Topic: Business Conditions

Business Conditions, Everyday Price Index

AIER’s Everyday Price Index Falls 1.3 Percent in August

– September 13, 2022

“AIER’s Everyday Price Index fell 1.3 in August, driven by plunging gasoline prices. An aggressive Fed tightening cycle, consumer pessimism, and fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine remain threats to the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Initial Claims Fall for the Fourth Consecutive Week

– September 8, 2022

“Weekly initial claims fell for a fourth consecutive week suggesting the labor market remains solid. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

August Services-Sector Activity Expands, Price Pressures Ease

– September 6, 2022

“Services-sector expansion continued in August. Labor and materials shortages also continued, but there were some positive signs. However, signs of softening demand and concern about a weakening economy were also noted.” ~ Robert Hughes

Auto Sales Stage Partial Rebound Following A Two-Month Plunge

Business Conditions

Unit Auto Sales Remained Weak in August

– September 2, 2022

“Light-vehicle sales were little changed in August but remained well below pre-pandemic ranges. Inventory hit a new low, and prices continued to rise.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Unemployment Rate Jumps and Job Gains Slow in August

– September 2, 2022

“Payrolls posted modest gains in August, and unemployment rates rose. Mixed signs for the labor market, sustained price pressures, and an intensifying Fed tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

August Manufacturing-Sector Survey Suggests Slow Growth and Less Intense Price Pressures

– September 1, 2022

“The latest manufacturing survey suggests modest expansion and significantly less-intense price pressures. Persistently elevated price increases and an intensifying Fed policy tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Consumer Confidence Improved in August, but Risks Remain

– August 30, 2022

“Consumer expectations improved in August, and inflation expectations eased slightly. An intensifying Fed tightening cycle, elevated price pressures, and the fallout from Russian aggression in Ukraine remain risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Consumer Sentiment Improved in August but Remains Low

– August 26, 2022

“Consumer sentiment improved in August but remains very low. Inflation expectations eased but uncertainty increased. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Revised Real GDP Posts Smaller Decline, Real Private Domestic Demand Increases

– August 25, 2022

“Revised real GDP posted a smaller decline in the second quarter, and real private domestic demand posted a gain. Persistently elevated rates of price increases, Fed tightening, and the war in Ukraine remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Weekly Initial Claims Post Small Drop

– August 25, 2022

“Weekly initial claims fell, suggesting the recent upward trend may be flattening. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Real Durable-goods Orders Fell in July

– August 24, 2022

“Real manufacturers’ new orders trend growth remains weak. Rising prices, Fed policy tightening, and global turmoil sustain elevated risks.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

New Single-Family Home Sales Continue to Plunge

– August 23, 2022

“New-home sales fell again in July, and inventories continued to surge. Elevated prices and mortgage rates reduce affordability and are likely to weaken future demand.” ~ Robert Hughes