Market Insights and Outlook - Cox Automotive Inc.

Smoke on Cars Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke shares his insights on macroeconomic trends, business cycles, demand and the economic factors influencing the automotive industry today. See Insights ›

Commentary & Voices Our team of analysts and experts share their reactions, insights and unique perspectives on the behaviors, data and industry moves that are affecting the broader automotive business. See Insights ›

Data Point The automotive industry is a data-driven business. These are the data points that our team of experts and analysts find most interesting, offered with insights to explain why it matters and why you should know. See Insights ›

Economy & Trends Dynamic economic factors and market trends continually influence our industry, and Cox Automotive’s economists and analysts provide data analysis, forecasts and reports to enhance the understanding of how these factors affect the automotive marketplace. See Insights ›

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

Auto Market Weekly Summary 06/17/2019 The latest inflation data show that higher prices outside of housing are not materializing, and lower energy costs are keeping inflation very low. Weak inflation bolsters the view that the Fed is likely to cut rates as early as their July 31 meeting. Retail sales meet expectations: Retail sales increased 0.5% in May when analysts were expecting a 0.5% gain, but the prior two months of sales… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 06/10/2019 While unemployment remains historically low, job growth is suddenly slowing, reflecting the negative trends in many sectors being impacted by trade and growing uncertainty. This quarter is seeing weaker consumer spending and business investment, which will no doubt lead to weaker economic growth. The Fed may take pre-emptive measures in July and cut rates Job growth drops: Job growth slowed dramatically in May as trade challenges begin… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 06/03/2019 Roller-coaster consumer sentiment rebounded in May as did consumer spending, while the uncertainty around trade intensified. Economy slows: Economic growth in Q1 was revised down slightly, but most importantly growth is poised to be much weaker in Q2 as much of the gain reported for Q1 will be reversed in Q2. Consumer spending down: Consumer spending declined in April from much stronger growth in March. Consumers are being… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 05/28/2019 New home construction and new home sale have been a plus, but manufacturing is in decline against the backdrop of possibly prolonged trade drama with China. Housing positive:New home construction and new home sales are the primary positive trends so far this quarter, as lower mortgage rates are leading to the highest pace of new home sales in 12 years. Limited inventory and high prices are not… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 05/20/2019 New auto tariffs on Europe and Japan were postponed while tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico were lifted, eliminating some uncertainty but not all. Retail sales remain weak, pointing to a softer economy, but housing and interest rates, which fell, appear less of a drag. Still, auto loan rates are high. Tariffs: New auto tariffs on Europe and Japan, which could have started… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

So Close: More Uncertainty is the only Certainty in the Ongoing Auto Tariff Discussions 05/17/2019 The White House today in a statement confirmed that it will delay by up to six months any decision on Section 232 tariffs on autos and auto parts. This is exactly the route we expected, as the Trump Administration uses the threat of high tariffs as a preferred tool for leverage. How this journey ends is still unknown, but at this point, here are five points we believe… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 05/13/2019 First-quarter economic growth blew away estimates and reversed a downward trend of the past couple of quarters, but beneath the headlines, consumer spending and business investment growth are weakening. Growth improves: First-quarter real GDP growth was much better than expected at 3.2%, but it wasn’t a result of consumer spending or business investment. A build-up of inventories, temporary improvement in net exports, and weak inflation made weak… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars

Auto Market Weekly Summary 05/06/2019 Most of the latest economic data point to improving trends relative to a weak start to the year. Pending home sales and new home sales in March suggest housing activity will be stronger in Q2 and possibly better than last year aided by mortgage rates that are now lower than last year. Unemployment fell to a 50-year low in April and consumer confidence rebounded. However, retail… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars

Auto Market Weekly Summary 04/29/2019 First-quarter economic growth blew away estimates and reversed a downward trend of the past couple of quarters, but beneath the headlines, consumer spending and business investment growth are weakening. Growth improves: First-quarter real GDP growth was much better than expected at 3.2%, but it wasn’t a result of consumer spending or business investment. A build-up of inventories, temporary improvement in net exports, and weak inflation made… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars Economy & Trends

Auto Market Weekly Summary 04/22/2019 Contrasts are the theme. Improving retail sales contrasts with residential construction weakness. Economic growth is decelerating but could pick up if consumers start spending again. Consumer credit is supportive of that spending, but rising defaults on credit cards and higher delinquency on subprime auto loans could spell trouble. Meantime, trade concerns cast a shadow over the auto market and the economy. Retail sales reverse: Retail sales… Read Article

Market Insights Smoke on Cars