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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Industrial Output Fell, but Manufacturing Output Rose Slightly in August
“Manufacturing output rose slightly in August. However, elevated price pressures, weak consumer sentiment, and an aggressive Fed tightening cycle remain risks. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes
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Real Core Retail Sales Fell in August, Trend Growth Is Weak
“Real core retail sales fell in August, and the recent trend growth is weak. Threats to the economy remain significant, and risks remain elevated. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes
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Initial Claims Fall for the Fifth Consecutive Week
“Weekly initial claims fell for a fifth consecutive week suggesting the labor market remains solid. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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AIER’s Everyday Price Index Falls 1.3 Percent in August
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index fell 1.3 in August, driven by plunging gasoline prices. An aggressive Fed tightening cycle, consumer pessimism, and fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine remain threats to the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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•
Initial Claims Fall for the Fourth Consecutive Week
“Weekly initial claims fell for a fourth consecutive week suggesting the labor market remains solid. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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August Services-Sector Activity Expands, Price Pressures Ease
“Services-sector expansion continued in August. Labor and materials shortages also continued, but there were some positive signs. However, signs of softening demand and concern about a weakening economy were also noted.” ~ Robert Hughes
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Unit Auto Sales Remained Weak in August
“Light-vehicle sales were little changed in August but remained well below pre-pandemic ranges. Inventory hit a new low, and prices continued to rise.” ~ Robert Hughes
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Unemployment Rate Jumps and Job Gains Slow in August
“Payrolls posted modest gains in August, and unemployment rates rose. Mixed signs for the labor market, sustained price pressures, and an intensifying Fed tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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•
August Manufacturing-Sector Survey Suggests Slow Growth and Less Intense Price Pressures
“The latest manufacturing survey suggests modest expansion and significantly less-intense price pressures. Persistently elevated price increases and an intensifying Fed policy tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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Consumer Confidence Improved in August, but Risks Remain
“Consumer expectations improved in August, and inflation expectations eased slightly. An intensifying Fed tightening cycle, elevated price pressures, and the fallout from Russian aggression in Ukraine remain risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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•
Industrial Output Fell, but Manufacturing Output Rose Slightly in August
“Manufacturing output rose slightly in August. However, elevated price pressures, weak consumer sentiment, and an aggressive Fed tightening cycle remain risks. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
Real Core Retail Sales Fell in August, Trend Growth Is Weak
“Real core retail sales fell in August, and the recent trend growth is weak. Threats to the economy remain significant, and risks remain elevated. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
Initial Claims Fall for the Fifth Consecutive Week
“Weekly initial claims fell for a fifth consecutive week suggesting the labor market remains solid. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
AIER’s Everyday Price Index Falls 1.3 Percent in August
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index fell 1.3 in August, driven by plunging gasoline prices. An aggressive Fed tightening cycle, consumer pessimism, and fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine remain threats to the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
Initial Claims Fall for the Fourth Consecutive Week
“Weekly initial claims fell for a fourth consecutive week suggesting the labor market remains solid. Rapid price increases, low consumer confidence, and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
August Services-Sector Activity Expands, Price Pressures Ease
“Services-sector expansion continued in August. Labor and materials shortages also continued, but there were some positive signs. However, signs of softening demand and concern about a weakening economy were also noted.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
Unit Auto Sales Remained Weak in August
“Light-vehicle sales were little changed in August but remained well below pre-pandemic ranges. Inventory hit a new low, and prices continued to rise.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
Unemployment Rate Jumps and Job Gains Slow in August
“Payrolls posted modest gains in August, and unemployment rates rose. Mixed signs for the labor market, sustained price pressures, and an intensifying Fed tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
-
•
August Manufacturing-Sector Survey Suggests Slow Growth and Less Intense Price Pressures
“The latest manufacturing survey suggests modest expansion and significantly less-intense price pressures. Persistently elevated price increases and an intensifying Fed policy tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes
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•
Consumer Confidence Improved in August, but Risks Remain
“Consumer expectations improved in August, and inflation expectations eased slightly. An intensifying Fed tightening cycle, elevated price pressures, and the fallout from Russian aggression in Ukraine remain risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes