Business Conditions
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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
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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
-
•
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
-
•
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
-
•
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
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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