New Single-Family Home Sales, Inventories, and Prices Rise in November
“New-home sales rose in November, but inventory also rose, and months’ supply remains relatively high. Rising prices, higher mortgage rates, and continued inventory build should lead to slower price increases.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Tech and Aircraft Push Durable-Goods Orders Higher in November
“New orders for durable goods rose, hitting the second-highest level on record while core capital-goods orders were just below a record high. Continued strength for business investment is a positive sign for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Hold at a Low Level
“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits are holding at an extremely low level. Labor shortages are likely to continue to hamper production across the economy, sustaining upward pressure on prices.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Existing Home Sales Remained Strong in November Amid Tight Supply
“Existing-home sales rose in November and supply remains very tight. Shifting housing preferences are likely to continue to impact demand over coming months and quarters.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Consumer Confidence Ticked Up in December
“Consumer expectations improved in December, boosting overall consumer confidence. Continued expansion remains the likely course, but threats from waves of new Covid cases remain elevated.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Housing Construction Performed Well in November
“Housing permits rose in November, offering some evidence that demand for housing may remain elevated. Rising home prices and potentially higher mortgage rates may be headwinds for demand while elevated commodity costs remain a challenge for homebuilder profits.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Ticked Up but Remain Very Low
“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly from a multidecade low though the four-week average continued to trend lower. Combined with a near-record number of open jobs, the data show the labor market remains extremely tight. Labor shortages are likely to continue to hamper production across the economy, sustaining upward pressure on prices.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Retail Spending Posted a Modest Gain in November
“Retail sales rose in November, hitting another record high and sustaining upward pressure on prices. However, there may be early signs of easing pressures in the not-too-distant future.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Consumer Sentiment Rebounded Slightly in Early December
“Consumer sentiment rebounded in early December but remains depressed. Consumers are concerned about rising prices for many consumer goods and the impact of rising prices on future inflation-adjusted incomes.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
AIER’s Everyday Price Index Posts Its 12th Consecutive Increase
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index posted its 12th consecutive increase in November, pushing the 12-month gain to the highest since 2008. Shortages of supplies and materials, logistical and supply chain issues, and labor problems are sustaining upward price pressures. Recurring waves of new Covid cases will likely compound the difficulties.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
AIER Leading Indicators Index Holds at the Neutral 50 Mark
“The AIER Leading Indicators index held steady in November, coming in at a neutral 50 for a second month. The result suggests continued economic expansion, but with elevated risks due to sustained upward pressure on prices and recurring waves of new Covid cases.” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fall to the Lowest Level Since 1969
“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to a multidecade low. Combined with a record number of open jobs, the data show the labor market remains extremely tight. Labor shortages are likely to continue to hamper production across the economy, sustaining upward pressure on prices” ~ Robert Hughes
READ MORE
