The stock market now faces two primary risks. First, the economy could slow too much, which would jeopardize profit performance. Second, a strong rebound in stocks could stoke consumer spending and renew concerns about overheating and additional interest rate hikes. |
The three reports combined all are on the slower side, but the economy, based on other indicators, still shows considerable momentum. |
The underlying trend still seems to be relatively low, but the jobless claims will reflect the destruction to business activity in the region during the next two to three weeks. |
There has not been significant push-through of energy price increases which has been feared by many. It would suggest that the further increase in rates could be indeed limited to one or two rate hikes. |
These numbers really indicate some pockets of weakness. It suggests manufacturers are having a difficult time in some sectors and it does suggest some areas of slowing within the economy. |
They (investors) tend to overreact to individual economic reports which may be more statistical noise than an underlying trend which takes three to four months to develop, ... They tend to pay equal attention to almost any report that is relevant, and some are more significant than others. |
They are definitely off auto pilot. Although another increase at the end of March seems likely, the statement in the minutes reinforces the view that future policy steps will depend more on the behavior of economic statistics. |
This is another sign that the manufacturing sector is positioned for an upswing in the third quarter. |
This is likely to become a much bigger issue as we near the end of the year. |
This is very good evidence that the interest rate hikes are working, |
This number shows that inflation is in a benign mode for the U.S. economy. |
Today was a relief rally; it was an oil price relief story, |
Today was a relief rally; it was an oil-price relief story, ... Oil prices are still very high, but much more moderate than the worst fears of last week. |
Today was a relief rally; it was an oil-price relief story. Oil prices are still very high, but much more moderate than the worst fears of last week. |
Wall Street breathed a collective sigh of relief this week as fears of mounting inflationary pressures and additional rate hikes by the Federal Reserve suddenly evaporated. |