The weak February employment data puts the first dent in the low-fire, low-hire framework that has defined the American labor market. … READ MORE >
Joe Brusuelas
Market Minute: China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil
China’s stockpiling of crude and diversification of supply suggest the ability to weather an approximately four-month cut from oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: Qatar’s key role in the global energy supply chain
The ripple effect of the closing of Qatar’s LNG export hub, the world’s largest, shows just how important Qatar and its exports of LNG are to the global energy supply chain. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: U.S. February jobs report preview
We forecast a net increase in total employment of 70,000 positions, supported by sustained growth in health care and private education. … READ MORE >
Economic implications of war in Middle East
In today’s American economy, spikes in oil prices do not present significant downside risk to top-line economic growth or inflation that they did a half century ago. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: Reality check for oil prices and production
Whatever volatility occurs in oil prices in the coming days, it is critical to note that the potential for economic damage and lasting inflation is restrained. … READ MORE >
Attack on Iran puts focus on energy markets
The primary focus across markets will be on the 20% of global petroleum and liquified natural gas that flows through Strait of Hormuz daily and the price of Brent crude, which stood at $72.87 per barrel on Friday. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: RSM GDP Nowcast showing 4.5% growth in first quarter
We can be confident that the rebound in government spending following the extended shutdown last fall will add about 1 to 1.5 percentage points to overall GDP growth. … READ MORE >
Market Minute: Rising uncertainty and a flight to safety
The yields on long-term Treasury securities have fallen to the bottom of their recent trading ranges, with the 10-year bond testing 4% and the 30-year note dropping below 4.7%. … READ MORE >
Are the new tariffs justified under section 122? No.
No matter how one looks the current circumstances—the condition of the U.S. economy, its balance of payments or its currency regime—none of these meet the standards outlined under Section 122. … READ MORE >