The number of initial claims for jobless benefits rose slightly to 219,000 last week, close to our forecast and the pre-pandemic average of 218,000. … READ MORE >
USA
Market minute: Soft economic landing at risk
Businesses, and the economy overall, face uncertainty amid the regime change in the global economy. … READ MORE >
4 key themes from Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired 2025 conference
Bank Director’s 2025 Acquire or Be Acquired conference in January brought professionals from financial institutions together for an update on the economic landscape and to identify opportunities for growth and innovation. … READ MORE >
Housing starts plunge amid severe weather and elevated mortgage rates
The one-time seasonal factors that contributed to the decline should subside. Permits for new buildings and homes held up in January, rising by 0.1%. … READ MORE >
Market minute: The ripple effect of higher European defense spending
A common European Union defense buildup would provide substantial relief to many manufacturers, particularly in Germany. … READ MORE >
Market minute: U.S. housing supply is not meeting demand
One reason for the inadequate supply is that many homeowners are sitting on low-rate mortgages locked in during the pandemic and before. … READ MORE >
5 things to know in life sciences: Week of Feb. 10, 2025
Large pharmaceutical companies are turning to AI more frequently, despite some challenges. This and more in this week’s update. … READ MORE >
The new mercantilism: Tariffs and currency manipulation in an era of U.S.-China tensions
After decades of growing trade and current account imbalances in the U.S., the new administration has set out to change this equation. Now, a new mercantilism, rooted in tariffs and trade protection, is emerging. … READ MORE >
The decline in January retail sales is less concerning than it might seem
The January retail sales report is one of those rare occasions where looking at the 12-month change makes more sense than the monthly metric. … READ MORE >
The impact of tariffs: Balancing costs, supply chain and profitability
Raising tariffs can drive up consumer prices, lower demand and hurt business profitability. … READ MORE >