Topic: Business Conditions

Existing-Home Sales Remain Range Bound; Inventory Remains Tight

– February 21, 2020

Existing-home sales fell 1.3 percent in January and remain in a broad flat trend. Housing activity is unlikely to move significantly higher in the coming months.

Business Conditions

New-Home Construction Falls While Permits Rise in January

– February 19, 2020

Housing starts and permits were mixed in January; significant and sustained gains over coming quarters seem unlikely.

Business Conditions

Positive Surprise for Manufacturing

– February 18, 2020

The latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey suggests the manufacturing sector may be rebounding but the outlook remains uncertain.

Business Conditions

Retail Spending Remains Close to Trend in January

– February 14, 2020

Retail sales were solid in January suggesting continued economic expansion remains the most likely path.

Business Conditions

Small-Business Optimism Rose in January but the Outlook Is Less Clear

– February 11, 2020

Small-business confidence rose in January; labor shortages and the economic outlook remain concerns.

Business Conditions

Job Openings Decline in December, Continuing Downward Trend

– February 11, 2020

Private-sector job openings have fallen recently hinting at some marginal easing of labor pressures.

Business Conditions

Employment and the Participation Rate Rose in January

– February 7, 2020

U.S. payrolls rose by 225,000 in January with both the unemployment rate and participation rate ticking up; however, significant risks remain.

Business Conditions

February 2020 Business Conditions Monthly

– February 6, 2020

A decline for the AIER Leading Indicators index leaves the index at a neutral 50 for January

Business Conditions

ISM Surveys Show Improvement in January

– February 5, 2020

The nonmanufacturing sector expanded in January, complementing the improved results from the manufacturing survey.

Business Conditions

Auto Sales Rebound in January

– February 5, 2020

Auto sales rose in January and remain well within the range extending back to 2000. The healthy pace is a positive sign for consumer spending.

Business Conditions

Hints of Improvement for Manufacturing

– February 4, 2020

The ISM PMI showed clear improvement in January hinting at a possible turnaround for manufacturing in coming months.

Business Conditions

Output Growth Holds Steady but Details Look Soft

– January 30, 2020

Real gross domestic product rose at a 2.1 percent annualized rate in the fourth quarter. Details show that persistent economic growth remains dependent on consumers.