Executives in the defense technology ecosystem continue to experience rising costs and supply chain disruptions. However, growing international demand and technological innovation are driving optimism and investment for the future. The executives shared their perspectives recently in earnings calls ... READ MORE >
inflation
U.S. April Consumer Price Index: Peak inflation provides no solace
About the best one can say about the April inflation report is that year-over-year metrics appear to have topped while core inflation increased, and housing costs that are up 6.5% from a year ago are now a policy issue that needs to be addressed. The data inside the report reflects a shift in demand ... READ MORE >
The price of war: Risks around the inflation outlook
While we expect the annual inflation rate to peak this quarter as comparisons to the lower levels of a year ago wear off, the risk of rising prices will remain as the twin shocks of the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s coronavirus shutdowns endure. These price shocks will have the biggest effect on ... READ MORE >
Canada’s inflation hits 6.7% as the global oil shock sets in
Inflation in Canada hit 6.7% in March, up from 5.7% in February and the largest year-over-year increase since January 1991 as supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and a reopening economy all had an effect. Excluding gasoline, inflation rose 5.5% from a year ago, the fastest since the index of ... READ MORE >
The illusion of inventory and price controls in the current economy
Systemic disruptions of supply chains over the past two years because of the pandemic and, more recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine have renewed calls for political authorities to do something about soaring prices. With inflation standing at 8.5% and risks of another oil and energy price ... READ MORE >
Domestic producer prices rose 11.2% in March amid Ukraine war
A key inflation gauge, recorded by domestic producers, reached a new high in March as the ripple effect on energy and food prices from the war in Ukraine began to make its way to the production line. The producer price index for final goods and services rose 11.2% from a year ago, posting double-digit ... READ MORE >
Inflation marches higher, hitting 8.5% compared to a year ago
Long ago and far away, it was once taught that inflation has long and variable lags. That still probably applies when setting policy, managing a portfolio or making longer-term investments as top-line inflation jumped by 1.2% in March to 8.5% on a year-ago basis, according to government data released ... READ MORE >
A key inflation gauge surged in February, dampening spending
The likelihood of a 50 basis-point rate hike by the Federal Reserve in May increased on Thursday as the government reported that a key inflation gauge continued to surge in February. The data for the personal consumption expenditures price index came as another strong jobs report is expected on ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Initial jobless claims lowest since 1969
New filings for U.S. jobless benefits last week dropped to the lowest point since 1969 as the tight labor market showed no sign of cooling. The number of new claims fell to 187,000 from 215,000 in the prior week, significantly below the pre-pandemic level in 2019 of 218,000, according to government ... 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 to between 25 and 50 basis points while slashing its growth forecast and increasing its estimate of inflation. The announcement ... READ MORE >