Category Archives: Market Structure and Dynamics

According to the Wall Street Journal, elevated new vehicle prices and borrowing costs are deterring shoppers, with sales declining 1.9% year-over-year in Q3 2024. Consumers are also turning to leasing and opting for smaller, more affordable...

According to the Wall Street Journal, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the Fed will continue to gradually reduce interest rates. Powell noted that while inflation has decreased considerably, the job market is showing signs...

According to data from the Conference Board, consumer confidence decreased significantly in September reflecting tighter labor market conditions. Despite this, layoffs remain at historically low levels. Consumers’ assessment of their personal financial standing also declined....

The Wall Street Journal reports that consumers – particularly subprime consumers – are struggling to keep up with their bills. In addition to rising prices, these consumers have been squeezed by higher credit card interest rates....

The Federal Reserve voted to lower the federal funds rate 50 basis points to the range of 4.75%-5%. The Fed’s post meeting statement noted a cooling labor market and inflation moving towards its 2% goal.  Read More

According to the Financial Times, companies are issuing more bonds ahead of possible economic volatility and the upcoming presidential election. Total borrowing in public markets reached nearly $82 billion the week of Labor Day – the...

The WSJ reports that American economic sentiment has improved slightly, as mortgage rates and gas prices have fallen, and inflation continues to cool. Recent surveys show a modest uptick in consumer confidence, with a higher...

The New York Federal Reserve's July Survey of Labor Market Expectations found that the probability of being unemployed increased to 4.4% from 3.9% last year, the highest rate since 2014. This remains relatively low compared to previous...

The Financial Times (FT) found that investors have moved $66 billion into fixed-income funds since the start of July, as a hedge amidst potential recession fears. U.S. Treasuries and other highly rated debt securities have been especially...

According to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, U.S. consumers have fewer liquid resources than would have been projected pre-pandemic. For the top 20% of households in terms of income, liquid assets...

U.S. inflation fell to 2.9% in July, supporting a potential Fed decision to lower the federal funds rate in September from the current 5.25-5.5% level. This marks the first time since March 2021 that the Consumer...

On July 31, the Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate at the 5.25%-5.5% range. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated the potential for a September rate cut to prevent weakness in the labor market.  ...