Nearly three years into the pandemic, we can use the experience of these programs to understand what worked and be better prepared for the next health or financial crisis. … READ MORE >
Federal Reserve
Back-to-normal supply chain fuels disinflation tailwind
Supply chains in the United States continued to recover in December, remaining at the pre-COVID level for the sixth straight month, according to the RSM US Supply Chain Index. … READ MORE >
The pandemic response: Assessing the Main Street Lending Program
The Main Street Lending Program was the Federal Reserve’s most direct intervention in the bank loan market since in the 1930s and 1940s … READ MORE >
Home sales dropped by 17.8% last year in biggest drop since 2008
December’s sales declined by 1.5% to 4.02 million units annualized. That brought the total number of units sold last year to 5.03 million, 17.8% lower than in 2021. … READ MORE >
Housing starts fell last year for the first time since 2009
Housing starts dropped by 1.4% on an annualized month-ago basis, while building permits fell by 1.6%. For all of last year, housing starts fell by 3%. … READ MORE >
Shipping costs from China plunge, helping ease inflation
Shipping costs from Shanghai to American seaports reached a peak last January, decelerated during the first half of the year and have plunged since June. … READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales and producer inflation fall as spending weakens
Retail sales and producer inflation data came in lower than expected in December, giving the Federal Reserve more reasons to begin to slow down its rate hikes. … READ MORE >
U.S. inflation eases in December, supporting a moderation in Fed rate hikes
Top-line inflation declined by 0.1% on the month in December and increased by 6.5% on an annual basis. … READ MORE >
U.S. financial markets in the new year
Financial markets have started the year facing a host of challenges, including the prospect of a stand-off over the debt ceiling in a divided Congress and the possibility of a recession later this year. … READ MORE >
U.S. economy generates 4.5 million jobs in 2022 as labor market remains hot
The American economy added 223,000 jobs in December, the unemployment rate fell to 3.5% and wages increased by 4.6%. … READ MORE >