The goods trade deficit set another record low in September at $96.3 billion as American demand remained strong, according to the Census Bureau advance report on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Delta variant
Bank of Canada talks like a hawk and walks like a dove as it keeps rates steady
The emerging trend of central banks talking like hawks and walking like doves amid supply chain disruptions and persistent inflation continued as the Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 0.25% on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Signs of strength in durable goods orders
Durable goods orders fell by 0.4% in September after a strong gain of 1.3% in August. But even with this decline, investment in the private sector as seen in core capital goods orders remained strong, suggesting continued robust growth. … READ MORE >
The new RSM US Financial Conditions Index shows a favorable investment climate
Financial conditions in the United States continue to be highly favorable for investment despite the recent rise in some asset classes, according to the new RSM US Financial Conditions Index. … READ MORE >
New home sales highest since March
New home sales increased by 14% in September to 800,000, the highest since March, indicating that strong demand for new houses continued to drive the market. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Rising consumer confidence
The headline Consumer Confidence Index rose to 113.8, up from 109.8 in September, as consumers expressed a more buoyant view of the economy, according to Conference Board data released on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
GDP preview: Look for 2.9% growth in third quarter
Economic growth in the third quarter will capture the impact of the delta variant on the economy as disruptions to global supply chains and rising inflation have dampened American household consumption and fixed investment by businesses. … READ MORE >
Inflation in Canada persists amid shortages
Inflation is proving to be persistent in Canada, with the Consumer Price Index increasing at an annual pace of 4.4% in September amid shortages of workers and supplies. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: U.S. housing starts and permits slowed amid shortages
Housing starts and permits stayed below expectations in September, signaling a supply slowdown because of shortages of materials and labor. … READ MORE >
Chart of the day: U.S. industrial production fell as Ida’s impact lingered
The impact of Hurricane Ida continued to be a drag on industrial production in September, accounting for a significant drop not only in mining but also in manufacturing output. … READ MORE >