Investments in business equipment posted a sharp rebound in January after two consecutive months of disappointing declines. … READ MORE >
Tuan Nguyen
January’s spending shows a hot economy despite rate hikes
The Fed’s key gauge of inflation—the personal consumption expenditures deflator—rose by 0.6% on the month for both the top-line and the core numbers, bringing the year-over-year inflation to 5.4% and 4.7% for the two series, respectively. … READ MORE >
Initial jobless claims inch down amid tight labor market
New filings for jobless benefits inched down last week to 192,000, remaining below the pre-pandemic level where they have been since December. … READ MORE >
Canada’s annual inflation slows again, yet Bank of Canada’s work is not done
The consumer price index rose by 5.9% from 12 months ago in January, down from 6.3% in December, and lower than the market’s forecast at 6.1%. … READ MORE >
U.S. inventories are growing at twice the rate of sales
The surge in inventories raises the risk that firms will be caught with excess supplies just as demand begins to slow down this year. … READ MORE >
Jobs and inflation data show a still-strong economy
Both producer inflation and jobless claims came in stronger than expected in the most recent government reports released on Thursday. The data adds further pressure on the Federal Reserve as it aims to steer the economy toward a soft landing. … READ MORE >
Retail sales post strong gains in January, though it may not last
Sales increased by 3.0% on the month and by 2.3% if automobiles are excluded, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. … READ MORE >
Inflation grew faster in January, bolstering the case for more rate hikes
January’s Consumer Price Index increased by 0.5% on the month, rising from a 0.1% increase in December, and by 6.4% on a 12-month basis, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
Canada adds a robust 150,000 jobs in January as wage growth eases
Robust job gains combined with the unemployment rate holding steady near a record low at 5% should push the expectations of a recession—even a mild one—on hold, or at least push them to the second half of the year. … READ MORE >
Jobless claims rise, but remain below pre-pandemic level
New filings for unemployment benefits increased by 7.1% to 196,000 for the week ending Feb. 4, the Labor Department reported on Thursday. … READ MORE >