U.S. monetary policy was unchanged today as the Fed issued their official statement following their second meeting of 2021. The biggest changes in the official statement were in this section covering current conditions: “…indicators of economic activity and employment have turned up recently, although the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic remain weak. Inflation … Continued

The downward trend in new daily COVID-19 cases continues. Improving conditions are leading to rollbacks of restrictions, and economic activity and employment are improving as a result.  Traditional jobless claims are seeing gradual declines. However, pandemic assistance claims, which have been extended through September, are growing.  Joblessness remains high: Traditional and new jobless claims are trending … Continued

The downward trend in new daily COVID-19 cases continues, and the vaccine rollout is accelerating. Improving conditions are leading to rollbacks of restrictions, and employment data are starting to reflect solid job gains as a result.  Jobs recovery resumes: February saw 379,000 new jobs – twice what was expected, triggering another tick down in the unemployment … Continued

We are past the effect of the severe winter weather a week ago. As a result, COVID-19 testing is growing again, and the new daily case trend is again on the rise. Still, it remains well below the case trend in January or early February.  Consumers spend: Consumer spending increased in January as incomes jumped with … Continued

The downward trend in new daily COVID-19 cases continues, but winter weather impacted economic activity and vehicle sales over the past two weeks though housing strengthened. Retail sales rise: Retail sales jumped in January, supported by the $600 stimulus checks issued early in the month in the $900 billion stimulus package signed into law at … Continued