Robert Hughes

Senior Research Faculty

Robert Hughes joined AIER in 2013 following more than 25 years in economic and financial markets research on Wall Street. Bob was formerly the head of Global Equity Strategy for Brown Brothers Harriman, where he developed equity investment strategy combining top-down macro analysis with bottom-up fundamentals. Prior to BBH, Bob was a Senior Equity Strategist for State Street Global Markets, Senior Economic Strategist with Prudential Equity Group and Senior Economist and Financial Markets Analyst for Citicorp Investment Services. Bob has a MA in economics from Fordham University and a BS in business from Lehigh University.

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Articles

1/13/23

Consumer Sentiment Rose and Inflation Expectations Fell Sharply in January

“Consumer sentiment improved in January, sustaining the recent uptrend, though the overall level remains weak. Short-term inflation expectations fell sharply, and long-run expectations remain well anchored.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/12/23

AIER’s Everyday Price Index Falls for the Fifth Time in Six Months

“AIER’s Everyday Price Index fell 1.3 in December, the fifth decline in the last six months. Emerging signs of slowing economic activity, an aggressive Fed tightening cycle, and fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine remain threats to the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/12/23

Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims Fell Slightly

“Initial claims fell slightly, but job cut announcements are trending higher. Elevated consumer price increases and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/6/23

Services-Sector Sees a Plunge in New Orders in December

“Services-sector survey suggests contraction in December and is consistent with weak results from the manufacturing-sector survey. Should these results persist, it would be an ominous sign for the economy.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/6/23

Labor Market Shows Early Signs of Loosening

“Payrolls rose in December, but the pace appears to be slowing. Mixed signs for the labor market, sustained price pressures, and an aggressive Fed tightening cycle remain risks to the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/5/23

Unit Auto Sales Weakened in December

“Light-vehicle sales slowed again in December and remain well below pre-pandemic rates. Inventories rose, and prices fell in November.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/5/23

Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims Fell, but Risks Linger

“Initial claims fell to a 14-week low, but job cut announcements are trending higher. Elevated consumer price increases and aggressive Fed tightening remain major risks for the economic outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/4/23

Manufacturing-Sector Contracts Again in December

“The latest manufacturing survey suggests broad weakness and falling price pressures for manufacturers. The outlook remains highly uncertain. Caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes

1/4/23

Private-Sector Job Openings Remain High Despite a Second Consecutive Decline

“Private-sector job openings fell in November but remain high, suggesting an ongoing labor shortage. However, the outlook remains highly uncertain.” ~ Robert Hughes

12/23/22

Consumer Inflation Expectations Fell Sharply in December

“Consumer sentiment improved in December but remains at recessionary levels. Inflation expectations fell sharply, and long-run expectations remain well anchored.” ~ Robert Hughes

Books

Research Publications