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.
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What Mattered This Week? Focus on the Fed
There was a fair amount of data this week, but only one thing mattered: the Fed. Continued slowing inflation data and signs of a slowing economy took the Fed from a hawkish, we will keep rates higher-for-longer stance, to a much more dovish stance in the past meeting. The Fed’s projections have switched from higher rates indefinitely to an expected three rate cuts next year, which is a very big shift. More, Chair Powell’s commentary in the press conference acknowledged directly both the better inflation data and slower growth. Higher for longer may be dead—at least that’s what markets think.
Digesting the Fed: Rates Hold Steady, but Cuts to Come?
This week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met and voted unanimously to hold rates steady for the third consecutive meeting, leaving its policy range at 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent. This decision comes as no surprise, with the futures markets indicating a near-zero percent chance of a rate increase in the days and weeks leading up to the meeting.
Economic Risk Factor Update: December 2023 [SlideShare]
The reports released in November showed continued economic growth. Hiring accelerated, as 199,000 jobs were added in November against 150,000 jobs in October. Service sector and consumer confidence also improved modestly, but both indicators remained in yellow territory. The yield curve inversion deepened during the month, leaving that indicator red.
Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Accelerates in November
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? U.S. Economy Chugging Along
It was another good week for the economy, while there wasn’t a lot of news on the market front. Let’s take a closer look.