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

The latest employment report presented another mixed view of the labor market. Job growth in March decelerated again, but the unemployment rate increased, and wage growth decelerated. Goods-related industries are shedding jobs while services add jobs. The labor market is cooling down, but likely not enough for the Fed. Jobless claims are higher than previously … Continued

Fourth quarter real GDP growth was revised down slightly with less strength in consumer spending, according to the third estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on March 30. Consumer income growth and spending growth both decelerated in February. The personal savings rate increased. Key measures of inflation showed downward progress. Pending home … 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

The Federal Reserve increased the Fed Funds Rate by a quarter point despite the still-evolving banking crisis. Even before the Fed’s move, auto credit access tightened in March due to the banking situation. Interest rates are going higher because of widening yield spreads while terms are shortening. Both make payments move higher. Momentum for vehicle … Continued

While the main possibilities for action at this meeting boiled down to no raise and raising a quarter point, the Fed opted for the more aggressive move even though tightening was already occurring. Compared to where the thinking was two weeks ago, the decision seems moderate, but much has changed over the last two weeks. … Continued

Year-over-year inflation in aggregate declined modestly in February, but core inflation increased. Retail sales declined in February as auto sales and sales at miscellaneous store retailers declined. Adjusted for inflation, retail sales declined and were down slightly from a year ago. Residential construction increased more than expected in February. Most of the strength is in … 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

Job growth in February decelerated but was still stronger than expected. The unemployment rate increased, and wage growth decelerated. Jobless claims are rising again. Continuing claims are fast approaching the highest level in over a year. However, claims remain at historically low levels relative to the job base. Tax refund season is well ahead of … Continued