U.S. Economic News
April 19, 2019
U.S. Economic Indicators
Privately-owned housing starts decreased 0.3% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.14 million (down 14.2% year-over-year). Housing permits dropped 1.7% to a 1.27 million annual pace in March and are down 7.8% on the year. Census Bureau Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that Dallas Federal Reserve President Robert Kaplan stated that improving U.S. economic growth is unlikely to change his belief that short-term interest rates are set appropriately. Recent reports that consumer spending improved and the trade deficit narrowed suggest economic growth was stronger in the first quarter than previously estimated. WSJ
The Financial Times reports that according to analysis by the International Trade Commission, the USMCA trade deal would be a tailwind for U.S growth and a boost for the automotive sector in particular. The trade agreement is forecasted to add 0.35 percent to U.S. GDP and expand exports to Canada and Mexico. FT