U.S. Economic News
November 19, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
The NAHB Housing Market Index plunged 8.0 points to 60.0 in November and is now at its lowest point in over two years. All the major components of the index posted declines this month as rising interest rates and home prices dampen demand. NAHB Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. factories are burning through inventories as logistical problems hamper restocking efforts. Company executives report that escalating tariffs, especially on Chinese imports, have driven firms to stock up on key goods, which in turn has exacerbated logistical issues and has increased input costs. WSJ
Jon Sindreu of the Wall Street Journal writes that a global U.S. dollar shortage has reemerged as 2018 comes to a close. Sindreu points to more restrictive banking regulations, the Fed’s shrinking balance sheet, and rising short-term interest rates in the U.S. as causes for the shortage. WSJ