U.S. Economic News
May 1, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
The ISM Manufacturing Index decreased 2.0 percentage points to 57.3 in April. The Employment Index fell 3.1 percentage points to 54.2 while the New Orders Index edged down 0.7 percentage point to 61.2. ISM Report
Construction spending fell 1.7% in March to an annualized rate of $1.28 trillion. Public construction was unchanged while private construction decreased 2.1%. Census Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that key U.S. trade allies are relieved at the White House’s decision to delay the implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs. The White House has indicated that the delay is meant to allow time to come to an agreement to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with the EU in exchange for a permanent exemption from the tariffs. WSJ