Insights

The Federal Reserve made the first cut to rate policy so far in 2025 at the conclusion of its sixth scheduled Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting for the year. The policy statement and commentary from Chair Powell after the meeting emphasized downside employment risks, but details in the decision and updated forecasts reflect divided views

Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) increased slightly from August in the first 15 days of September. The mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index increased from 207.4 to 207.5—a negligible month-over-month change of 0.0%—but was 2.2% higher than the full month of September 2024. The seasonal adjustment reduced the results,

New-vehicle affordability was stable in August, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Higher prices and declining incentives reduced buying power in August, but income growth offset the impact to the index,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “As a result, new-vehicle affordability did not change month over month.” The estimated

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

August marked a second consecutive strong month for the electric vehicle (EV) market, with record sales and rising market share in both the new and used segments. As consumers acted quickly ahead of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit expiration, Cox Automotive saw demand stay strong, inventory tighten, and incentives remain influential. These shifts signal

This summary features August data on inflation, used-vehicle sales and prices, auto loan access and performance, as well as initial September consumer sentiment. Inflation is picking up from the impact of tariffs, auto loan access declined in August as auto loan performance remained shaky, and September has started with weaker consumer sentiment. Inflation Increased in