Business Conditions
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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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Consumer Confidence Surges for a Second Month in a Row
“Consumer attitudes improved significantly again in April, as widening vaccine distribution and easing government restrictions boost economic activity and job prospects.” – Robert Hughes
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Core Capital-Goods Orders Hit Another Record High in March
“Manufacturers’ new orders for durable goods rose in March, with core capital goods hitting another record high. The strong showing is a positive sign for the overall outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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New Single-Family Home Sales Jump in March
“New-home sales jumped in March and supply remains tight. High prices and rising mortgage rates are a threat to the strong performance of housing.” – Robert Hughes
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Weekly Initial Claims Fall Again Supporting an Improving Economic Outlook
“Initial claims fell again in the latest week, supporting a positive outlook as government restrictions on consumers and businesses are eased.” – Robert Hughes
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Housing Starts and Permits Rise in March as Headwinds Grow
“Home construction activity rebounded in March after severe weather depressed activity in February. While fundamentals remain strong for the housing market, headwinds are growing.” – 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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•
Consumer Confidence Surges for a Second Month in a Row
“Consumer attitudes improved significantly again in April, as widening vaccine distribution and easing government restrictions boost economic activity and job prospects.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Core Capital-Goods Orders Hit Another Record High in March
“Manufacturers’ new orders for durable goods rose in March, with core capital goods hitting another record high. The strong showing is a positive sign for the overall outlook.” – Robert Hughes
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•
New Single-Family Home Sales Jump in March
“New-home sales jumped in March and supply remains tight. High prices and rising mortgage rates are a threat to the strong performance of housing.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Weekly Initial Claims Fall Again Supporting an Improving Economic Outlook
“Initial claims fell again in the latest week, supporting a positive outlook as government restrictions on consumers and businesses are eased.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Housing Starts and Permits Rise in March as Headwinds Grow
“Home construction activity rebounded in March after severe weather depressed activity in February. While fundamentals remain strong for the housing market, headwinds are growing.” – Robert Hughes