Topic: Business Conditions

Payrolls Gains Reaccelerated in October

– November 5, 2021

“Payrolls posted a robust gain in October as fading new Covid cases supported a reacceleration of economic activity. The outlook is for continued recovery despite elevated price pressures.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fall Again

– November 4, 2021

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

READ MORE

Demand Remained Strong for the Manufacturing Sector in October

– November 1, 2021

“Demand for manufactured goods remained very strong in October. However, labor difficulties, materials shortages, and logistical issues continue to restrain supply and pressure prices.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Fading Covid Boosts Consumer Confidence in October

– October 27, 2021

“Consumer attitudes recovered slightly as new Covid cases decline, supporting a more positive economic outlook. However, the psychology of rising inflation expectations remains a threat.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Core Capital-Goods Orders Suggest Business Investment Remains Robust

– October 27, 2021

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

READ MORE

New Single-Family Home Sales Rose in September as Prices Continue to Surge

– October 26, 2021

“New-home sales rose in September while inventory held steady. Rising prices will likely continue to force some buyers out of the market, leading to additional inventory build and slower price increases.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Existing-Home Sales Rose and Inventory Fell in September

– October 21, 2021

“Existing-home sales rose in September as high prices and shifting housing preferences influence activity.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Hit the Lowest Level of the Recovery

– October 21, 2021

“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to the lowest level of the recovery. Initial and continuing claims are closing in on their pre-pandemic levels.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Housing Activity Slowed in September but Remains Brisk

– October 19, 2021

“Housing activity continues to recede from the late 2020 surge but remains brisk. Rising home prices and mortgage rates will work to ease demand while secular shifts in housing preferences due to new remote work options may provide some support.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Lingering Effects from Covid and Hurricane Ida Hurt Industrial Output in September

– October 18, 2021

“Industrial output fell in September as the lingering effects of Covid and Hurricane Ida restrain production. It may take some time for the effects to dissipate.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Groceries Feed Gains in the Everyday Price Index in September

– October 13, 2021

“AIER’s Everyday Price Index posted its tenth consecutive increase in September led by groceries. Prices of many goods and services continue to be distorted by the lingering effects of the pandemic including shortages, logistical and supply chain issues, and labor problems. As these distortions fade, price pressures are likely to ease.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE

Job Openings Fell in August but Remain Extremely High

– October 12, 2021

“Job openings fell back slightly from a record high but quits remain elevated as workers take advantage of favorable labor conditions. Overall, the outlook is for continued recovery but the threats and headwinds to growth remain significant.” – Robert Hughes

READ MORE