An Inflation Surprise — Economic Outlook Remains Rosy
October 16, 2026 The CPI surprised to the upside in September. It rose 0.6% when a gain of 0.5% had been expected as energy prices rose slightly more than economists projected. The core rate climbed by 0.3% versus the 0.2% increase that was anticipated. But that...
Industrial Production
October 16, 2026 Industrial production jumped 0.7% in September after having risen 0.1% in August.. In the past year industrial production has risen 2.2%. The September increase was driven by a 3.5% increase in the output of utilities. Breaking industrial...
Producer Price Index
October 15, 2026 . The Producer Price Index for final demand includes producer prices for goods, as well as prices for construction, services, government purchases, and exports and covers over 75% of domestic production. Producer prices for final demand jumped...
Initial Unemployment Claims
October 15, 2026 Initial unemployment claims rose 1 thousand in the week ending October 10 to 199 thousand after having fallen 1 thousand in the previous week. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits declined 4 thousand in the week ending October 3 to...
Retail Sales
October 16, 2026 Retail sales climbed by 0.8% in September after having jumped by 1.3% in August. In the past year retail sales have risen 6.3%. Consumers continue to spend despite the runup in inflation caused by the war with Iran. Motor vehicle sales rose 0.2%...
Existing Home Sales
October 13, 2026 . Existing home sales edged upwards by 1.5% in September to 3,990 thousand after having declined 3.2% in August. Home sales have been floundering at about this same pace for the past two years. In the past year home sales have declined 2.2%....
Consumer Price Index
October 13, 2026 The CPI rose 0.6% in September after climbing 0.4% in August. The year-over-year increase is now 3.7%. We expect the overall CPI to increase 3.9% in 2026 as the war with Iran has boosted oil prices. Looking ahead we expect the CPI to increase...
Small Business Optimism
October 13, 2026 . Small business optimism fell 0.8 point in September to 97.9 after declining 1.1 points in August. The index level is right at its 40-year average rate of 98.0 which is regarded as the breakeven point for this series. NFIB Chief Economist William...
2027 Economic Outlook Conference
2027 Economic Outlook Conference In times of uncertainty whether you are running a business or planning your investments, knowledge can be your most valuable asset. Stephen Slifer, Owner and Chief Economist at NumberNomics will provide insight regarding what...
Interest Rate Levels Will Not Short Circuit the Economy
October 9, 2026 The Federal Reserve raised the funds rate by 0.25% last month with another 0.25% increase expected in December. The total increase of 0.5% would boost the funds rate to 4.1% by yearend. The recent increase in long-term interest rates, however, has...
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