Economic Review 31 August 2026
Economic data included U.S. GDP seeing minimal revision, but still a slower pace than Q1, gains in personal income and spending, as well as durable goods. On the other hand, new home sales continued to come in weak, while several home price indexes showed minor gains, now below the pace of inflation. Consumer sentiment also remained negative, due to inflation concerns.
Equities were mixed, with gains in the U.S. and tech-related emerging markets, and flattish elsewhere. Bonds were also flattish as interest rates calmed. Commodities were mixed, with gains in grains, and declines in the prices of energy and precious metals.
Economic Review 24 August 2026
Economic data included mixed results for PMI data, with manufacturing down and services up, gains in industrial production, and a decline in housing starts.
Equities lost ground globally last week, with the continued Middle East conflict and some volatility in government interest rates. As yields rose, bonds were mixed, with foreign bonds helped by a weaker dollar. Commodities saw gains, including another rise in energy, along with the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
Economic Review 17 August 2026
Equities were positive globally, as some easing in inflation was pared with decent earnings and economic results. Bonds were little-changed for the week domestically, while a stronger dollar held back unhedged foreign bonds. Commodities gained, based on higher energy and agricultural prices.
Economic Review 10 August 2026
Economic data included increases in ISM manufacturing and services indexes. The monthly employment situation report disappointed, with far slower growth than expected, although the unemployment rate also declined.
Equities rose globally last week, helped by decent economic data and better news from the Middle East. Bonds gained as yields fell back globally. Commodities were mixed, with gains in precious metals offset by a decline in energy.
Economic Review 3 August 2026
Economic data for the week included the U.S. Federal Reserve keeping interest rates on hold, U.S. GDP for Q2 growing at a pace slightly below trend, as well as moderate gains in personal income and spending, durable goods orders, and home prices. Consumer sentiment remained mixed.
Equities saw gains globally, with decent earnings and lack of Middle East escalation. Bonds were mixed, as yields rose. Commodities fell along with oil prices, coupled with a fading in Middle East tensions early in the week.
Fed Note 29 July 2026
At the July meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Market Committee voted to keep the Fed funds rate unchanged at the current range of 3.50-3.75%. The vote was 9-3, with dissents from Hammack, Kashkari, and Logan, all of whom preferred to raise rates by 0.25%.
Economic Review 27 July 2026
In a light week for economic data, S&P services PMI continued to increase, while manufacturing data flattened out, although both remained plagued by higher inflation. New home sales reversed course and rose, although to a minimal degree.
Equities were mixed, with declines in the U.S. and minimal gains internationally, with offsetting views about AI and inflation implications of the Middle East war. Bonds fell back globally along with higher inflation expectations and movements in the dollar. Commodities rose broadly, led by another spike in oil prices.
Economic Review 20 July 2026
Economic data last week included recent month improvements in consumer and producer
inflation, as well as consumer sentiment, tempered results in industrial production and
retail sales, and a mixed bag of housing data.
Economic Review 13 July 2026
Economic Review 6 July 2026