We are once again setting records in daily new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. Outbreaks in Sun Belt states from California to Florida and up to North Carolina are causing concern. Impacted cities and states are contemplating new stay-at-home orders to contain. We are seeing slowing momentum in the auto market in the back … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. was April 24, eight weeks ago, but the trend is again increasing as many states are now seeing new outbreaks. The economic recovery can now be seen in improving retail sales, new residential construction, and recovered wholesale used vehicle values Virus cases rise: The new case trend … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. was seven weeks ago, but some markets are seeing new case growth because of new outbreaks and more testing. The national trend in new cases has stopped its decline recently. Some cities and states are considering re-imposing lockdowns. The economic recovery can now be seen in … Continued

The Fed affirmed its rate policy will remain where it is “…until it is confident that the economy has weathered recent events and is on track to achieve its maximum employment and price stability goals.” Rates are expected to remain where they are through 2022. Chairman Jerome Powell, in a meeting earlier today, acknowledged some … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases was six weeks ago, the recovery in jobs is encouraging and the rebound in automotive sales is impressive, but consumers may still be wary, particularly in light of social unrest. COVID-19 cases decline: The number of new daily COVID-19 cases peaked six weeks ago on April 24. The growth … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases was five weeks ago, and case growth generally continues to be on a declining trend for the U.S. overall, but some markets are still seeing growth. Testing is also growing. Some markets are seeing more cases reported as a function of outbreaks but also as a function of big … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases was four weeks ago. Case growth appears to be on a declining trend for the U.S. overall, but individual markets have their own unique pandemic curves. Some markets are seeing more cases reported not only as a function of outbreaks, but also as a function of increases in … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases was three weeks ago, and case growth appears to be on a declining trend for the U.S. overall, but some markets are still seeing growth. Testing is ramping up but remains inadequate. Joblessness grows: The damage to the economy can be seen in a record decline in retail … Continued

The peak in daily new COVID-19 cases was over a week ago, so case growth is on a declining but inconsistent trend. Meantime, the economic fallout is evident in negative growth and record unemployment. Progress in slowing the virus is inconsistent as individual markets each have their own unique pandemic curves. Testing is ramping up … Continued

The Fed made no surprises today when they left rate policy — already at the zero lower bound — unchanged. The Fed’s statement and press conference affirmed the gravity of the economic situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and in essence pledged to continue to do whatever it takes to get the U.S. economy through … Continued