Job openings inched up to more than 9 million, surpassing expectations and reflecting strong demand in December. … READ MORE >
Federal Reserve
Financial conditions turn positive amid economic resilience
For the first time since February 2022, the RSM US Financial Conditions Index has turned positive amid a robust economy, strong labor market, easing inflation and rising real wages. … READ MORE >
Spending remains strong as a key inflation gauge declines toward Fed’s target
Inflation dynamics to close out last year strongly point to a near-term return to the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target amid a solid labor market, strong spending and real income gains. … READ MORE >
U.S. economy booms at a 3.3% pace in the fourth quarter
The U.S. economy last year expanded by a robust, above-trend pace of 3.1% and a fourth quarter pace on a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3%. … READ MORE >
Consumer sentiment rises above expectations in January
Consumer sentiment rose in January to 78.8 from 69.7, much higher than the median consensus forecast of 70.1. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims and housing starts post upside surprises
Filings for jobless benefits fell last week to the lowest level in 16 months, a testament for how resilient the labor market continues to be. … READ MORE >
Retail sales and industrial production point to a strong end of the year
Retail sales blowing past expectations while industrial production volume stayed solid, according to government data released Wednesday. … READ MORE >
The price of eggs and public sentiment
While inflation continues to recede, higher prices continue to affect household finances, causing the public to evaluate the economy as sour. … READ MORE >
December CPI: Sticky service and housing prices illustrate the difficult last mile in inflation fight
Despite a three-month annualized top-line inflation pace of 1.8% and a six-month rate of 3.3%, prices in the service sector, which comprises 62% of the overall index, increased by 5% on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Rate normalization and the return of risk
Conditions are ripe for the yield curve to continue to normalize as the long end moves to a range between 4% and 4.25%. … READ MORE >