U.S. trade deficit with Mexico highest since 2007

  • May 4, 2017
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U.S. trade deficits with Mexico and Japan hit the highest levels in March in almost a decade, though the nation’s trade gap overall was virtually unchanged. The deficit dipped 0.1% to $43.7 billion in March to reach a five-month low, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast a $44.5 billion gap.

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U.S. productivity slumps in first quarter

  • May 4, 2017
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The productivity of American firms and their employees fell in the first quarter at the fastest rate in a year, reflecting a cutback in the amount of goods and services made available to customers. U.S. productivity — the key to a higher standard of living — declined at a 0.6% annual pace in the first

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Treasury yields rise as investors look ahead to June rate hike

  • May 4, 2017
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Treasury prices fell Thursday, allowing yields to continue their rise a day after Federal Reserve policy makers indicated the central bank would gradually hike rates this year, helping to overcome some investor’s suspicions that weak economic data would stay the Fed’s hand on future increases.

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Fed returns to pulpit with six speeches Friday

  • May 4, 2017
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There will be six Federal Reserve officials speaking on Friday and economists will be listening for clues about balance-sheet policy. The central bank did not shed any new light on the internal discussions on its plans to reduce its $4.5 trillion balance sheet on Wednesday.

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Consumer sentiment plummets after Comey testimony, University of Michigan says

  • June 16, 2017
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The UMich consumer sentiment gauge fell to 94.5 in early June from 97.1 in May. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had expected a slight increase to 97.3. Instead, it is the lowest reading since November.

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U.S. adds 211,000 jobs in April; unemployment 4.4%

  • May 5, 2017
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The economy generated 211,000 new jobs in April, rebounding from a disappointing March and pointing to steady U.S. economic growth ahead. Economists polled by MarketWatch had predicted a 190,000 increase in nonfarm jobs. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.4% from 4.5%, a postrecession low last matched in May 2007, the government said Friday. Average wages

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Chicago Fed President Charles Evans: Central bank could be done raising rates this yeaR

  • June 19, 2017
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Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said the central bank could be done raising rates this year, offering a relatively dovish stance. The central bank official, who is a voting member this year of the Fed’s policy-setting committee, said he supports the current policy of “very gradual” interest-rate hikes and a slow reduction of the balance

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March JOLTS better

  • May 9, 2017
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March JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) shows vacant jobs, 5.743 vs. estimates of 5.670M. Not a large factor for interest rate pricing.

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March Wholesale Investories better

  • May 9, 2017
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  • realestatelife

March Wholesale Inventories 0.2% vs. estimates of -0.1%. This will not have an influence for interest rates.

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April Import Prices Improve

  • May 10, 2017
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  • realestatelife

April Import Prices 0.5% vs. estimates of 0.2%. Import Prices YOY 4.1% vs. estimates of 4.2%. A slight negative for interest rate pricing, but generally not a large factor.

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