Robert Hughes

Soft Jobs Report Suggests Caution, Not Panic

U.S. nonfarm payrolls added 75,000 jobs in May, pulling the four-month average down to 124,000. Employment is a coincident indicator and no one knows what will happen over the next year, but the weakness over the last four months suggests caution, not panic.

constructioncrew

Auto Sales Rebound in May While Factory Orders Fell in April

Auto sales rose in May, and weekly data suggest consumer spending is solid. However, factory orders were weak in April. Currently, there is little hard data to suggest a recession is imminent. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic.

carshowroom

Consumer Attitudes Remain Buoyant

Consumer attitudes were generally upbeat in May, supported by a strong labor market, but escalating trade wars and higher tariffs are having a significant negative impact.

happyshoppers

Durable-Goods Orders Appear to be Plateauing

New orders for durable goods and core capital-goods decreased in April and appear to be plateauing but broader measures of business fixed investment continue to trend higher.

craneinair