Q1 GDP growth is expected to be negative, per the Atlanta Fed “GDPNow.” Spending data is still generally positive through January, however, consumer confidence eroded sharply in February. In recent weeks, numerous economic indicators have shown decelerating spending and declining consumer confidence, with the GDPNow readout at negative 2.4 percent. As of 6 March, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model is projecting Q1-25 US GDP to decline by 2.4 percent.
Job growth in February was 151,000 new jobs, with the February unemployment rate nudging up to 4.1 percent from 4.0 percent. Wage rates were up 4.7 percent versus a year ago and continued to moderate. The February CPI was up 3 percent versus a year ago, with the PPI up 2.9 percen...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
