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Private sector job growth exceeded estimates in January, with employers creating 183,000 new positions versus the anticipated150,000. December’s job growth was also revised significantly higher, from 122,000 to 176,000 new jobs. Medium-sized businesses (50-499 employees) added the largest number of new jobs (+92,000), but growth was seen across all company sizes. Large firms (500+ employees) […]

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an addition of 143,000 jobs in January, below the forecast of 170,000. However, upward revisions for November and December added an extra 100,000 jobs, which bolstered the overall figures. The unemployment rate improved, decreasing from 4.1% to 4.0%. What’s the bottom line? January’s Jobs Report showed a combination […]

Planning for the Super Bowl? Try this Quick and Easy Chili recipe from the Food Network, perfect for feeding a crowd (yields 6 to 8 servings). Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 2 pounds of ground beef. Cookfor 8 to 10 minutes […]

The initial estimate for fourth quarter 2024 GDP indicates that the U.S. economy grew by 2.3%. This comes after growth rates of 1.6% in the first quarter, 3% in the second, and 3.1% in the third quarter last year. The increase in economic activity during the fourth quarter was largely fueled by rising government and […]

The Case-Shiller Home Price Index, widely regarded as the benchmark for measuring appreciation in home values, revealed a 0.4% increase in home prices nationwide from October to November after seasonal adjustments. This marks a new peak, surpassing the previous month’s record. Year-over-year, home values in November were up by 3.8%, building on October’s 3.6% rise. […]

After rising for four straight months, Pending Home Sales dropped by 5.5% from November to December per the latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This metric reflects signed contracts on existing homes, typically occurring one to two months prior to closing, and serves as a leading indicator of housing market trends. What’s […]

In December, signed contracts for new homes increased by 3.6% from November, reaching a pace of 698,000 units, significantly above estimates and the highest since September. Compared to December of the previous year, sales rose by 6.7%. What’s the bottom line? The combination of historically low existing home inventory and strong buyer demand has driven […]

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), met estimates in December. Headline PCE rose 0.3% from November, with the year-over-year rate climbing from 2.4% to 2.6%. Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 0.2% monthly, while the annual rate held steady at 2.8% – near the lowest level in […]

Following a series of rate cuts in September, November, and December, the Federal Reserve held rates steady, maintaining its benchmark Federal Funds Rate between 4.25% and 4.5%. This pause on further cuts was expected and the vote was unanimous. When the Federal Reserve raises or cuts rates, they are adjusting the Fed Funds Rate – […]

Celebrate National Blueberry Pancakes Day on January 28 with this Food Network recipe, perfect for any day. Makes 4 to 6servings. In a large bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2teaspoon salt. In another bowl, whisk 2 eggs, then add 1 cup […]

Initial Jobless Claims rose by 6,000 to 223,000 in the latest week. Continuing Jobless Claims increased by 46,000 to 1.899million and have now exceeded 1.8 million each week since the start of June. What’s the bottom line? Although new unemployment filings remain historically low, the elevated number of Continuing Jobless Claims indicates that individuals are […]

Shelter costs significantly influence the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the two main government inflation reports that impact the Federal Reserve and financial markets. Shelter makes up a large portion of these indices (nearly 46% of Core CPI, for example) and therefore plays a crucial role in determining whether inflation progresses […]

Closings on existing homes beat estimates in December, rising 2.2% from November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.24million units. Closings were also 9.3% higher than a year ago, which the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) noted was the largest annual increase since June 2021. What’s the bottom line? This was a strong report […]

Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day this Friday, January 24, with these delicious Peanut Butter Cookies from The Food Network. Makes 2 dozen. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease baking sheets. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar with 1 stick butter (room temperature). Add 1 egg, 1 cup peanut butter, and 1 […]

Initial Jobless Claims rose by 14,000 to 217,000 in the latest week. Continuing Claims fell by 18,000, with 1.859 million people still receiving benefits after filing their initial claim. What’s the bottom line? Unemployment claims fluctuate weekly, but the trend of low firings and low hirings persists. Initial Jobless Claims have been historically low recently, […]