The Independent Market Observer

Monday Update: Retail Sales Beat Expectations in August

September 20, 2021

The focus of last week’s important economic data releases were on consumer inflation, industrial production, and August retail sales. Retail sales increased by more than expected last month, largely driven by a pickup in grocery and online sales. This will be another busy week for updates, including news on the housing sector and the results from the Fed’s September meeting.

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Appearance on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria, September 15, 2021 [Video]

September 16, 2021

Yesterday, I appeared on Fox Business’ Morning with Maria to discuss the markets, inflation, consumer spending, and what’s ahead for the fourth quarter. Listen in to hear more.

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Monday Update: Initial Jobless Claims Set New Pandemic Low

September 13, 2021

Last week was relatively quiet in terms of economic updates, with only two major data releases. Initial jobless claims continued to decline to start September, while producer prices increased by more than expected in August. This will be a busier week for updates, with reports to come on consumer inflation, industrial production, retail sales, and consumer sentiment.

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Monday Update (on Tuesday): Hiring Slows in August

September 7, 2021

There were a number of important economic data releases last week, with a focus on consumer and business confidence and the August employment report. The employment report showed that the pace of hiring slowed during the month, as rising medical risks served as a headwind for faster job growth. This week will be relatively quiet, with only two reports due to the holiday-shortened schedule.

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Monday Update: Personal Income and Spending Rise in July

August 30, 2021

Among last week’s important economic data releases, the focus was on July’s existing home sales, durable goods orders, and personal income and spending reports. In a positive sign for the overall economic recovery, personal income and spending showed continued growth during July. This week will be busy once again, with releases that include a look into consumer and business confidence in August, the August employment report, and the international trade report from July.

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Monday Update: Initial Jobless Claims Set New Pandemic Low

August 23, 2021

There were a number of important economic data releases last week, with a focus on housing, the July retail sales report, and the weekly initial jobless claims report. Initial unemployment claims set a new pandemic-era low during the second week of August, in an encouraging sign for the ongoing labor market recovery. This will be another busy week for updates, with July’s existing home sales, durable goods orders, and personal spending and income reports serving as highlights.

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Monday Update: Consumer Inflation Moderates in July

August 16, 2021

Last week saw a number of important economic data releases, with a focus on July’s inflation reports and a first look into consumer confidence in August. Consumer inflation slowed in July compared with data from June, but the overall level of inflation remains elevated. This will be another busy week for updates. Highlights will include reports on the housing sector as well as retail sales in July.

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Monday Update: July Jobs Report Beats Forecasts

August 9, 2021

Last week saw a number of important economic data releases. Highlights included better-than-expected results for service sector confidence and hiring in July. This will be another busy week for updates, with a focus on July’s Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index reports, as well as a first look at consumer confidence in August.

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Monday Update (on Tuesday): Consumer Confidence and Spending Beat Expectations

August 3, 2021

Last week’s economic updates touched on a variety of economic sectors. Highlights included better-than-expected results for personal income and spending in June, as well as improved consumer confidence in July. This week will be packed with updates once again, with the focus on July’s business confidence and employment reports.

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Monday Update: Housing Starts Hit 3-Month High

July 26, 2021

Last week saw a number of important economic data releases, with a focus on the housing market. Housing starts increased by more than expected in June, hitting a three-month high despite rising costs for home builders. This will be another busy week of economic updates, with reports scheduled that will touch on business spending, consumer confidence, the Fed’s July meeting, and second-quarter GDP growth.

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