Economic Update 12-14-2020 In a lighter week for economic data, releases included minor increases in producer and consumer prices, and higher-than-expected jobless claims as an uptick in Covid cases continues to weigh on the jobs market. Consumer sentiment improved with the Covid vaccine news, along with inflation expectations falling a bit. Global stocks declined last […]

Economic Update 12-07-2020 Economic data for the week included slightly weaker ISM manufacturing and services, although the underlying metrics continued to show expansion. The employment situation report for November showed a significant slowing of job growth compared to the recovery over the past six months, due to rising Covid cases. U.S. equity markets led the […]

Economic Update 11-30-2020 In a shortened holiday week, economic data included stronger housing prices but a decline in sales, mixed personal income/spending results, and lower consumer sentiment as Covid cases again pick up. U.S. and foreign equity markets both experienced gains last week, as positive sentiment continued. Bonds were mixed, with U.S. corporates and foreign […]

Economic Update 11-23-2020 Economic data for the week included increases in retail sales, industrial production, and several housing metrics; a pair of regional manufacturing indexes decelerated but remained solidly in expansion. World equity markets moved in different directions last week, with U.S. stocks declining and foreign stocks rising. Bonds fared well, as interest rates globally […]

Economic Update 11-16-2020 In a light week for economic data, releases included slight increases in producer and consumer prices, slow improvements for labor, and weaker consumer sentiment. Global equity markets rallied strongly upon the more solidified U.S. election results from the prior week, and the announcement of promising Covid vaccine trials. Bonds fell back in […]

Economic Update 11-09-2020 Economic data for the week included a stronger-than-expected employment situation report, and rising manufacturing and construction activity, yet slightly decelerating results for services. U.S. equity markets gained strongly, with the Biden Presidential win and Congressional composition pointing to a status quo policy outcome. Foreign stocks followed, helped by a weaker dollar. Bonds […]

Economic Update 11-02-2020 Economic data for the week included U.S. GDP for the 3rd quarter that rebounded in similar fashion to expectations, relative strength in areas such as personal income and durable goods, while housing data and consumer sentiment were mixed. Global markets suffered their worst few sessions in months last week, as rising Covid […]

Economic Update 10-26-2020 Economic data for the week included continued strength in housing data, an improvement in jobless claims, as well as continued growth in the index of leading economic indicators, albeit at a decelerated rate from the past few months. U.S. equity markets declined with continued uncertainty over a Congressional stimulus package; foreign stocks […]

There is a lot at stake – and a lot of noise – around the upcoming US presidential election. So, what should investors actually focus on? In this short video, AB’s Chief Market Strategist, Rick Brink, analyzes the potential election outcomes and their policy implications that could impact markets in the short and medium term. […]

Economic Update 10-19-2020 Economic data for the week included strength in retail sales and consumer sentiment, regional manufacturing reports were mixed, while industrial production fell back. Producer and consumer inflation ticked up slightly, while jobless claims remain challenged. Flattish U.S. equity markets outperformed foreign stocks, which declined last week, along with mixed political and economic […]