From continued investment in virtual trials to robotic injections, each week we highlight five things to know about in the life sciences industry. … READ MORE >
Covid-19
The housing market will endure interest rate hikes
While low interest rates have contributed to the increased demand for housing, the factors driving the market go beyond low rates and include a thriving economy, favorable demographics and a limited supply. … READ MORE >
RSM US Supply Chain Index posted the best result in a year
As much of the world prepares for a post-COVID phase, we believe that the worst of domestic supply chain issues are in the rear-view mirror. Yet rising infections in some countries, along with geopolitical tensions, could delay a full return to normal. … READ MORE >
FOMC’s policy decision: Rate hike, balance sheet reduction, revise down forecast, repeat
Policy normalization at the Federal Reserve took a giant step forward on Wednesday as the Federal Open Market Committee hiked the federal funds rate by 25 basis points while slashing its growth forecast and increasing its estimate of inflation. … READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales lag inflation in February amid rising energy prices
Retail sales growth fell behind inflation increases in February, posting a weak 0.3% increase, as growth slowed down in most categories except gasoline stations. … READ MORE >
Service sector moderated amid rising prices and labor crunch
The service sector registered slower growth in February as inflation and labor shortages remained top concerns, according to a report from the Institute for Supply Management on Thursday. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims continue to decline
Initial jobless claims last week continued to trend down toward the pre-pandemic level after a period of temporary increases because of the omicron variant. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Consumer confidence slides
Consumer confidence ticked down in February as expectations for the economy softened. … READ MORE >
RSM US Supply Chain Index: Omicron pauses improvement
Stress in the U.S. supply chain increased in January as the omicron surge temporarily put some parts of the overall production to a halt. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: U.S. housing permits reach 15-year high
Housing starts declined by 4.1% in January on an annualized rate. But housing starts remained well above the long-term equilibrium for housing supply of around 1.5 million a year. … READ MORE >