Calm Before the Storm…and a Farewell
Apr 11 2025

Consumer prices fell for the first time in five years, or rather, the government index of prices fell. The price of eggs and auto insurance is still high, among other necessary items we buy. 

 

By: Sarina Freedland
All Good for Now
Apr 04 2025

The U.S. added 228,000 jobs in March, more than estimated and a substantial increase from February. The unemployment rate inched up to 4.2% as more people entered the workforce. 

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Well Positioned to Wait
Mar 21 2025

The official statement and updated Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) indicated that officials have grown more concerned about economic uncertainty than they were a few months ago.

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Calm for Now
Mar 14 2025

Consumers were given a bit of price reprieve in February. The two key indices, CPI and PPI, showed improvement from recent months and were lower than economists’ expectations. That alone is considered a win...

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Don't Look for Clarity Here
Mar 07 2025

The tariff issue has been front and center this week with commentary in almost any online or print publication available. Yet, no one is any clearer on what has or will happen.

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Warning…Negative Vibes Ahead
Feb 28 2025

Excuse the negativity you are about to read – it is not my doing, but likely your members’. The Conference Board’s February survey on consumer confidence fell for the third month in a row...

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Inflation Heartburn
Feb 14 2025

The Federal Reserve committee members were undoubtedly reaching for the bottle of Tums this week to ease the indigestion caused by rising inflation. Despite believing inflation was under control, the January data hinted at... 

By: Sarina Freedland
Strong Enough
Feb 07 2025

The U.S. added 143,000 jobs in January, less than estimated but still considered to be a respectable job gain and enough to continue fueling the economy. The government’s report suggests...

 

By: Sarina Freedland
Meh - That is All
Jan 31 2025

After all was said and done, the reaction to the FOMC’s rate decision to leave the fed funds rate unchanged and the Fed Chair’s comments was rather… meh. However, in between the press release and comments...

By: Sarina Freedland
That Was a Relief
Jan 17 2025

Whew – you could almost hear the sigh of relief from the financial markets when the December consumer price index (CPI) was reported this week. After a slightly warm PPI report the day before, data watchers were a bit on edge ahead of the Fed’s second favorite inflation indicator. All in all, the report was...

By: Sarina Freedland