5 Things to Watch For in the March ISM Report
Despite an unsteady month for manufacturers marked by the conflict in Iran, economists anticipate the Institute for Supply Management’s March Purchasing Managers’ Index will be positive. The report will reflect instability in the market with rising oil prices and...
A Smart Way to Spend, or a Financial Risk? Buy Now, Pay Later Offers Flexibility, but at a Potential Cost
Eric Phesay first used Affirm, a buy now, pay later app, in 2024 to buy a PlayStation, opting for a 12-month payment plan because he didn't have enough money for it in his debit account. After that experience, Phesay said, he considered it an option for wants rather...
While Market Demands Solar Energy, Federal Policy Impedes Growth
By many counts, T1 Energy is a picture of Republicans’ American manufacturing dreams. The growing Texas-based company employs over 2,000 domestic workers, producing tens of thousands of products each day just outside of Dallas, with a new $400 million facility opening...
Durable goods orders fall short of January estimates
Trade uncertainty and war abroad could further weigh on manufacturing in Q1 2026, economists say. Spending on long-lasting goods stagnated in January, and key shipments figures indicate slowing growth in manufacturing. Headline durable goods orders dipped less than...
The United States Enters a War Weighed Down by High Inflation
Stubbornly high inflation paired with another war in the Middle East could spell trouble for the U.S. economy. Personal income rose 0.4% in January, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, but inflation reduced that gain to just 0.15% in real terms. The PCE...
US Manufacturing Continues Slow Climb in February
Manufacturing activity improved in February, but growth remained muted due to poor weather conditions and uncertainty in the U.S. and global markets. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said Monday that its Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index was 52.4, down...
Inflation Eased to 2.4% in January, with Lower Shelter and Energy Price
Prices for goods and services rose at a slower pace than expected, giving the Fed more room to cut interest rates. Prices of goods and services such as airline tickets and hospital care rose 2.4%. Core prices excluding food and energy items rose 2.5%, which was also...
US Goods Deficit Increased, Trade Deficit Little Changed Despite Trump Tariffs
The US trade deficit in goods increased from the year prior, despite Trump tariffs that attempted to close the gap. The goods deficit wrapped up 2025 at a total of $1,240.9 billion, up 2.1% from last year, with a $25.5 billion increase. Imports also surged, increasing...
Retail sales growth stagnant in December as consumers reel from economic uncertainty
Retail sales remained stagnant in December with weak growth across furniture, clothing and electronics stores, as consumers pulled back amid a slowing job market and high costs Retail sales were flat in December from the month before and were up 2.4% from last year,...
Durable goods orders beat expectations in December
Though total orders slipped from November, ex-transportation growth shows promise for the manufacturing sector.
Spending on long-lasting manufactured goods fell in December, but increasing orders of core capital goods suggest growth in the sector after a decline early last quarter. Orders of durable goods—manufactured items with a lifespan of more than three years—fell 1.4% in...
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