The RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index remained solid in December at 1.3 standard deviations above neutral as the economy continued to expand into the end of the year. But that strength is in question as the omicron variant continues to spread. … READ MORE >
coronavirus
Consumer confidence surveys reflect a bifurcation of the nation’s economy
Recent readings of consumer confidence are revealing an increasingly bifurcated economy as households continue to grapple with the pandemic. … READ MORE >
Consumer confidence improves despite concern over omicron variant and inflation
The Conference Board’s headline consumer confidence index rose by 3.9 points to 115.8 on the month, the largest increase in three months and the highest since July, according to data from the Conference Board on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Canada’s retail sales increased by 1.6% in October but new virus threat looms
Retail sales climbed by 1.6% to $57.6 billion in October thanks to rebounding sales of motor vehicles and parts, but the data was captured before the stunning recent surge of the omicron variant. … READ MORE >
Government services contractors continue to contend with labor issues, pandemic fallout
While government services contractors battle a tight labor market and ongoing supply chain disruptions, they emerged from the third quarter of 2021 excited for advances in digital warfare and the future of defense. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Supply chain issues ease as demand-pull inflation rises
Estimates of logistics data in the RSM US Supply Chain Index, as seen in the index’s Nowcast, point to improved conditions in the U.S. supply chain heading into the end of the year. … READ MORE >
FOMC meeting: Setting the stage for three rate hikes in 2022
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday set the stage for multiple increases in the federal funds policy rate next year by accelerating the tapering of asset purchases to $30 billion per month, up from $15 billion. The tapering should be wrapped up by March. … READ MORE >
Five things that retail sales tell us about holiday shopping
Navigating the strong headwinds from the pandemic has not been easy for retailers this holiday season, but here are five things we have learned about their response as reflected in the November retail sales data released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Canada inflation steady at 4.7% amid high gasoline and food prices
Canada’s inflation in November remained at 4.7% on an annual basis, primarily because of increasing prices for gasoline, food and shelter, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
U.S. November retail sales: Consumer spending moderates
The American consumer has held up remarkably well during the recent surge in inflation. But that was not the case in November as the pace of spending moderated to an 0.3% increase, which is likely because of an adjustment to rising prices. … READ MORE >