by Simona Mocuta | Nov 2, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
US: Strong growth, Fed waits for next move The Fed’s October meeting was the first “non-event” occurrence in quite a while. As widely expected, the FOMC left the Fed Funds rate unchanged in the 3.75%-4.00% range, though with two somewhat unexpected dissents favoring a...
by Simona Mocuta | Oct 26, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
US housing activity is weakening as mortgage rates rise While the overall economy continues to grow thanks to solid consumer spending and the AI-related capex boom, the housing sector is in considerable pain. The situation may well get worse before it gets better...
by Simona Mocuta | Oct 5, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
Softer labor market eases Fed angst Even before the September employment data was released on Friday, downward revisions to the PCE price deflator helped alleviate the sense of urgency for an October Fed hike that had previously permeated the market. After the labor...
by Simona Mocuta | Aug 17, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
More reassuring inflation news One month never makes a trend, which is why June’s excellent inflation report had to be read primarily as relief after a stretch of elevated readings. Two months will not make a trend, either, but they represent a growing body of...
by Simona Mocuta | Aug 10, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
No pre-emption needed Last week we noted that the three dissents in favor of an immediate rate hike all implicitly viewed that hike as a pre-emptive move aimed to avoid larger/faster hikes down the road. This week’s employment update says that no pre-emption is...
by Simona Mocuta | Aug 4, 2026 | Economic Perspectives
The dissents tell the story The second FOMC meeting under the leadership of Chair Warsh was more edgy and triggered more market volatility. There was no change to the Fed Funds rate (still at the 3.50-3.75% range) but there were three dissents in favor of an immediate...
