There were 4.38 million existing homes sold in February, up by 9.5% from a month ago, the National Association of Realtors reported on Thursday. … READ MORE >
interest rates
Fed holds rates steady as it implies three rate cuts in 2024
The primary takeaway from the Federal Open Market Committee’s policy statement and forecast is that the Fed, along with other major central banks, are likely to provide a near-synchronized set of rate cuts this year and next. … READ MORE >
February’s inflation in Canada makes case for rate cuts
Canada’s consumer price index fell to 2.8% February, marking the second consecutive month of easing inflation and bolstering the case for the Bank of Canada to cut rates in June. … READ MORE >
Housing starts and permits beat forecasts as completions reach 17-year high
Housing starts rose by 10.7% in February, while permits increased by 1.9%, according to data released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales in February grew at the fastest rate since September
Once the seasonal factors in January’s data faded away, overall spending at retail stores, restaurants and online remained solid as consumers continued to benefit from a strong labor market and growing incomes. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: A status quo meeting
We anticipate that the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on March 19 and 20 will maintain the status quo in its policies. … READ MORE >
February consumer price index: Sticky yet under control
Inflation remains below wage growth as real hourly wages increased by 1.1% on the month and on a year-ago basis. … READ MORE >
Canada’s jobs report offers mixed messages on rates
The economy added 40,700 jobs, exceeding expectations and a sign of remaining steam that could keep the economy afloat for a few more months. … READ MORE >
U.S. employment report: Robust hiring continued in February
Sustained demand for labor in the American economy was on vivid display on Friday as the Labor Department reported that 275,000 jobs were created in February. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada maintains interest rate at 5%
The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate unchanged at 5% for the fifth time in a row as it continued to wait for inflation to further moderate. … READ MORE >