Robert Hughes

Rising Prices Boost Retail Sales in February

“Retail sales rose in February but fell after adjusting for prices. Ongoing labor and materials shortages, turmoil from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and an impending Fed tightening cycle all raise risks for the outlook.” ~ Robert Hughes

Household Net Worth Hits a Record While Corporate Balance Sheets Improve

“Rising equity market values and surging home prices lifted aggregate household net worth to a new record in the final quarter of 2021 but is likely to suffer a setback in the first quarter of 2022 as equity prices plunge due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.” – Robert Hughes

Consumer Sentiment Fell Again in Early March

“Consumer sentiment fell again in early March and is consistent with prior recessions. Consumers are concerned about fallout from the war in Ukraine, rising prices, government policies, and long-term economic prospects.” ~ Robert Hughes

AIER Leading Indicators Index Posts Sudden Drop, Risks Rise

“AIER’s Leading Indicators Index dropped to 46 in February. Disruptions to labor supply, shortages of materials, and logistics bottlenecks continue to pressure prices. Falling new Covid cases had the potential to support businesses’ efforts to expand production, but turmoil surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine has launched a new wave of disruptions. The outlook has become highly uncertain and extreme caution is warranted.” ~ Robert Hughes