Under our base case, a loss of 2.5 million jobs is consistent with a 5.1% unemployment rate, 3% inflation and a likely recession under current economic conditions. … READ MORE >
Federal Reserve
Jobless claims and housing starts come in hotter than expected
Jobless claims and housing starts blew past forecasts in the most recent reports released Thursday, both showing stronger-than-expected results amid a looming economic downturn. … READ MORE >
It’s a matter of trust: Financial conditions tighten on stability risks
The RSM US Financial Conditions Index sits at 1.4 standard deviations below neutral, indicating increases in volatility and risk priced into financial assets. … READ MORE >
Retail sales and producer inflation fell in February
Retail sales dropped in February after surging in January, while producer inflation fell unexpectedly on the month, signaling easing demand pressures. … READ MORE >
February CPI: Balancing price stability vs. financial stability as inflation remains elevated
Inflation in the United States accelerated modestly in February, increasing by 0.4% on the month and by 6% on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Fed launches $25 billion lending program to prevent bank run
The $25 billion Bank Term Funding Program was necessary to prevent a much larger crisis that would spread through the financial channel to the real economy and almost certainly tip the economy into recession. … READ MORE >
U.S. job creation remains robust, implying more aggressive rate hikes
February showed a 311,000 net change in total employment amid a 3.6% unemployment rate and 4.6% increase in average hourly earnings on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Rising uncertainty stimulating a flight to cash
With the U.S. two-year yield now exceeding 5% and the Federal Reserve’s repo facility offering a return of 4.5%, capital is flowing into short-term securities in search of safety and yield. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims spike to highest level since December
New claims for jobless benefits last week came in hotter than expected at 211,000, significantly higher than the 190,000 of the previous week. … READ MORE >
RSM US Financial Conditions Index tightens as market sees a hard landing
The RSM US Financial Conditions Index inched down to 0.6 standard deviations below neutral as policymakers, investors and firm managers prepare for a period of higher interest rates and persistent inflation. … READ MORE >