U.S. Economic News
June 13, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
The headline Producer Price Index (“PPI”) for final demand rose 0.5% in May and is up 3.1% since May of last year. The core — which removes the volatile prices of food, energy, and trade services — edged up 0.1% and is up 2.6% on the year. BLS Report
U.S. News
According to the Wall Street Journal, borrowing costs are surging to multiyear highs as the Federal Reserve continues normalizing interest rates. Economists say that rising wages, low unemployment, and recent tax cuts should help offset rising interest rates for the time being, although borrowing costs may limit the ability of some consumers to purchase new homes or cars. WSJ
Paul Hannon of the Wall Street Journal writes that Eurozone industrial activity fell more sharply than expected in April, which may signal a looming economic downturn. Robust industrial activity was a key driver of surprisingly strong Eurozone economic growth in 2017, but trade tensions with the U.S. may be harming business confidence and might lead to a larger economic slowdown. WSJ