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

Monday Update: Consumer Confidence Takes a Hit

September 30, 2019

Last week was a mixed bag for economic data reports. Disappointing results for consumer confidence and spending offset strong new home sales and durable goods orders. This week will be busy, with September’s reports on business confidence and new jobs set to be released. We’ll also see August’s international trade report.

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Monday Update: Housing Reports Surprise to the Upside and the Fed Cuts Rates

September 23, 2019

Last week’s economic reports for industrial production and the housing market beat predictions, while the Fed lowered rates as expected. This week, we’ll be monitoring important updates for consumer confidence and spending, new home sales, and durable goods orders.

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Monday Update: Inflation Heats Up and New Tariffs Take Effect

September 16, 2019

Last week, we focused on inflation and the consumer, with the release of August’s reports on producer prices, consumer prices, retail sales, and consumer confidence. This week, we’ll see if home builder confidence remains steady and whether the Fed will cut rates.

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Monday Update: Job Creation Disappoints, But Wage Growth Remains Strong

September 9, 2019

Last week, we saw several important economic data releases, with a focus on business confidence, international trade, and the August jobs report. Ahead, we’ll have another busy week, with updates on inflation, retail sales, and consumer confidence set to be released.  

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Monday Update (on Tuesday): Consumer Spending Better Than Expected

September 3, 2019

Last week’s economic data releases focused on durable goods orders, consumer confidence, and consumer income and spending. The news was a bit mixed, as we saw stronger-than-expected consumer spending growth despite a drop in consumer confidence. This week, although short, will be busy again, with updates on business confidence, trade, and the August job report.

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Monday Update: Mixed Housing Sales and Fed Minutes Punctuate Slow Week

August 26, 2019

Last week was relatively quiet, with the only economic updates being housing sales data and the release of the minutes from the Fed’s July meeting. This week will be much busier, with updates covering durable goods orders, consumer confidence, and consumer income and spending.

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Monday Update: Retail Sales Pop in July

August 19, 2019

Despite last week’s market volatility, the economic data releases showed a growing economy, with better-than-expected retail sales growth highlighting the continued strength of the American consumer. This will be a quieter week, with only a few major updates set to be released.

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Monday Update: Focus on Consumers and Housing

August 12, 2019

Last week was relatively quiet on the economic update front, with only two major data releases. This figures to be a much busier week, with a focus on consumers and housing.

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Monday Update: Highlight on the Fed

August 5, 2019

Last week was packed with updates that covered broad sectors of the economy. This will be a much quieter week, with only two major economic reports scheduled for release.

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Monday Update: Latest Economic Reports Better Than Expected

July 29, 2019

Last week saw a number of important economic updates, covering housing sales, business orders, and second-quarter growth. Much of the news came in better than expected, with mixed housing sales serving as the only fly in the ointment. This will be a very busy week for updates, as we finish off July and head into August.

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