Highlights Inflation Trends Headline inflation growth showed signs of slowing down in April, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), providing relief to the financial markets: Retail Sales Performance Retail sales for April were flat, falling short of expectations: Residential Construction Insights Residential construction activity in April was mixed and weaker than expected:
Cox Automotive’s Auto Market Report video delivers a comprehensive analysis of the current automotive market. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke leads our effort to translate data and trends into actionable insights. This report covers a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, retail vehicle sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, pricing trends, tax refund … Continued
Highlights Used Vehicle Sales and Values In April, used retail vehicle sales volumes decreased compared to March, while certified pre-owned (CPO) sales declined month over month. Additionally, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index declined on a seasonally adjusted basis. Consumer Credit According to the latest Federal Reserve report, consumer credit, excluding mortgages, experienced a significant … Continued
Highlights Job Growth and Unemployment Dynamics April’s job growth has taken a significant dip, falling below expectations and revising down the tally of previous months, contributing to a broader discussion on labor market trends and economic indicators as viewed through the lens of vehicle sales, Federal Reserve policies, and average transaction prices in the auto … Continued
The Fed left interest rates and overall monetary policy unchanged today. We have now had six straight meetings with no change in rate policy. The Fed remains focused on a 2% target. Still, they appear to recognize that waiting could lead to even more economic slowing, which is ultimately the goal, with better balance of … Continued
The video below is part of a biweekly Auto Market Report series focusing on data and insights that provide a holistic view of the auto industry. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke leads our effort to translate data and trends into actionable insights. Download this week’s presentation
Highlights First Estimate of Q1 GDP Growth Slowed More Than Expected The first estimate of Q1 real GDP performance showed a bigger deceleration in growth than expected, falling to an annualized rate of 1.6% from 3.4% in the fourth quarter. Personal consumption decelerated to growth of 2.5%, a decline from 3.3% in Q4. Spending on … Continued
Highlights The initial retail sales report for March showed a stronger-than-expected acceleration in consumer spending. The 0.7% increase was well above the expected 0.4% growth, and February’s sales increase was revised higher. Retail sales were up 4.0% year over year on a nominal basis in the initial March reading, and was up from an upwardly … Continued
The video below is part of a biweekly Auto Market Report series focusing on data and insights that provide a holistic view of the auto industry. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke leads our effort to translate data and trends into actionable insights. Download this week’s presentation
Highlights: Headline Inflation Hits Highest Level Since September Headline inflation continues to run hotter than expected. In March, inflation grew at the same pace as February, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The headline aggregate measure increased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis and marked three months of higher-than-expected increases. The core CPI, which … Continued
