Economic growth for the second quarter was unrevised at 2.1%, but revisions to historical data caused last year to be weaker and the first quarter to be stronger. As a result, the second quarter growth rate represented a modest slowing, and consumer spending growth slowed substantially. Consumer spending growth decelerated in August, but income growth … Continued
Earlier this week, our team posted its new-vehicle sales forecast for September and the third quarter. Overall, as our senior economist Charlie Chesbrough notes, many analysts can’t help but be ‘pleasantly surprised’ with industry performance so far. There are certainly headwinds blowing in the automotive business, but our industry – thanks in large part to … Continued
A replay of the Q3 2023 Cox Automotive Industry Insights and Sales Forecast Call held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, is available below. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke and the Economic and Industry Insights team shared data and insights regarding the performance of the consumer, industry, and economy in the third quarter, including updated 2023 Cox Automotive forecasts and the Cox Automotive Q3 and … Continued
New construction trends were mixed in August with starts down, permits up, multifamily weak, but single family more stable. Existing home sales declined again in August when a small increase had been expected. Jobless claims are declining in September. The labor market is not as strong as it was a year ago, and claims have … Continued
As expected, the Fed left rates unchanged, at least regarding the official short-term rate policy. However, they made it clear that additional rate hikes could come, as they remain “highly attentive to inflation risks.” The Fed will hold two more meetings in 2023; one on November 1 and another on December 13. The Fed also … Continued
Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke joins CarDealershipGuy Podcast to discuss the state of auto lending and what’s to come, how interest rates are impacting the car industry, the No. 1 issue for car shoppers right now, the best and worst car deals on the market, what a UAW strike could mean for the auto … Continued
CBT News, Sept. 19, 2023 – Encouraging news of improving sales and affordability over the third quarter arrived amidst a backdrop of concern over a possible labor strike as the deadline for United Auto Workers leaders and Detroit-Three car manufacturers to negotiate a contract drew steadily closer. Now, 13,000 employees are staging a walkout at Stellantis, … Continued
The headline, aggregate measure of inflation increased on a seasonally adjusted basis in August. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.6%, up from a 0.2% increase in July. Higher fuel prices were a key driver of the increase in August. The core CPI, which excludes Food and Energy, increased 0.3%, which was up from a 0.2% … Continued
As widely expected, the United Auto Workers (UAW) have officially called a strike against the domestic, Detroit-based auto brands (D3). The contract between the UAW and automakers expired Thursday night, and negotiations over a new, four-year contract broke down. The UAW is pushing for major improvements in a number of areas, including wages, cost-of-living adjustments, … 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