Market Insights and Outlook - Cox Automotive Inc.

All Smoke on Cars Commentary & Voices Data Point Economy & Trends

Hurricane Florence: Updates on storm’s potential impact on vehicles September 18, 2018 SEPTEMBER 15 UPDATE: The media coverage of the rain and flooding in the Carolinas has been nothing short of heartbreaking, with many lives impacted, many homes and buildings destroyed. We’re hopeful for a quick recovery in the area, with minimal setbacks from the additional post-rain flooding forecast for this week. Fortunately, this area of the Carolinas is less densely populated than areas struck by Hurricanes Harvey… Read Article

Hurricane Market Insights Smoke on Cars Commentary & Voices

Consumers Are Getting Spooked by Auto Tariff Talk September 4, 2018 Consumers are following several trends/current events that negatively impact their purchasing power, including rising gas prices, rising interest rates, and new proposed tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. Of those three, gas prices garner the most attention (87 percent), interest rates second (81 percent), but auto tariffs register a strong 71 percent. Consumers aren’t just following the news about these topics. They are concerned about them.… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars

A dubious doomsday scenario: Subprime autos won’t trigger crisis July 20, 2018 This article was originally published in The Hill on July 20, 2018: https://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/economy-budget/342969-a-dubious-doomsday-scenario-subprime-auto-lending-wont A persistent automotive doomsday thesis that continues to have favor with some in the media and on Wall Street is that subprime auto loans are booming and creating the next great financial crisis. Don’t believe it. As an economist who covered housing during the mother of all bubbles and subsequent financial crisis, I… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars

U.S. Federal Reserve Raises Short-Term Rate Policy June 13, 2018 The Federal Reserve today raised the official short-term rate policy by .25 points. The move by the Federal Reserve was widely expected, the result of continued strong economic growth combined with inflation reaching the Fed’s target. The Cox Automotive Industry Insights team continues to monitor interest rate trends, as higher rates and tighter credit are already leading to softening retail demand. Below you will find commentary… Read Article

interest rates Market Insights Smoke on Cars Commentary & Voices

Hurricane Harvey: The worst disaster for automobiles ever May 9, 2018 This article was originally published in The Hill on May 9, 2018: https://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/349487-hurricane-harvey-the-worst-disaster-for-automobiles Once damages are finally tallied, Hurricane Harvey will likely prove to be among the worst, most-costly natural disasters to hit our United States. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of life, damages have been estimated by Moody’s Analytics to be in the range of $77 to $97 billion. That’s bigger than Sandy and… Read Article

Hurricane Market Insights Smoke on Cars

Many Americans are shrugging off higher gas prices May 9, 2018 This article was originally published in The Hill on May 9, 2018: https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/386893-many-americans-are-shrugging-off-higher-gas-prices As the U.S. economy has slowly improved during past years, so too have fuel prices increased. The average price for a gallon of unleaded according to AAA reached $2.82 this week, the highest level in more than three years, dating back to 2014. We’re not near the $4-a-gallon threshold we had back in… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars