U.S. Economic News
February 13, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.0 points to 106.9 in January and is near a record high, as six of the components rose, two dropped, and two remained unchanged. The share of small business owners who say that now is a good time to expand rose to its highest level ever. NFIB Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump said Monday that he is planning a “reciprocal tax” on trade partners who are taking advantage of the U.S. The President did not include any other specifics of the proposed tax, though he did say that some of the U.S.’ allies may be subject to the tax. WSJ
According to the Wall Street Journal, a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that household debt rose by $193 billion to a total of $13.15 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2017. While total nominal debt hit an all-time high, it represents just 67% of GDP, well below the previous high of 87% seen in 2009. WSJ