Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Commonwealth
What Mattered This Week? Market Reaction to Powell
In truth, not much happened on the news front this week. The housing data did come in better than expected, which was good news and supports the idea that a recession is still some ways away. But, as we discussed last week, we kind of knew that already. Fed Chair Powell testified that the central bank is still determined to get inflation down to the 2 percent target and that it plans to keep rates high—and maybe raise them further. Again, we knew that because he has been saying it over and over for more than a year now. This week was more about olds than news.
2023 Midyear Outlook: Is the Economy Half Empty or Half Full?
Heading into 2023, a looming recession dominated the headlines. Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi quipped at the time, “CEOs are falling over themselves to say we’re falling into a recession. . . . Every person on TV says recession. Every economist says recession. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Fast-forward to today at the midyear point of 2023, and the data is telling a different story.
Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Inflation Slows in May
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
What Mattered This Week? Inflation and a Pause on Rate Hikes
This was, somewhat surprisingly, a good week for economic news. Inflation continued to drop, especially for producers, and people continued to shop. There were two main questions out there. Will inflation keep getting better, and is a recession on its way? Now we have some answers. Yes, inflation is still getting better. No, a recession is still some ways away. It really was about as good as it gets on the news front.
Monthly Market Risk Update: June 2023 [SlideShare]
My colleague Sam Millette, director, fixed income on Commonwealth’s Investment Management and Research team, helped me put together this month’s Market Risk Update. Thanks for the assist, Sam! Let’s take a closer look.