Retail sales slowed in February; building materials, furnishings sales benefit from low rates
Retail sales in February showed their smallest growth in six months, signaling consumers’ concern about the economy’s prospects. Despite an unusually warm February, consumers didn’t go out shopping and retail sales rose only 0.1 percent over January to $474.0 billion....
Residential Construction and Builder Confidence Strong for Spring
Residential construction climbed in February as builders continue to be encouraged by the Trump administration’s promises of deregulation. But the administration’s anti-immigration actions have negative implications for the industry's labor supply. “The lack of...
Auto Sales Dip Slightly, Car Brands Have Mixed Sales for February
Automakers sold fewer vehicles in the U.S. for the month of February as consumers seem to be hitting the brakes on buying cars and are more in favor of purchasing trucks and SUVs. Even though the auto industry continues to move along as car sales came at a total of...
Personal Income Rises in January, While Consumer Spending Dips
Personal Income rose in January boosting consumer confidence in a week when President Trump tried to reassure Americans he can improve the economy. Personal income rose 0.4% or $63 billion, slightly ahead of the consensus of 0.3%, per surveys from Bloomberg. Some...
Manufacturing Remains Weak, as Durable Goods Continue to Stall
Slow growth for durable goods in January showed that American manufacturing remains weak in an otherwise strong economy, as producers wait to see how the Trump administration will deliver on its promise to revive American industries. Orders for aircraft surged in...
Consumer Prices Make Largest Gains in Four Years, But Uncertainty Ahead
After years of slow growth, consumer prices in January rose at the quickest pace in four years, putting The Federal Reserve in the spotlight to raise interest rates soon. The consumer price index, which measures the fluctuations in costs for everything from wine to...
Strong Housing Starts in January, Builder Confidence High
Signaling optimism for the economy, housing starts were unexpectedly strong in January. Building permits led the way, suggesting future growth. Permits rose across the majority of the country, falling only in the West, a vital sign that builder confidence is up....