Robert Hughes

Housing Activity Picked Up in July

Single-family housing activity has stabilized, but there is little evidence to suggest significant gains in the near future; multifamily housing activity remains robust.

homebuilding

Labor-Market Strength Continues

Initial claims near 200,000 and private job openings near 7 million suggest the labor market remains tight, supporting personal incomes, consumer confidence, and future consumer spending.

jobguy

Services-Sector Expansion Slowed in July

Nonmanufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace in July. The results are consistent with a range of economic data that point to continued though uneven growth.

jobstalk

Solid Jobs Report Suggests Moderate Growth

A solid though not spectacular July jobs report points to continued modest economic growth. It also adds to the uncertainty around monetary policy, making justification for the most recent rate cut and future rate cuts more difficult.

servicesector

Manufacturing Weakness Continued in July

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index posted its fourth-straight decline and lowest reading since September 2016. Mixed economic data continue to suggest a high degree of caution amid slow economic expansion.

manufacturing