Robert Hughes
Labor Market Struggles Continue
“Initial claims fell slightly but continuing claims jumped sharply. Along with the disappointing jobs report, recent data suggest the labor market remains weak.” – Robert Hughes
Crude Oil Surge Drives Everyday Prices Higher in January
“AIER’s Everyday Price Index jumped 0.8 percent in January, pushed higher primarily by gasoline following the recent surge in crude oil prices.” – Robert Hughes
AIER Business Cycle Indicators Were Little Changed in January
“AIER’s Business Cycle Conditions indexes were little changed in January, holding solidly above the neutral threshold of 50, suggesting continued economic expansion ahead.” – Robert Hughes
Job Openings Increase in December, But Labor Questions Remain
“Job openings rose in December, but overall labor market data remain mixed, suggesting the outlook is cautiously optimistic but still highly uncertain.” – Robert Hughes
Small-Business Survey Weakens Again in January
“Small-business confidence posted a third consecutive decline in January, suggesting a growing concern about the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
Jobs Report Boosts Labor Market Concerns
“Payrolls posted a weak gain in January, raising significant doubts about the strength of the economic recovery.” – Robert Hughes
Initial Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fell, But Remain Very High
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell for a third straight week but government restrictions on consumers and businesses continue to threaten the recovery.” – Robert Hughes
Light-Vehicle Sales Increased in January
“Light-vehicle sales rose again in January but remain at the lower end of the historical range.” – Robert Hughes
Small Decline in Consumer Sentiment Masks Big Partisan Divide
“Consumer sentiment fell in January, leaving indexes below pre-pandemic levels but above prior lows. Virus mutations and partisan rancor remain risks to the outlook.” – Robert Hughes
New Single-Family Home Sales Rose in December
“The single-family housing market remains a bright spot for the economy, supported by low interest rates and strong demand.” – Robert Hughes
