Consumer Confidence Jumps as Outlook Continues to Improve
“Consumer attitudes improved significantly in March, but consumer confidence remains at historically moderate levels, and concerns about consumer-price increases are rising.” – Robert Hughes
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Household Net Worth Hits A Record While Debt Service Remains Low
“Despite restrictive government policies and recession, aggregate household net worth rose to a new record, but financial health varies widely across cohorts.” – Robert Hughes
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Vaccinations and Stimulus Boost Consumer Sentiment As Impatience Also Rises
“Consumer sentiment rose in March, driven by vaccine distribution and stimulus benefits while impatience with lockdowns has also risen. Recent data suggest an improving outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Initial Claims Fall to the Lowest Level of the Pandemic
“Initial claims fell to the lowest level of the pandemic, reflecting the benefits of easing government restrictions and suggesting an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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New Orders for Durable-Goods Pull Back Slightly in February
“Manufacturers’ new orders for durable goods fell in February but the overall outlook continues to improve with the easing of government lockdowns.” – Robert Hughes
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New Single-Family Home Sales Fell in February
“Despite a drop in February, the single-family housing market remains a bright spot for the economy, supported by low interest rates and strong demand, but headwinds may be forming.” – Robert Hughes
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Existing-Home Sales Fell in February as the Outlook Becomes Clouded
“Existing-home sales fell in February, but tight supply continues to drive prices higher. Higher prices and rising mortgage rates are a threat to the strong performance of housing.” – Robert Hughes
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Weekly Initial Claims Disappoint but Outlook Improving
“Initial claims disappointed in the latest week, but overall remain range bound. Easing government restrictions is supporting a more optimistic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Housing Starts and Permits Fall in February
“Home construction activity fell in February though weather may have been a factor. While fundamentals remain strong for the housing market, headwinds are growing.” – Robert Hughes
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Harsh Weather Sank Industrial Output in February
“Industrial output was hurt by severe weather in February, but other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
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Retail Sales Fell in February But Remain Above Trend
“February retail sales fell from a record high in January. The two months combined indicate a strong first quarter and along with other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
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Vaccinations and Stimulus Boost Consumer Sentiment in Early March
“Consumer sentiment rose in early March, driven by widening vaccine distribution and anticipated stimulus benefits. Recent data have been supportive of an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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