Stuart Hoffman
Stuart Hoffman
clear growth job last months picture quite slow slower somewhat three weaker
It's clear that job growth in the last three months has been as slow as it has been in quite a while. It is a picture of a somewhat slower or weaker job market.
economy effects expect last oil shake
Our forecasters expect the economy to shake off the effects of last year's hurricanes and surging oil prices.
despite economy good indeed june last oil prices relief retailers rise
At the same time, many retailers and the automakers have had good June numbers, despite the rise in oil prices (over the last month), ... Overall, there's some relief right now that the economy is indeed strong, but not overheating.
account active average consistent decline home housing january last months people starts three
If you take into account the revisions, the average for the last three months are still very strong. It's consistent with the housing starts number. People are still active in home buying. This decline in January is probably a month dip. It's a head-fake.
exactly fed housing inflation kinds last likes numbers rate signs slowing speak stopping
These are exactly the kinds of things the Fed likes too see. Signs of a slowing in housing and still-contained inflation are the kinds of numbers that speak to the Fed stopping in May, making that their last rate hike.
bond fed looking markets report seeing signs stock strength
The stock and bond markets are looking at the report and seeing the signs of strength, and they know the Fed is doing the same.
building markets
There will be some uncertainty in the markets building up at the end of the year. There will be some jitters.
adapting aggressive among benefits business care continued costs counter energy health higher increases interest mean next outlook owners prices profits results sales six stable steps taking
The results show a stable outlook among business owners for their own sales and profits during the next six months, which suggests they are adapting to higher energy prices and interest rates. Many, however, are taking aggressive steps to counter continued increases in costs for employees' health care coverage, which could mean reductions in benefits for some employees.
keeping wages
People's wages are going up, but they are not keeping up with inflation.
bit comfort core drew people
People drew some comfort in the smaller-than-expected core index, but I think the core is a bit deceptive.
coming confirmed data hike march market possibly pricing rate terms
I think he was signaling to the market that yes, there is another (quarter-point) rate hike coming in March and possibly in May, but that will be data dependent. He essentially confirmed what the market has already been pricing in, in terms of rate hikes.
business concern energy factory major pressures prices quite
While energy prices are a major concern and price pressures are in the factory pipeline, business is still quite good.
both favorable main number previous street wall
I thought it was a very favorable number for both Wall Street and Main Street, particularly paired with the upward revisions to the previous two months.
economic expected great growth helping inflation less strong
Growth is stronger, but inflation is less, so it's still that great combination of strong economic growth with even less inflation than expected that's helping bonds.