conditions update: A shift in structure and a new center of gravity
The RSM US Financial Conditions Index turned positive in January and has centered at 0,25 standard deviations above zero since March, indicating the normal level of risk priced into financial securities. … READ MORE >
U.S. jobs report: Strong demand for labor continues its remarkable run in May
Labor demand continues to increase at a remarkably strong pace, which removes the prospect of a July rate hike and creates the sense that the Federal Reserve may fall further behind other central banks as they pivot to lower rates. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Dot plot to imply two rate cuts this year
We expect the Federal Open Market Committee to keep its policy rate unchanged between a rate of 5.25% and 5.5% at its meeting next week. … READ MORE >
Global central bank policy pivot continues as ECB cuts rate
The rate cuts in Europe and Canada are likely to be followed by the Bank of England in August and the Fed this fall. … READ MORE >