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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Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Continue to Trend Lower
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to trend lower, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Everyday Prices Rise 6.1 Percent from a Year Ago
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index posted the largest yearly rise since 2011. Many prices across the economy are still reflecting distortions from government lockdowns that have caused a wide range of materials shortages, logistical, supply chain, and labor problems. As these issues are worked out, price pressures are likely to ease.” – Robert Hughes
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Job Openings Hit a Record High in March
“Job openings hit a record in March, supporting a positive economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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April Jobs Report Disappoints but The Outlook Remains Favorable
“Payrolls posted a modest and disappointing gain in April. Despite the result, other data suggest the economic recovery is gaining momentum as government restrictions on consumers and businesses are lifted.” – Robert Hughes
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Initial Claims and Continuing Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fall in the Latest Week
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decline, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Services Sector Expands Again in April
“The services sector expanded again in April, but logistical and labor issues as well as shortages of materials are boosting pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes
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Auto Sales Hit highest Level Since 2005
“Light-vehicle sales rose again in April, moving above the recent range to the highest pace since 2005. The gain was broad-based across most segments and signals strength for consumer spending.” – Robert Hughes
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Manufacturing Survey Suggests Strong Demand, Materials Shortages, and Rising Prices
“The Institute for Supply Management survey of manufacturers suggests ongoing expansion for the sector in April, but also continued production and logistical issues as well as rising materials costs.” – Robert Hughes
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U.S. Economy Posts Widespread Gains in the First Quarter
“The U.S. economy posted strong growth in the first quarter but remains below pre-pandemic trend levels. Cessation of restrictive government policies will support a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Weekly Initial Claims Continue to Fall as the Economy Gains Momentum
“Initial claims fell again in the latest week, continuing a favorable trend and suggesting an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Weekly Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Continue to Trend Lower
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to trend lower, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Everyday Prices Rise 6.1 Percent from a Year Ago
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index posted the largest yearly rise since 2011. Many prices across the economy are still reflecting distortions from government lockdowns that have caused a wide range of materials shortages, logistical, supply chain, and labor problems. As these issues are worked out, price pressures are likely to ease.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Job Openings Hit a Record High in March
“Job openings hit a record in March, supporting a positive economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
April Jobs Report Disappoints but The Outlook Remains Favorable
“Payrolls posted a modest and disappointing gain in April. Despite the result, other data suggest the economic recovery is gaining momentum as government restrictions on consumers and businesses are lifted.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Initial Claims and Continuing Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fall in the Latest Week
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decline, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Services Sector Expands Again in April
“The services sector expanded again in April, but logistical and labor issues as well as shortages of materials are boosting pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Auto Sales Hit highest Level Since 2005
“Light-vehicle sales rose again in April, moving above the recent range to the highest pace since 2005. The gain was broad-based across most segments and signals strength for consumer spending.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Manufacturing Survey Suggests Strong Demand, Materials Shortages, and Rising Prices
“The Institute for Supply Management survey of manufacturers suggests ongoing expansion for the sector in April, but also continued production and logistical issues as well as rising materials costs.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
U.S. Economy Posts Widespread Gains in the First Quarter
“The U.S. economy posted strong growth in the first quarter but remains below pre-pandemic trend levels. Cessation of restrictive government policies will support a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims Continue to Fall as the Economy Gains Momentum
“Initial claims fell again in the latest week, continuing a favorable trend and suggesting an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes