The increase in productivity has most likely been a catalyst for both robust economic growth and disinflation over the past year. … READ MORE >
Joseph Brusuelas
FOMC policy decision: Setting the predicate for rate cuts
The Federal Reserve shifted its bias on monetary policy away from tightening to a balance of risks that favors neither rate hikes nor cuts. … READ MORE >
RSM US Manufacturing Outlook Index: Pullback tempered by rise in capex
The pullback was tempered by an increase in capital expenditures, a reflection of the resilience in the American economy. … READ MORE >
Financial conditions turn positive amid economic resilience
For the first time since February 2022, the RSM US Financial Conditions Index has turned positive amid a robust economy, strong labor market, easing inflation and rising real wages. … READ MORE >
FOMC preview: Modest adjustments will lead to pivot by midyear
The FOMC next week will almost certainly leave its policy rate unchanged between 5.25% and 5.5% and maintain the pace of quantitative tightening. … READ MORE >
Spending remains strong as a key inflation gauge declines toward Fed’s target
Inflation dynamics to close out last year strongly point to a near-term return to the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target amid a solid labor market, strong spending and real income gains. … READ MORE >
U.S. economy booms at a 3.3% pace in the fourth quarter
The U.S. economy last year expanded by a robust, above-trend pace of 3.1% and a fourth quarter pace on a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3%. … READ MORE >
A rail merger and the evolution of North America’s supply chain
The merger of two major North American railroads will create a rail network that reaches both coasts and runs through the middle of the continent. … READ MORE >
Friend-shoring and a new era of U.S. trade
Fragmentation of economic, financial and trade relationships is now the norm as trading and security blocs continue to form around the world. … READ MORE >
How attacks on ships in the Red Sea are affecting trade
Trade through the Red Sea accounts for 15% of total global sea trade, including vital supplies of grains, seaborn liquid natural gas and oil. … READ MORE >