Topic: Business Conditions

Core Capital-Goods Orders Rise in October, to Another New Record High

– November 24, 2021

“New orders for core capital goods rose again, hitting another record high. Continued strength for business investment is a positive sign for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Drop to the Lowest Level Since 1969

– November 24, 2021

“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to a multidecade low, though seasonal adjustment difficulties may have played a role. Regardless, the labor market remains very tight.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Existing Single-Family Home Sales Rose Again as Prices Continue to Rise

– November 22, 2021

“Existing-home sales rose in October, driven by the single-family segment, as prices continue to rise. Shifting housing preferences may continue to influence activity over coming months and quarters.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Hold at a Low Level

– November 18, 2021

“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to fall, but at a slower pace as they approach pre-pandemic levels. The tight labor market and strong demand will likely keep claims at low levels.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Housing Permits Rise in October, Suggesting Support for Home Demand

– November 17, 2021

“Housing permits rose in October, 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 may pressure homebuilder profits.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

October Industrial Output Posts Broad-based Gain

– November 16, 2021

“Industrial output rebounded in October as the effects of Hurricane Ida faded and motor vehicle production jumped. It may take some time for materials shortages and logistical problems to be fully resolved, but October was a positive sign for the outlook.” – Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Retail Spending Hits a New Record High in October

– November 16, 2021

“Retail sales rose in October, hitting a new record high. Resilient consumer spending is a positive for the outlook but also sustains upward pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Job Openings Fell Again in September but Remain Very High

– November 12, 2021

“Job openings fell back slightly but remain very high as quits continue to surge. Overall, the outlook is for economic growth, but headwinds remain.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Consumer Sentiment Fell in Early November as Inflation Fears Grow and Partisan Divides Deepen

– November 12, 2021

“Consumer sentiment fell in early November as consumers react to rising prices for many consumer goods and divisions along political lines regarding economic policies. Both are negative developments for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions, Everyday Price Index

AIER’s Everyday Price Index Jumps 1.2 Percent in October

– November 10, 2021

“AIER’s Everyday Price Index posted its eleventh consecutive increase in October on widespread gains. Price pressures remain elevated due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. As these effects fade, price pressures are likely to ease.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Continue to Trend Lower

– November 10, 2021

“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to fall, hitting the lowest level of the recovery. The tight labor market and strong demand will likely keep claims at low levels.” ~ Robert Hughes

Business Conditions

AIER Leading Indicators Index Falls Again, Hitting the Neutral 50 Mark

– November 9, 2021

“The AIER Leading Indicators index posted another drop in October, coming in at a neutral 50. The result suggests continued economic expansion, but ongoing labor difficulties, materials shortages, and logistical and transportation bottlenecks are sustaining upward pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes