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.
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Strong Demand, Labor and Materials Shortages, and Rising Input Prices Continued for Manufacturing Sector
“The Institute for Supply Management survey of manufacturers suggests continued labor, production, and logistical issues as well as continued upward pressure on materials costs.” – Robert Hughes
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Core Capital-Goods Orders Post A Strong Gain in April
“Manufacturers’ new orders for core capital goods hit another record high in April. The strong showing is a positive sign for the overall outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Reflect Strengthening Labor Market
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to trend significantly lower, reflecting a strengthening labor market and rising economic activity.” – Robert Hughes
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New Single-Family Home Sales Decline in April
“New-home sales fell in April and supply conditions eased slightly. Historically low inventory, rising prices, and somewhat higher mortgage rates appear to be weighing on activity.” – Robert Hughes
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Existing-Home Sales Fall Again in April
“Existing-home sales fell in April as limited supply, rising prices and mortgage rates, and changing preferences work to cool the recent pace of activity.” – Robert Hughes
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Another New Pandemic Low for Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits moved lower again, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Pandemic Pressures Unwinding in Housing
“Home construction activity was mixed in April. While fundamentals remain solid for the housing market, reverting housing preferences and rising single-family prices are likely to restrain future activity.” – Robert Hughes
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Fears of Price Instability Pull Down Consumer Sentiment in Early May
“Consumer sentiment fell in early May, driven by fears of rising prices as government lockdown policies are eased and economic activity picks up.” – Robert Hughes
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Industrial Output Rises in April Despite Weakness in Autos
“Industrial output rose for a second consecutive month in April, recovering from a weather-related drop in February; the sector still has a way to go until pre-pandemic levels of output. In general, cessation of government restrictions on consumers and businesses is boosting the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Retail Sales Stall in April, But Remain Well Above Trend
“Retail sales were mixed in April but a reopening economy and improving fundamentals suggest a strengthening economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Strong Demand, Labor and Materials Shortages, and Rising Input Prices Continued for Manufacturing Sector
“The Institute for Supply Management survey of manufacturers suggests continued labor, production, and logistical issues as well as continued upward pressure on materials costs.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Core Capital-Goods Orders Post A Strong Gain in April
“Manufacturers’ new orders for core capital goods hit another record high in April. The strong showing is a positive sign for the overall outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Reflect Strengthening Labor Market
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to trend significantly lower, reflecting a strengthening labor market and rising economic activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
New Single-Family Home Sales Decline in April
“New-home sales fell in April and supply conditions eased slightly. Historically low inventory, rising prices, and somewhat higher mortgage rates appear to be weighing on activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Existing-Home Sales Fall Again in April
“Existing-home sales fell in April as limited supply, rising prices and mortgage rates, and changing preferences work to cool the recent pace of activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Another New Pandemic Low for Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits moved lower again, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Pandemic Pressures Unwinding in Housing
“Home construction activity was mixed in April. While fundamentals remain solid for the housing market, reverting housing preferences and rising single-family prices are likely to restrain future activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Fears of Price Instability Pull Down Consumer Sentiment in Early May
“Consumer sentiment fell in early May, driven by fears of rising prices as government lockdown policies are eased and economic activity picks up.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Industrial Output Rises in April Despite Weakness in Autos
“Industrial output rose for a second consecutive month in April, recovering from a weather-related drop in February; the sector still has a way to go until pre-pandemic levels of output. In general, cessation of government restrictions on consumers and businesses is boosting the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Retail Sales Stall in April, But Remain Well Above Trend
“Retail sales were mixed in April but a reopening economy and improving fundamentals suggest a strengthening economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes