U.S. Economic News
December 16, 2020
U.S. Economic Indicators
Retail sales fell 1.1% in November but were up 4.1% from last year. Core sales — which exclude autos, gasoline, building materials, and food services — decreased 0.5% from the prior month. Census Bureau Report
The NAHB Housing Market Index fell four points to 86 in December, the first monthly decline since April. NAHB reports that housing demand is still strong heading into 2021, though affordability challenges will persist as construction costs rise and inventories stay low. NAHB Report
Business inventories increased 0.7% in October but were down 3.9% from October of last year. Manufacturers’ sales rose 1.0% but were down 2.9% compared to a year ago. Census Bureau Report