U.S. Economic News
November 22, 2017
U.S. Economic Indicators
New orders of manufactured durable goods fell 1.2% in October after increasing 2.2% (revised) in September, but are up 4.9% year-over-year. Excluding transportation, new orders rose 0.4% (up 5.8% Y/Y). Census Bureau Report
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.2 points to 98.5 in the final November reading, but is up 4.7 points on the year. The Index of Consumer Expectations edged down to 88.9, and the Current Economic Conditions Index moderated to 113.5. Report
Initial jobless claims decreased 13,000 to 239,000 last week. The four-week moving average rose 1,250 to 239,750. DOL Report
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that Fed chair Janet Yellen is not certain whether current, low inflation is transitory. Yellen says that she is keeping an open mind about inflation and also believes that the economy is reasonably close to the central bank’s dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability. WSJ