Business Conditions
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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
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Energy Price Jump Leads Broad-based Increase in Everyday Prices
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index jumped 0.8 percent in February, led by increases in the volatile energy category.” – Robert Hughes
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“Foot traffic” Recession Continues to Weigh on Small Business Sentiment
“Small-business confidence remained weak in February, with direct-contact industries still suffering under government restrictions.” – Robert Hughes
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February Payrolls Jump but Details Are Less Robust
“Payrolls posted a big gain in February, but breadth was modest across the economy and many labor measures are still well below pre-pandemic levels.” – Robert Hughes
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Initial Claims Remain Range Bound
“Initial claims fell in the latest week, but overall remain range bound, suggesting the labor market remains soft.” – Robert Hughes
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Light-Vehicle Sales Decreased in February
“Light-vehicle sales fell in February, falling below the recent range. The decline was led by a sharp drop in domestic car sales.” – 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
-
•
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
-
•
Energy Price Jump Leads Broad-based Increase in Everyday Prices
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index jumped 0.8 percent in February, led by increases in the volatile energy category.” – Robert Hughes
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•
“Foot traffic” Recession Continues to Weigh on Small Business Sentiment
“Small-business confidence remained weak in February, with direct-contact industries still suffering under government restrictions.” – Robert Hughes
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•
February Payrolls Jump but Details Are Less Robust
“Payrolls posted a big gain in February, but breadth was modest across the economy and many labor measures are still well below pre-pandemic levels.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Initial Claims Remain Range Bound
“Initial claims fell in the latest week, but overall remain range bound, suggesting the labor market remains soft.” – Robert Hughes
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•
Light-Vehicle Sales Decreased in February
“Light-vehicle sales fell in February, falling below the recent range. The decline was led by a sharp drop in domestic car sales.” – Robert Hughes