Stuart Hoffman
Stuart Hoffman
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.
best combine couple final heard holiday increase november reports season seen since weeks
We've heard some disappointing reports about the final couple of weeks before the holidays, so we won't see as big of an increase in December, ... but when you combine November and December, this is about the best holiday season we've seen since 1999.
absence broad economy good inflation lower noticeable problem report steady
It was a good report right through. As you look through the report there is a noticeable absence of inflation on a broad basis. The numbers, if anything, are steady to lower on inflation and show that it just isn't at all a problem for the economy or the Fed.
among capital orders quite reflects report spending
When you take out transportation, the report should look stronger. In total, manufacturing orders are quite strong, and that reflects a lot of capital spending going on among businesses.
activity appears cool general moved output parts relatively report solid stronger summer unlike utility
The report is stronger than appears on the surface. Unlike other parts of the economy, manufacturing activity moved up, so I would say in general this is a pretty solid report. Utility output was down probably because of the relatively cool summer we had.
below economy fed federal funds likes number raise rate recognize report target weak
This is a very weak number and well below what everyone expected. It's not the kind of report the Fed likes to see, but I think they'll recognize that the economy is already rebounding and raise the federal funds target rate to 4.5 percent.
positive quite report strong ultimately
I think the report was quite strong and will ultimately be positive for stocks.
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.