The Independent Market Observer

Sam Millette

Sam Millette is director, fixed income, on the Investment Management and Research team at Commonwealth. With the firm since 2013, he manages the fixed income research team, responds to advisor requests, analyzes individual bonds, and authors market research and commentary. Sam graduated from Tufts University with a degree in economics and is a member of the CFA Society Boston.

Recent Posts

Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Surges in July

August 8, 2022

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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Economic Release Snapshot: U.S. Economy Contracts in Q2

August 1, 2022

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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Economic Release Snapshot: Housing Sector Slows in July

July 25, 2022

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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Economic Release Snapshot: Inflation Accelerated in June

July 18, 2022

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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Monday Update: Hiring Remains Strong in June

July 11, 2022

There were several important economic data releases last week, with a focus on the minutes from the Fed’s June meeting and the June employment report. The jobs report showed that hiring remained strong in June, which was an encouraging sign for the overall economy and a reminder that the labor market remains healthy. This will be another busy week of updates, with a focus on the June inflation and retail sales reports as well as a look into industrial production and consumer sentiment.

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Monday Update: Personal Spending Slows in May

July 5, 2022

There were several important economic data releases last week, with a focus on business spending, consumer and manufacturer confidence, and the May personal income and spending reports. Personal spending growth came in below expectations during the month, echoing a similar decline in retail sales growth in May. This will be another busy week of updates, with a focus on service sector confidence, the minutes from the Fed’s June meeting, and the June employment report.

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Monday Update: Existing Home Sales Decline in May

June 27, 2022

It was a relatively quiet week for economic updates, with only one major data release last week. Existing home sales fell in May, marking four consecutive months of slower sales and highlighting the headwinds for the housing industry created by rising prices and mortgage rates. This will be a busier week of updates, with reports scheduled that will touch on business spending, consumer and manufacturer confidence, and personal income and spending.

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Monday Update: Home Construction Slows and Fed Hikes Rates

June 21, 2022

There were several important economic data releases last week with a focus on housing and the results from the most recent Fed meeting. The reports showed that housing construction slowed in May, reflecting lower demand for housing due to rising prices and mortgage rates. This will be a relatively quiet week of updates, with only one major report scheduled for release.

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Monday Update: Consumer Inflation Accelerates in May

June 13, 2022

There were several important economic data releases last week, with a focus on the May Consumer Price Index report. Consumer prices increased more than expected during the month, as inflation continues to affect all areas of the economy. This will be another busy week of updates, with reports scheduled on producer prices, retail sales, the Fed’s June meeting, and new home construction.

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Monday Update: Unexpected Job Growth in May

June 6, 2022

There were several important economic data releases last week, with a focus on business and consumer confidence as well as the May employment report. The jobs report was a highlight, as more jobs than expected were added during the month. This will be another busy week of updates, with reports covering international trade, consumer inflation, and consumer sentiment.

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Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

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