Key Highlights Economic Growth and Consumer Spending The first estimate of fourth-quarter real GDP showed a slowing pace of growth at 2.3% from the 3.1% rate in the prior quarter, but underneath the total, consumer spending accelerated as spending on goods and services both accelerated. Personal Income and Inflation Consumer spending in December was strong … Continued
The Fed left monetary policy unchanged at the conclusion of their first meeting of 2025. This followed three consecutive meetings in the fall of last year in which they reduced the Fed Funds Rate by a full percentage point. The Fed meeting this week offered few new facts or insights about their perspectives. The latest … Continued
Key Highlights Residential Construction Trends Residential construction trends were mixed in December as permits declined and starts increased, but the underlying data suggest growth is ahead for multifamily. Existing Home Sales Existing home sales increased 2.2% in December, which was better than the 1.2% increase expected and marks the third month of increases. Inventory declined, … Continued
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 video covers a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, retail vehicle sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, pricing trends and leading … Continued
Key Highlights Inflation Trends Headline inflation, according to the CPI, accelerated to an increase of 0.4% in December, driven by rising gas prices. However, core CPI, which excludes food and energy, saw a decelerating increase of 0.2%, which was weaker than expected. Shelter costs remained high, with a steady increase of 0.3%. Retail Sales Performance … Continued
Key Highlights Employment Trends Job growth was strong and much better than expected in December, affirming that the labor market has stabilized. Unemployment declined, but wage growth cooled modestly. New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new-vehicle seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) improved in December to 16.8 million, the best level since April 2021. Used-Vehicle Market The … Continued
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 video covers a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, retail vehicle sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, pricing trends and leading … Continued
Key Highlights Strong Q4 Momentum in Auto Market The auto industry continues to show resilience despite challenges in consumer confidence and purchase plans. Economic Growth and Consumer Spending The final estimate of the third-quarter real GDP showed a stronger pace of growth at 3.1% from the 2.8% prior estimate. Home Sales and Mortgage Rates All … Continued
The Fed confirmed today that they have stuck to the plan of cutting another quarter point in the Fed Funds Rate, but their outlook for additional cuts was scaled back. Rate policy is now expected to move only a half point in 2025, which is half of what they projected just three months ago. This … Continued
With the national election now fully in the rearview mirror and consumer sentiment improving, we turn our attention to the year ahead and an automotive market shifting into a higher gear. As we develop our forecast for 2025, we are mostly optimistic, as the market is finishing 2024 with momentum. There is no doubt that … Continued