U.S. Economic News
April 16, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
Retail sales rose 0.6% in March and were up 4.5% on the year. Core sales — which excludes autos, gasoline, building materials, and food services — rose 0.4%. Census Bureau Report
Business inventories rose 0.6% in February and were up 4.0% from last year. Manufacturers’ sales increased 0.2% and were up 6.1% on the year. Census Bureau Report
The NAHB Housing Market Index edged down 1.0 point to 69.0 in April, the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Builders remain optimistic due to robust demand, although significant supply-side constraints continue to limit building activity. NAHB Report
The March Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicated that industrial activity in the New York region grew solidly, although the headline index declined 7 points to 15.8. The new orders index fell to 9.0, the shipments index declined to 17.5, and the index for number of employees decreased to 6.0; meanwhile, hours worked rose sharply. NY Fed Report