U.S. Economic News

July 14, 2020

U.S. Economic Indicators

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 6.2 points to 100.6 in June as eight components improved and two weakened. Sales expectations and the economic outlook improved, while earnings trends and expected credit conditions declined. NFIB Report

Consumer prices increased 0.6% in June (up 0.6% from a year ago) after falling 0.1% in May. The “core” CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.2% in June – the first monthly increase since February – and is up 1.2% from last year. BLS Report

U.S. News

The Washington Post reports that White House officials have expressed willingness to extend a narrower version of enhanced unemployment benefits as economists warn that an abrupt withdrawal of government support could impede economic recovery. Lawmakers are running out of time to reach a compromise on what an extension could look like as the current $600 per week bonus is set to expire at the end of this month. WaPo