Key Highlights Employment Trends Job growth accelerated in February and came in close to expectations, but the unemployment rate increased, and wage growth decelerated. New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new-vehicle sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), increased in…

Key Highlights Economic Growth and Inflation February flew by, and much like it started, we’re ending with anxiety about possible tariffs on Mexico and Canada around the corner. Consumer Spending and Income Consumer spending in January fell and was weaker…

Key Highlights New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Cox Automotive forecasts a modest rebound in February’s new-vehicle sales, with a SAAR of 16.3 million, an improvement from last year’s 15.7 million and January’s 15.6 million pace. [Check back to the Newsroom for the…

Key Highlights Inflation Trends Inflation accelerated in January, with vehicle prices, parts, and insurance contributing strongly to the gains as year-over-year inflation increased to 3.0% and core inflation increased to 3.3% year over year. Retail Sales Performance Retail sales declined…

Key Highlights Employment Trends The unemployment rate declined, and wage growth accelerated. The labor market is stable and strong at what is considered full employment. Job growth slowed in January, but the prior two months saw substantial upward revisions. New-Vehicle…

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…