Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here's the latest. FDA approves new self-collection approach to cervical cancer screening According to the Washington Post, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a newly developed screening test for cervical cancer that ... READ MORE >
USA
Soft housing and manufacturing data fuels prospect of rate cut
Economic data on housing, manufacturing and jobs released on Thursday pointed to softer-than-expected economic activity in the second quarter. Most notably was April’s data on housing starts and permits, which not only came in below estimates, but prior readings were also revised down. Rising mortgage ... READ MORE >
New tariffs on medical equipment could strain health care and life sciences supply chains
Health care and life sciences organizations’ operations could be affected by recent tariff increases on Chinese medical equipment imports as part of a broader economic regime shift to embrace industrial policy. The Biden administration, in an effort to address what it calls unfair trade policies and ... READ MORE >
Retail demand shows weakness, leading to first inflation dip in 6 months
In a noteworthy turn, core goods prices have experienced a continued decline, contributing to the first dip in inflation in six months, according to April’s consumer price index. April's retail sales data paints a picture of stagnation, hinting at a weakening consumer base grappling with high interest ... READ MORE >
CPI resumes disinflationary trend in April amid weakened retail sales
The drop in April’s consumer price index was a much-needed step in the right direction in the Federal Reserve's effort to tame inflation and provided hope for potential rate cuts this year. Retail sales, in another key report released on Wednesday, indicated a much weaker April, explaining the extended ... READ MORE >
Producer price offers mixed result ahead of CPI release
The producer price index increased by 0.5% in April, above estimates, as both goods and services prices accelerated, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Tuesday. The increase, however, was offset by a downward revision to March’s number, from a 0.2% increase to a 0.1% decline. That ... READ MORE >
Interest rate volatility: Why Fed policy guidance is less effective
In less than a year, the 10-year yield has moved more than 350 basis points in both directions, a volatility not seen since the financial crisis. The MOVE Index, a measure of bond market volatility, has experienced what can politely be called excessive volatility since the Federal Reserve started ... READ MORE >
Intervening in foreign exchange markets: The poverty of dollar devaluation
The United States has become a magnet for global capital as investors flock to its resilient economy because of interest rate and growth differentials between the U.S. and its major trading partners and a structural budget deficit featuring robust spending on infrastructure, supply chain resilience and ... READ MORE >
U.S. consumer sentiment plunges on rising inflation
The sharp drop in consumer sentiment in May seems more like an overreaction to rising gasoline prices and overall inflation, rather than a reliable indicator for future spending. Inflation expectations rose sharply to 3.5% from 3.2% for the next 12 months while longer-term expectations inched up to ... READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of May 6, 2024
Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here's the latest. Biopharma industry challenges Biosecure Act BioCentury reports that the biopharma industry is actively lobbying for changes to the Biosecure Act aiming to modify legislative measures that could impact U.S. ... READ MORE >