‘Economy Watch’ Podcast with Dees Stribling: Better U.S., World Growth is Predicted for 2014
MHN’s economic analyst, Dees Stribling, gives his update for the week ending Jan. 17.
Economy Watch: Consumers a Bit More Grumpy in January
The Reuter’s/University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index came in at 80.4 at mid-month January, which was a drop of 2.1 points from the end of December, though still an improvement from 75.1 at the end of November and 72.0 at mid-month November.
Economy Watch: Housing Starts Drop in December, Gain for ’13
The Census Bureau reported on Friday that U.S. housing starts were at an annualized rate of 999,000 units, a drop of 9.8 percent from the November rate, which was 1.107 million units.
Economy Watch: Building Confidence Ticks Down
Homebuilders are still fairly confident about their industry, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
Economy Watch: Beige Book Strikes More Optimistic Tone
The Fed’s Beige Book paints a positive picture for most districts and the World Bank remains hopeful for continued economic growth.
Economy Watch: Federal Government Records Surplus in December
The U.S. Department of Treasury reports the first December surplus ($53.2 billion) since 2007, while the ICSC presents a 3.4 percent gain in chain-store comparable sales for December year-over-year.
Economy Watch: December Employment Surprises on the Downside
Despite anemic overall hiring in December, total hiring was roughly the same in 2013 as it was in 2012. The unexpectedly tepid monthly numbers probably won’t cause a delay in the Fed’s tapering.
Economy Watch: Economy Adds 74,000 Jobs in December
Bureau of Labor stats show 74,000 jobs added in December. ShopperTrak reports a 2.7 percent increase in retail sales this holiday season over last, and newly released Mortgage Bankers Association survey results show an expected increase in volume for 2014.
Economy Watch: ADP Reports Strong December Showing for Private-Sector Employment
More jobs were added in December than any other month in 2013 according to ADP, and newly-released Fed minutes confirm that the tapering of bond-buying will proceed in January.
Economy Watch: Home Prices Up Annually, Barely Move Monthly
The growth of home prices slows down, and U.S. total crude oil production should reach its highest level in four decades in 2015.