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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New Orders for Durable-Goods Pull Back Slightly in February
“Manufacturers’ new orders for durable goods fell in February but the overall outlook continues to improve with the easing of government lockdowns.” – Robert Hughes
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New Single-Family Home Sales Fell in February
“Despite a drop in February, the single-family housing market remains a bright spot for the economy, supported by low interest rates and strong demand, but headwinds may be forming.” – Robert Hughes
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Existing-Home Sales Fell in February as the Outlook Becomes Clouded
“Existing-home sales fell in February, but tight supply continues to drive prices higher. Higher prices and rising mortgage rates are a threat to the strong performance of housing.” – Robert Hughes
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Weekly Initial Claims Disappoint but Outlook Improving
“Initial claims disappointed in the latest week, but overall remain range bound. Easing government restrictions is supporting a more optimistic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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Housing Starts and Permits Fall in February
“Home construction activity fell in February though weather may have been a factor. While fundamentals remain strong for the housing market, headwinds are growing.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Harsh Weather Sank Industrial Output in February
“Industrial output was hurt by severe weather in February, but other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Retail Sales Fell in February But Remain Above Trend
“February retail sales fell from a record high in January. The two months combined indicate a strong first quarter and along with other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Vaccinations and Stimulus Boost Consumer Sentiment in Early March
“Consumer sentiment rose in early March, driven by widening vaccine distribution and anticipated stimulus benefits. Recent data have been supportive of an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Private Job Openings Increase to the Highest Level in a Year
“Job openings rose in January, adding to the recent run of improved labor market data. Continued reduction and eventual elimination of lockdown rules is boosting the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Initial Claims Fall While Continuing Claims Rise
“Initial claims fell in the latest week, but continuing claims rose and both remain range bound. However, vaccine distribution and easing restrictions suggest an improving outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
New Orders for Durable-Goods Pull Back Slightly in February
“Manufacturers’ new orders for durable goods fell in February but the overall outlook continues to improve with the easing of government lockdowns.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
New Single-Family Home Sales Fell in February
“Despite a drop in February, the single-family housing market remains a bright spot for the economy, supported by low interest rates and strong demand, but headwinds may be forming.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Existing-Home Sales Fell in February as the Outlook Becomes Clouded
“Existing-home sales fell in February, but tight supply continues to drive prices higher. Higher prices and rising mortgage rates are a threat to the strong performance of housing.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Weekly Initial Claims Disappoint but Outlook Improving
“Initial claims disappointed in the latest week, but overall remain range bound. Easing government restrictions is supporting a more optimistic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Housing Starts and Permits Fall in February
“Home construction activity fell in February though weather may have been a factor. While fundamentals remain strong for the housing market, headwinds are growing.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Harsh Weather Sank Industrial Output in February
“Industrial output was hurt by severe weather in February, but other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Retail Sales Fell in February But Remain Above Trend
“February retail sales fell from a record high in January. The two months combined indicate a strong first quarter and along with other recent data suggest the outlook is improving.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Vaccinations and Stimulus Boost Consumer Sentiment in Early March
“Consumer sentiment rose in early March, driven by widening vaccine distribution and anticipated stimulus benefits. Recent data have been supportive of an improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Private Job Openings Increase to the Highest Level in a Year
“Job openings rose in January, adding to the recent run of improved labor market data. Continued reduction and eventual elimination of lockdown rules is boosting the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
-
•
Initial Claims Fall While Continuing Claims Rise
“Initial claims fell in the latest week, but continuing claims rose and both remain range bound. However, vaccine distribution and easing restrictions suggest an improving outlook.” – Robert Hughes