Stuart Hoffman
Stuart Hoffman
cents claims gasoline spite squares
This is in spite of gasoline rebounding 10 to 15 cents in January. This also squares with the jobless claims data.
benign clean consumer earlier fell inflation learned month morning prices producer relatively sweep wages yesterday
Inflation, it's been a clean sweep for July. We learned earlier this month wages were unchanged, yesterday producer prices fell again, and this morning you're right on the money, relatively benign consumer price inflation report. No problem.
consumer good positive sector sign signal threaten
It's not a good sign when delinquencies rise, There are enough other positive things in the consumer sector to say this is not a signal for some significant retrenchment ... that could threaten the economy.
bonds coming profit stocks
Stocks and bonds rallied at first, but now have hemmed down. Stocks are coming off a superb day yesterday, so that may be a little profit taking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
cheap easy past period several sort
(Tuesday) won't be the last. This is not the sort of cheap and easy (money) period of the past several years.
building markets
There will be some uncertainty in the markets building up at the end of the year. There will be some jitters.
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.
early economy following fourth percent roaring sees
The NABE panel sees the economy roaring back in early 2006 following the fourth quarter's tepid 1.1 percent growth.
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The bottom line is that Greenspan is in no way signaling that the Fed's tightening ballgame against inflation is nearly over.