Economic Update 05-24-2021 Economic data for the week included declines but still-strong readings for key regional manufacturing indexes, and a pullback in home sales and starts, while jobless claims improved and the index of leading economic indicators continue to show strength. U.S. equity markets declined last week, and underperformed gains in foreign markets along with […]

Economic Update 05-17-2021 Economic data for the week included a surprise higher for consumer inflation, with the strongest monthly report in decades, along with strong readings for producer price inflation and import prices. Industrial production also came in positively, while retail sales and consumer sentiment fell back a bit from a stronger prior months. Equity […]

Economic Update 05-10-2021 Economic data for the week included pullbacks but still historically-strong showings for manufacturing and services. While jobless claims improved, the employment situation report for April proved a disappointment. U.S. equity markets fared positively last week, upon the heels of strong earnings reports and continued improvement in the global economy. Foreign stocks outperformed, […]

Economic Update 05-03-2021 The Federal Reserve meeting last week resulted in no changes in policy, per expectations. Economic data included strong advance GDP results for Q1, as anticipated; and durable goods orders, housing prices, and consumer confidence all experienced growth. U.S. equity markets were mixed to lower for the week, outperforming foreign stocks that lost […]

Economic Update 04-26-2021 Economic data for the week included a pullback in existing home sales, while new home sales, the index of leading economic indicators, and jobless claims all improved. U.S. equity markets were mixed to lower last week, but outperformed developed markets, while emerging markets ended with a small gain. Bonds were little changed, […]

Economic Update 04-19-2021 Economic data for the week included several robust reports that demonstrate early economic recovery from the pandemic, with favorable ‘base effects’ from low points last March. These include strong readings for retail sales, housing starts, and several regional manufacturing indexes. Jobless claims have also improved. Global stocks gained last week with continued […]

Economic Update 04-12-2021 Economic data for the week included historical strength in ISM services, coupled with strength in job openings, and an especially strong increase in producer prices. U.S. equity markets gained ground last week, outperforming foreign markets, which also showed gains to a lesser degree. Bonds also fared well with interest rates falling back […]

Economic Update 04-05-2021 On a holiday-shortened week, economic data included strong manufacturing data, as well as continued growth in home prices and consumer confidence. Jobless claims rose a bit, but the March employment situation report came in showing stronger-than-expected recovery. Global equity markets were mixed to higher last week, along with continued improving economic news. […]

Economic Update 03-29-2021 Economic data for the week included a small upgrade for the prior month’s GDP growth rate, as well as declines in durable goods orders and several housing metrics—largely due to the prior month’s winter weather challenges. Consumer sentiment and jobless claims were slightly improved. U.S. equity markets outperformed foreign last week, with […]

Economic Update 03-22-2021 Economic data for the week included a drop in February retail sales and industrial production, as did several housing metrics. However, several regional manufacturing indexes showed strong gains. Global equity markets were mixed last week, as continued Covid concerns abroad competed with increasing activity, especially in the U.S., leading to rising interest […]