Robert Hughes
Senior Research Faculty
Robert Hughes joined AIER in 2013 following more than 25 years in economic and financial markets research on Wall Street. Bob was formerly the head of Global Equity Strategy for Brown Brothers Harriman, where he developed equity investment strategy combining top-down macro analysis with bottom-up fundamentals. Prior to BBH, Bob was a Senior Equity Strategist for State Street Global Markets, Senior Economic Strategist with Prudential Equity Group and Senior Economist and Financial Markets Analyst for Citicorp Investment Services. Bob has a MA in economics from Fordham University and a BS in business from Lehigh University.
-
•
New Single-Family Home Sales Rose in September as Prices Continue to Surge
“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
-
•
Existing-Home Sales Rose and Inventory Fell in September
“Existing-home sales rose in September as high prices and shifting housing preferences influence activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Hit the Lowest Level of the Recovery
“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
-
•
Housing Activity Slowed in September but Remains Brisk
“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
-
•
Lingering Effects from Covid and Hurricane Ida Hurt Industrial Output in September
“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
-
•
Groceries Feed Gains in the Everyday Price Index in September
“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
-
•
Job Openings Fell in August but Remain Extremely High
“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
-
•
Slower But Broad-Based Gains for Private Sector Payrolls in September
“Payrolls posted another disappointing gain in September though breadth of gains in the private sector was favorable. The outlook is for continued recovery but the threats and headwinds to growth remain significant.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Ease Back After Three Consecutive increases
“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits eased back after three consecutive increases. Federal continuing claims fell again following a plunge in the prior week as two pandemic programs saw additional declines.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Continued Expansion for the Services-Sector in September
“The services sector expanded for the 16th consecutive month in September, but shortages of labor and materials are continuing to restrain output and sustain upward pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
New Single-Family Home Sales Rose in September as Prices Continue to Surge
“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
-
•
Existing-Home Sales Rose and Inventory Fell in September
“Existing-home sales rose in September as high prices and shifting housing preferences influence activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Hit the Lowest Level of the Recovery
“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
-
•
Housing Activity Slowed in September but Remains Brisk
“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
-
•
Lingering Effects from Covid and Hurricane Ida Hurt Industrial Output in September
“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
-
•
Groceries Feed Gains in the Everyday Price Index in September
“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
-
•
Job Openings Fell in August but Remain Extremely High
“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
-
•
Slower But Broad-Based Gains for Private Sector Payrolls in September
“Payrolls posted another disappointing gain in September though breadth of gains in the private sector was favorable. The outlook is for continued recovery but the threats and headwinds to growth remain significant.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Ease Back After Three Consecutive increases
“Weekly initial claims for unemployment benefits eased back after three consecutive increases. Federal continuing claims fell again following a plunge in the prior week as two pandemic programs saw additional declines.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Continued Expansion for the Services-Sector in September
“The services sector expanded for the 16th consecutive month in September, but shortages of labor and materials are continuing to restrain output and sustain upward pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes