Tom Moeller

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019e.jpg" width="353">
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank&#39;s Index of General Business Conditions in the manufacturing sector remained negative in October. The figure slipped to -0.7 from an unrevised -0.4 last month and disappointed Consensus expectations for improvement to 6.5.
During the last ten years there has been a 65% correlation between the level of the Philadelphia Fed Business Conditions Index and three month growth in factory sector industrial production. There has been a 49% correlation with q/q growth in real GDP.
Sharp deterioration into negative territory by the indexes for unfilled orders, delivery times and the average workweek presumably pulled the overall index down.
The sub indexes for orders, shipments and inventories each recovered sharply back into positive territory. The employment index fell moderately m/m but remained in the positive range of the last year. During the last ten years there has been a 75% correlation between the employment index and the three month growth in factory payrolls.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019f.jpg" width="353">
The business conditions index reflects a separate survey question, not the sub indexes.
The prices paid index fell m/m to the lowest level since April. During the last ten years there has been a 76% correlation between the prices paid index and the three month growth in the intermediate goods PPI. There has been an 85% correlation with the change in core intermediate goods prices.
The separate index of expected business conditions in six months improved sharply to the highest level since May.
The latest Business Outlook survey from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank can be found <a href="http://www.phil.frb.org/files/bos/bos1006.html">here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/SURVEYS/@S5/@S504/@S504.HTM">Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook</a></th>
<th scope="col">October</th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">Oct. &#39;05</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">General Activity Index</td>
<td>-0.7</td>
<td>-0.4</td>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>12.4</td>
<td>28.0</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Prices Paid Index</td>
<td>32.0</td>
<td>38.1</td>
<td>66.7</td>
<td>43.5</td>
<td>51.2</td>
<td>16.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank's Index of General Business Conditions in the manufacturing sector remained negative in October. The figure slipped to -0.7 from an unrevised -0.4 last month and disappointed Consensus [...]

Philadelphia Fed Index Remained Negative

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019c.jpg" width="353">
The Conference Board reported that the composite index of leading economic indicators ticked 0.1% higher last month following an unrevised 0.2% August decline. It was the first m/m rise since June but fell short of Consensus expectations for a 0.3% gain.
During the last ten years there has been a 59% correlation between the y/y change in the leading indicators and the lagged change in real GDP.
The breadth of one month gain amongst the 10 components of the leading index improved to 50%, the highest level since June.
The method of calculating the contribution to the leading index from the spread between 10 year Treasury securities and the Fed funds rate has been revised. A negative contribution will now occur only when the spread inverts rather than when declining as in the past. More details can be found <a href="http://www.conference-board.org/pdf_free/economics/bci/lei0705.pdf">here</a>.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019d.jpg" width="353">
The leading index is based on eight previously reported economic data series. Two series, orders for consumer goods and orders for capital goods, are estimated.
The coincident indicators were unchanged following an upwardly revised 0.2% increase during August. Over the last ten years there has been a 91% correlation between the y/y change in the coincident indicators and real GDP growth.
The lagging indicators increased 0.2% for the second month as the CPI for services posted its largest positive contribution since late last year. The ratio of coincident to lagging indicators, which is a measure of actual economic performance versus excess, fell.
Visit the Conference Board&#39;s <a href="http://www.conference-board.org">site</a> for coverage of leading indicator series from around the world.
Inflation Persistence in an Era of Well-Anchored Inflation Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is available <a href="http://www.frbsf.org/publications/economics/letter/2006/el2006-27.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/BCI/BCI.HTM">Business Cycle Indicators</a></th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">August</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Leading</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>7.4%</td>
<td>5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Coincident</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Lagging</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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The Conference Board reported that the composite index of leading economic indicators ticked 0.1% higher last month following an unrevised 0.2% August decline. It was the first m/m rise since June but fell short of Consensus [...]

Leading Economic Indicators 0.1% Rise Disappointing

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019a.jpg" width="353">
Last week, initial claims for jobless insurance fell 10,000 to 299,000 after a little revised increase the week earlier. It was the third decline in the last four weeks and dropped claims to the lowest level since early June. Consensus expectations had been for 310,000 claims.
The latest figure covers the survey period for October nonfarm payrolls and and claims were down 23,000 (-7.1%) from the September period.
During the last ten years there has been a (negative) 78% correlation between the level of initial claims and the m/m change in nonfarm payroll employment.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019b.jpg" width="353">
The four-week moving average of initial claims fell to 307,750 (-15.1% y/y).
Continuing claims for unemployment insurance rose 25,000 after a revised 12,000 decline the prior week that initially was reported as a 5,000 w/w increase.
The insured rate of unemployment was steady at 1.9% where it has been since February.
Health Insurance Costs and Declining Coverage from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco can be found <a href="http://www.frbsf.org/publications/economics/letter/2006/el2006-25.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/WEEKLY/@W5/@W507/@W507.HTM">Unemployment Insurance (000s)</a></th>
<th scope="col">10/14/06</th>
<th scope="col">10/07/06</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Initial Claims</td>
<td>299</td>
<td>308</td>
<td>-12.8%</td>
<td>332</td>
<td>343</td>
<td>403</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Continuing Claims</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>2,453</td>
<td>-13.0%</td>
<td>2,662</td>
<td>2,924</td>
<td>3,532</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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Last week, initial claims for jobless insurance fell 10,000 to 299,000 after a little revised increase the week earlier. It was the third decline in the last four weeks and dropped claims to the lowest level since early June. [...]

Initial Jobless Insurance Claims At Four Month Low

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019e.jpg" width="353">
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank&#39;s Index of General Business Conditions in the manufacturing sector remained negative in October. The figure slipped to -0.7 from an unrevised -0.4 last month and disappointed Consensus expectations for improvement to 6.5.
During the last ten years there has been a 65% correlation between the level of the Philadelphia Fed Business Conditions Index and three month growth in factory sector industrial production. There has been a 49% correlation with q/q growth in real GDP.
Sharp deterioration into negative territory by the indexes for unfilled orders, delivery times and the average workweek presumably pulled the overall index down.
The sub indexes for orders, shipments and inventories each recovered sharply back into positive territory. The employment index fell moderately m/m but remained in the positive range of the last year. During the last ten years there has been a 75% correlation between the employment index and the three month growth in factory payrolls.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019f.jpg" width="353">
The business conditions index reflects a separate survey question, not the sub indexes.
The prices paid index fell m/m to the lowest level since April. During the last ten years there has been a 76% correlation between the prices paid index and the three month growth in the intermediate goods PPI. There has been an 85% correlation with the change in core intermediate goods prices.
The separate index of expected business conditions in six months improved sharply to the highest level since May.
The latest Business Outlook survey from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank can be found <a href="http://www.phil.frb.org/files/bos/bos1006.html">here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/SURVEYS/@S5/@S504/@S504.HTM">Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook</a></th>
<th scope="col">October</th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">Oct. &#39;05</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">General Activity Index</td>
<td>-0.7</td>
<td>-0.4</td>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>12.4</td>
<td>28.0</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Prices Paid Index</td>
<td>32.0</td>
<td>38.1</td>
<td>66.7</td>
<td>43.5</td>
<td>51.2</td>
<td>16.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Initial Jobless Insurance Claims At Four Month Low 
by <a href="/comment/Moeller.html">Tom Moeller</a> October 19, 2006


<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019a.jpg" width="353">
Last week, initial claims for jobless insurance fell 10,000 to 299,000 after a little revised increase the week earlier. It was the third decline in the last four weeks and dropped claims to the lowest level since early June. Consensus expectations had been for 310,000 claims.
The latest figure covers the survey period for October nonfarm payrolls and and claims were down 23,000 (-7.1%) from the September period.
During the last ten years there has been a (negative) 78% correlation between the level of initial claims and the m/m change in nonfarm payroll employment.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019b.jpg" width="353">
The four-week moving average of initial claims fell to 307,750 (-15.1% y/y).
Continuing claims for unemployment insurance rose 25,000 after a revised 12,000 decline the prior week that initially was reported as a 5,000 w/w increase.
The insured rate of unemployment was steady at 1.9% where it has been since February.
Health Insurance Costs and Declining Coverage from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco can be found <a href="http://www.frbsf.org/publications/economics/letter/2006/el2006-25.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/WEEKLY/@W5/@W507/@W507.HTM">Unemployment Insurance (000s)</a></th>
<th scope="col">10/14/06</th>
<th scope="col">10/07/06</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Initial Claims</td>
<td>299</td>
<td>308</td>
<td>-12.8%</td>
<td>332</td>
<td>343</td>
<td>403</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Continuing Claims</td>
<td>--</td>
<td>2,453</td>
<td>-13.0%</td>
<td>2,662</td>
<td>2,924</td>
<td>3,532</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Leading Economic Indicators 0.1% Rise Disappointing 
by <a href="/comment/Moeller.html">Tom Moeller</a> October 19, 2006


<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019c.jpg" width="353">
The Conference Board reported that the composite index of leading economic indicators ticked 0.1% higher last month following an unrevised 0.2% August decline. It was the first m/m rise since June but fell short of Consensus expectations for a 0.3% gain.
During the last ten years there has been a 59% correlation between the y/y change in the leading indicators and the lagged change in real GDP.
The breadth of one month gain amongst the 10 components of the leading index improved to 50%, the highest level since June.
The method of calculating the contribution to the leading index from the spread between 10 year Treasury securities and the Fed funds rate has been revised. A negative contribution will now occur only when the spread inverts rather than when declining as in the past. More details can be found <a href="http://www.conference-board.org/pdf_free/economics/bci/lei0705.pdf">here</a>.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061019d.jpg" width="353">
The leading index is based on eight previously reported economic data series. Two series, orders for consumer goods and orders for capital goods, are estimated.
The coincident indicators were unchanged following an upwardly revised 0.2% increase during August. Over the last ten years there has been a 91% correlation between the y/y change in the coincident indicators and real GDP growth.
The lagging indicators increased 0.2% for the second month as the CPI for services posted its largest positive contribution since late last year. The ratio of coincident to lagging indicators, which is a measure of actual economic performance versus excess, fell.
Visit the Conference Board&#39;s <a href="http://www.conference-board.org">site</a> for coverage of leading indicator series from around the world.
Inflation Persistence in an Era of Well-Anchored Inflation Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is available <a href="http://www.frbsf.org/publications/economics/letter/2006/el2006-27.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/BCI/BCI.HTM">Business Cycle Indicators</a></th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">August</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Leading</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>7.4%</td>
<td>5.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Coincident</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Lagging</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>3.5%</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Carol Stone, CBE

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018h.jpg" width="353">
In July and August, the Euro-Zone region had its largest two-month trade deficit in the 17-plus-year history* of these combined regional data. In July, the deficit reached &#128;6.2 billion and improved just slightly in August to &#128;5.5 billion. These are tiny by US standards, but the more normal pattern in Europe is a trade surplus with the rest of the world, which just four years ago reached &#128;8.2 billion.
July&#39;s deficit suffered from a decrease in exports of 2.0%, but these rebounded in August by 3.2%. They are a quite respectable 7.4% ahead of a year ago, a pace that has been equaled or exceeded in most months since the middle of 2003, when a two-and-a-half year recession ended in Germany. Manufactured goods led the way.
Imports rose 2.2% in July and 2.4% in August. August&#39;s inflows of merchandise were 10.3% ahead of a year ago. It is easy to say &quot;oil is a major culprit&quot;, and it is, with the mineral fuel category up &#128;3.7 billion, or 13.8%. However, manufactured goods are just as significant. &quot;Other&quot; manufactured goods&quot; (excluding machinery and chemical products) are up &#128;3.4 billion, or 14.5%. The European economy has been strong, and this is reflected in its demand for imported goods.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018g.jpg" width="353">
We title this article &quot;Old News&quot;, since these data, of course, cover August. Since then, oil and gasoline prices have fallen dramatically. So we would hope that succeeding months&#39; trade reports will look more favorable for oil importers.
*In this commentary we have used Haver&#39;s EUROSTAT database, which comes from Eurostat, and also our own summary compilation, G10+. Eurostat&#39;s seasonally adjusted data run back to 1989, hence our reference to the &quot;17-year&quot; history of the series. Eurostat&#39;s adjustment methods are called &quot;TRAMO&quot; and &quot;SEATS&quot;, which take explicit account of &quot;working days&quot;. In G10, Haver has run its own seasonal adjustment using the more familiar X-12 ARIMA technique. The series adjusted this way extend back to 1980, the same as the not seasonally adjusted data. Depending on your analytical needs, either or both of these datasets may be useful for your work. 

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/FRANCE/@F07/@F07.HTM">France</a><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/FRANCE/@F07/@F07.HTM">, SA, Mil.&#128;</a></th>
<th scope="col">Aug 2006</th>
<th scope="col">July 2006</th>
<th scope="col">June 2006</th>
<th scope="col">Aug 2005</th>
Monthly Averages
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">2005</td>
<td>2004</td>
<td>2003</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Trade Balance</td>
<td>-5,454</td>
<td>-6,262</td>
<td>-1,324</td>
<td>-1,695</td>
<td>+1,658</td>
<td>+5,958</td>
<td>+5,797</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Exports</td>
<td>114,739</td>
<td>111,138</td>
<td>113,460</td>
<td>107,329</td>
<td>103,191</td>
<td>96,068</td>
<td>88,199</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">% Change</td>
<td>3.2%</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
<td>0.8%</td>
<td>7.4%</td>
<td>7.4%</td>
<td>8.9%</td>
<td>-2.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Imports</td>
<td>120,193</td>
<td>117,361</td>
<td>114,783</td>
<td>109,004</td>
<td>101,533</td>
<td>90,110</td>
<td>82,402</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">% Change</td>
<td>2.4%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
<td>10.3%</td>
<td>12.7%</td>
<td>9.4%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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In July and August, the Euro-Zone region had its largest two-month trade deficit in the 17-plus-year history* of these combined regional data. In July, the deficit reached 6.2 billion and improved just slightly in August to 5.5 [...]

Old News: Euro-Zone Trade Suffers from High Energy Costs in August, Too

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018f.jpg" width="353">
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the total number of mortgage applications fell 2.2% last week for the third decline in the last four weeks. Applications this month are just 0.5% higher than during September.
A 0.4% rise in purchase applications recovered just a piece of the prior week&#39;s 5.3% w/w skid and that left the level of purchase apps in early October 3.0% below the September average which rose 3.2% from August.
During the last ten years there has been a 58% correlation between the y/y change in purchase applications and the change in new plus existing single family home sales.
Applications to refinance about repeated the prior week&#39;s decline and fell 5.3%. Refis in October are 5.2% higher than the September average due to sharp increases late last month.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018e.jpg" width="353">
The effective interest rate on a conventional 30-year mortgage rose for the third consecutive week. The seven basis point increase to 6.56% left rates at the highest in a month. The peak for 30 year financing was 7.08% late in June. The rate for 15-year financing also rose ten basis points w/w to 6.28% versus 6.20% averaged last month. The peak rate was 6.75%. Interest rates on 15 and 30 year mortgages are closely correlated (&gt;90%) with the rate on 10 year Treasury securities.
During the last ten years there has been a (negative) 79% correlation between the level of applications for purchase and the effective interest rate on a 30-year mortgage.
The Mortgage Bankers Association surveys between 20 to 35 of the top lenders in the U.S. housing industry to derive its refinance, purchase and market indexes. The weekly survey accounts for more than 40% of all applications processed each week by mortgage lenders. Visit the Mortgage Bankers Association site <a href="http://www.mbaa.org">here</a>.
The Federal Home Loan Bank System: The &#147;Other&#148; Housing GSE from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is available <a href="http://www.frbatlanta.org/filelegacydocs/erq306_frame.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
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<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/SURVEYW/@S5/@S5.HTM">MBA Mortgage Applications (3/16/90=100)</a></th>
<th scope="col">10/13/06</th>
<th scope="col">10/06/06</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Total Market Index</td>
<td>585.8</td>
<td>599.1</td>
<td>-20.6%</td>
<td>708.6</td>
<td>735.1</td>
<td>1,067.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Purchase</td>
<td>384.7</td>
<td>383.7</td>
<td>-23.7%</td>
<td>470.9</td>
<td>454.5</td>
<td>395.1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Refinancing</td>
<td>1,758.2</td>
<td>1,857.0</td>
<td>-16.1%</td>
<td>2,092.3</td>
<td>2,366.8</td>
<td>4,981.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the total number of mortgage applications fell 2.2% last week for the third decline in the last four weeks. Applications this month are just 0.5% higher than during September. A 0.4% rise [...]

Mortgage Applications Fell Again

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018c.jpg" width="353">
Housing starts in September rose for only the third month this year. The 5.9% increase to 1.772M units fully recovered all of the prior month&#39;s little revised 4.9% decline and easily beat Consensus expectations for a slight decline to 1.64M starts.
Starts nevertheless remained 21.8% below the peak this past January.
Single-family starts recovered 4.3% last month to 1.43M and recovered most of the prior month&#39;s 5.4% decline. Multi family starts were stronger and popped 12.7% after three consecutive months of sharp decline.<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018d.jpg" width="353">
By region, single family housing starts rose everywhere except in the Northeast where starts fell 12.1% (-29.7% y/y). In the West single family starts inched up 0.9% m/m (-30.8% y/y) but in the South starts recovered 8.5% (-8.4% y/y). Single family starts in the Midwest also were higher by 3.9% (-33.0% y/y).
Building permits fell 6.3% to the lowest level since 2001. Permits to start singe family homes in addition fell hard by 6.0% (-32.1% y/y), also to the lowest since 2001.
How Resilient Is the Modern Economy to Energy Price Shocks? from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta can be found <a href="http://www.frbatlanta.org/filelegacydocs/erq306_jeske.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

</table>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@E9/@E901/@E90101/@E90101.HTM">Housing Starts (000s, AR)</a> </th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">August</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Total</td>
<td>1,772</td>
<td>1,674</td>
<td>-17.9%</td>
<td>2,073</td>
<td>1,950</td>
<td>1,854</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Single-family</td>
<td>1,426</td>
<td>1,367</td>
<td>-20.3%</td>
<td>1,719</td>
<td>1,604</td>
<td>1,505</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Multi-family</td>
<td>346</td>
<td>307</td>
<td>-6.0%</td>
<td>354</td>
<td>345</td>
<td>349</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">Building Permits</td>
<td>1,619</td>
<td>1,727</td>
<td>-27.7%</td>
<td>2,159</td>
<td>2,058</td>
<td>1,888</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
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Housing starts in September rose for only the third month this year. The 5.9% increase to 1.772M units fully recovered all of the prior month's little revised 4.9% decline and easily beat Consensus expectations for a slight decline to [...]

Rise in Housing Starts Surprising

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<img align="left" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018a.jpg" width="353">
The consumer price index (CPI-U) fell 0.5% last month due to sharply lower energy prices. The decline outpaced expectations for a 0.3% drop and was the largest m/m decline since last November. The 0.2% rise in prices less food &amp; energy was the third in a row and was as expected.
Energy prices were led 7.2% lower in September by a 13.5% drop in gasoline and a 4.9% (+0.5% y/y) fall in fuel oil prices. Gasoline prices have since fallen another 11.3% so far in October (-16.6% y/y) to an average $2.27 per gallon. Natural gas &amp; electricity prices in September rose 1.2% (5.8% y/y).
Core goods prices fell 0.1% though apparel prices were strong and posted a 0.6% (0.9% y/y) gain after rising 0.9% in August. Appliance prices also rose a firm 0.7% (1.3% y/y) but furniture &amp; bedding prices fell 0.7% (+1.4% y/y) while other equipment &amp; furnishings prices dropped 1.9% (-6.5% y/y). New &amp; used motor vehicle prices also slipped 0.3% (-0.1% y/y) and tobacco prices fell 0.1% (+2.1% y/y). Medical care commodity prices rose 0.2% (3.8% y/y).<img align="right" border="0" height="265" src="https://haver-commentaries.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/comments/061018b.jpg" width="353">
Core services prices rose 0.3% as shelter prices rose 0.3% (4.2% y/y). The rental equivalence measure of owners&#39; primary residences rose 0.3% (4.0% y/y) for the second month and rents rose 0.4% (3.9% y/y) for the fourth straight month. Public transportation costs fell 0.7% (+3.9% y/y), the first m/m decline since March. Education costs rose 0.2% (6.1% y/y) and medical care services prices rose 0.4% (4.4% y/y) for the second month.
Food &amp; beverage prices rose 0.4% as meat, fish &amp; poultry prices increased 0.5% (1.6% y/y) and fruit &amp; vegetable prices surged another 3.0% (7.3% y/y). Dairy prices were unchanged (-1.0% y/y).
The chained CPI, which adjusts for shifts in the mix of consumer purchases, fell 0.3% but less food &amp; energy prices rose 0.3%.
The Quantity Theory of Money from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis can be found <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/publications/mt/20061101/cover.pdf"> here</a>.

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
<colgroup><col><col><col><col><col><col></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@E8/@E801/@E80101/@E80101.HTM">Consumer Price Index</a> </th>
<th scope="col">September</th>
<th scope="col">August</th>
<th scope="col">Y/Y</th>
<th scope="col">2005</th>
<th scope="col">2004</th>
<th scope="col">2003</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">Total&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.5%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>3.4%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Total less Food &amp; Energy</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Goods less Food &amp; Energy</td>
<td>-0.1%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>0.5%</td>
<td>-0.9%</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp; Services less Energy</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Energy</td>
<td>-7.2%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>-4.5%</td>
<td>16.9%</td>
<td>10.8%</td>
<td>12.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Food &amp; Beverages</td>
<td>0.4%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>2.6%</td>
<td>2.4%</td>
<td>3.4%</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="firstcol"><a href="http://www.haverselect.com/dlx/USECON/@E8/@E801/@E80113/@E80113.HTM">Chained CPI: Total (NSA)</a> </td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>2.2%</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
<td>2.5%</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td class="firstcol">&nbsp;Total less Food &amp; Energy</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>0.3%</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>1.9%</td>
<td>1.7%</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body>
</html>

The consumer price index (CPI-U) fell 0.5% last month due to sharply lower energy prices. The decline outpaced expectations for a 0.3% drop and was the largest m/m decline since last November. The 0.2% rise in prices less food & [...]

CPI Fell 0.5%, Core Rose an Expected 0.2%

Job openings less than the number unemployed in July for first time since 2021

Reaccelerating goods price inflation along with sticky services inflation clouds the outlook

Falling oil prices aren't pulling down inflation expectations, pointing to a boost from increased tariffs

Equity market exuberance outpacing macroeconomic data

Apart from Japan, Blue Chip forecasters expect further sizable monetary easing

US production rebounded in Q2, but demand continued to slow

US leader, Germany trailer for real GDP growth over past 3 years

Negative US inflation surprises leading G10 down

Deflation continues in China

Incoming data surprising on downside in US; positive surprises elsewhere

FOMC expects more inflation and less growth than in March

With escalation of Israel/Iran conflict, geopolitical risk has recently surged while US trade policy uncertainty has ebbed

Renewed supply chain pressures point to a rebound in global inflation ahead

Apart from Japan, Blue Chip forecasters look for further significant monetary policy easing

Apart from the US, productivity is moribund

Financial market concerns ebb even though policy uncertainty continues to soar

US tariff revenues nearly doubled in April

Even with expected tariff-induced increases in inflation, BCFF forecasters look for a more aggressive round of monetary easing

USD/EUR exchange rate uncoupling from interest rate differential

Widespread downgrading of 2025 GDP outlook

Trade and fiscal policy uncertainty has exploded with the new administration

Much lower US electricity costs gives it a competitive advantage

Wage growth slowing in the US and Euro area; elevated and sticky in the UK

Stagflation-lite: Blue Chip forecasts below-trend growth and elevated inflation

US policy gyrations boosting policy uncertainty worldwide

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250905A2.jpg

250905B2.jpg

Nonfarm payrolls increased 22,000 during August after rising 79,000 in July, revised from 73,000 and falling 13,000 during June, revised from a 14,000 increase. Expectations had been for an 83,000 rise in the Action Economics Forecast Survey. The three-month average change in payrolls of 29,300 compared to 28,300 in July, but stood far below its high of 231,700 in January.

Average hourly earnings rose an expected 0.3% in August after unrevised gains of 0.3% in July and 0.2% in June. Earnings growth of 3.7% y/y equals that in June which is the lowest since July 2024, but has been trending lower from its 5.9% high in March 2022.

The unemployment rate, measured in the household survey, edged up m/m to an expected 4.3% from 4.2% in July and 4.1% in June. It reached a low of 3.4% in April 2023. The unemployment rate, including employees working part-time for economic reasons plus all marginally-attached workers, rose to 8.1% last month from 7.9% In July. It was 6.6% in April 2023.

In the **establishment survey**, private-sector employment in August rose 38,000 after rising 77,000 in July.  Factory sector jobs declined 12,000, off for the fourth straight month. Durable goods employment fell 19,000 after rising 5,000, as motor vehicle & parts hiring declined 7,300 after a 2,000 July gain. Nondurables employment rose 7,000, reversing a 7,000 July decline. Construction sector employment weakened 7,000, down for the third straight month. The number of mining & logging industry jobs declined 6,000, also registering the fourth consecutive month of decline.

Private service-sector employment increased 63,000 during August after improving 85,000 in July. Increases varied greatly amongst service-sector categories. Private education & health sector employment rose 46,000 last month, following a 77,000 increase in July. The number of leisure & hospitality jobs rose 28,000 after a 6,000 gain. Trade, transportation & utilities employment gained 2,000, following a 5,000 increase, but financial activities employment weakened 3,000 after increasing 9,000 in July. The number of professional & business services jobs fell 17,000, down for the fourth straight month as temporary help employment declined 9,800, also off for the fourth month in a row. Information sector employment declined 5,000, after falling 7,000 in July and 3,000 in June. Transportation & warehousing hiring weakened 3,600 last month following a 6,300 drop.

Government sector payrolls declined 16,000 last month following a 2,000 rise. Federal government employment weakened 15,000 and has fallen for seven straight months. State government payrolls declined 13,000 after falling in each of the prior three months. To the upside, local government hiring rose 12,000 following a 17,000 July increase.

Private-sector average hourly earnings rose 0.3% (3.7% y/y) in August, the same as in July. Earnings in the goods-producing sector increased 0.4% (4.0% y/y) in August, double the July rise. In construction, earnings rose 0.6% (4.2% y/y) following a 0.3% rise, while factory sector earnings improved 0.3% (3.9% y/y) after a 0.2% gain. In the service sector, earnings rose 0.3% (3.6% y/y) in August, the same as in July. Professional & business services pay increased 0.4% (5.0% y/y) for the second consecutive month while leisure & hospitality earnings also increased 0.4% (3.7% y/y) after two straight months of 0.3% increase. Information earnings rose 0.2% (4.6% y/y) for the second straight month.

250905C2.jpg

250905D2.jpg

The length of the average workweek was 34.2 hours in August for the third straight month. The workweek in the goods-producing sector eased to 39.8 hours from 39.9 hours in July. The construction sector average workweek held at 39.0 hours while the factory sector workweek eased to 40.0 hours from 40.2 hours. The average workweek in the private service sector held at 33.2 hours. Information sector hours edged up to 37.0 from 36.9. Financial activities hours held at 37.6. Private education & health services hours eased to 32.7 from 32.8 in July.

In the **household survey**, the unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in August after rising to 4.2% in July from 4.1% in June as employment rose 288,000 after falling 260,000 in July and the size of the labor force increased 436,000 after three straight months of decline. The labor force participation rate rose to 62.3% last month from 62.2%, remaining well below the high of 63.3% early in 2020. The rate for teenagers eased to 34.8%, a five-year low. For workers aged 20-24, the rate plunged to 70.2%, a four year-low. For workers aged 25-54, the participation rate increased to 83.7%, an eleven-month high. For individuals 55 and over, the rate held steady at 38.1% but remained near a 20-year low of 38.0% in June.

The employment/population ratio for all workers steadied at 59.6% last month. It remained below the peak reading of 61.1% in February, 2020 just prior to the pandemic. For men, the rate rose to 65.0% from 64.7% in July and for women, the rate eased to 54.5 % on the heels of a slip to 54.7% in July.

The employment and earnings data are collected from surveys taken each month during the week containing the 12th day of the month. The labor market data are contained in Haver's **USECON** database. Detailed figures are in the **EMPL** and **LABOR** databases. The expectations figures are in the **AS1REPNA** database.

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- Hiring weakens broadly; factory, construction & government jobs decline.
- Earnings gain slows y/y.
- Unemployment rate increases as job growth lags rise in labor force.

U.S. Payroll Employment Report Reveals Unexpected Weakness in August; Earnings Rise Steadily, but Jobless Rate Increases

Robert Brusca

250905E.jpg

Germany's factory orders declined for the third straight month in July. Real new orders fell 2.9% month-on-month in July, against expectations for a small increase. The drop was sharper than a 0.2% decrease in June; foreign orders declined 3.1% in July, as orders from the euro area contracted 3.8%, and orders from outside the euro area fell by 2.8%. These metrics suggest that demand both inside and outside the euro area remains weak. Domestic orders dropped 2.5% in July, an exact offset to their gain in June. When ranked on growth rates over the last 30 years, all three sector growth rates are below their medians (below a ranking of 50%). However, when ranked on the real index number level, total orders rank at their 55.6 percentile, foreign orders rank at their 79.5 percentile and domestic orders rank at their 15.2 percentile. All-in-all it’s an unimpressive report.

**Orders sequentially and QTD:** Sequential trends are ambivalent but still clearly weak. Sequential growth rates do not show a clear acceleration/deceleration pattern. But for total, foreign and domestic real orders, both 3-month and 12-month growth rates are negative (one exception: foreign orders over 12 months). Domestic orders show negative growth over 6 months as well. Quarter-to-date growth rates are negative for all sectors.

**Sales trends:** Real sales are mixed in July, rising 0.9% overall on declines in two sectors: consumer durables and intermediate goods. Sector sales mostly maintain growth as manufacturing sales are positive based on growth rates over 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months. Consumer goods and intermediate goods sales show deceleration and ongoing contraction. Consumer durable goods and intermediate goods show QTD declines. On the manufacturing & mining to total, manufacturing and capital goods show index standings above their respective 50% on 30 years of data. That also shows above-median growth rates on annual data along with consumer goods and consumer nondurable goods.

**Industrial confidence:** Industrial confidence measures for Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, the four largest EMU members, show improved (but still net negative readings) in July compared to June. Over three months and six months, Germany and Italy show some improvement; France still shows steady deterioration. Spain shows improvement over 3 months and it is only slight improvement. The queue standings for the industrial reading over 30 years of data show Spain with an above-median reading in July. Germany and France are exceptionally weak and Italy has been weaker only 26% of the time based on the queue standing measure. Not only are German orders and demand weak and faltering but the broad EU Commission measures of industrial confidence show broadly weak readings for the largest economies in the EMU.

250905.jpg

Germany

German Factory Orders Plunge on Domestic Weakness

Andrew Cates

**Gold prices and trade policy uncertainty**
This week’s record-breaking surge in gold prices has coincided with renewed volatility in trade policy uncertainty, reflecting the market’s heightened sensitivity to political and legal developments in Washington. A series of legislative challenges to the administration’s latest tariff measures has raised the prospect that parts of the policy framework could be overturned or significantly diluted. That possibility has injected another layer of uncertainty into an already fragile trade environment, amplifying demand for gold as a hedge. Investors appear to be weighing not only the inflationary risks of tariffs that remain in place but also the destabilizing effects of unpredictable policy reversals, leaving gold prices at historic highs and the trade policy uncertainty index elevated.

250904Z1.jpg

**US Tariffs**
Although the data in this chart extend only through June 2025, they clearly illustrate which trading partners would gain the most if US tariff policies were to be reversed. China stands out as the most heavily penalised, with effective tariff rates rising by more than 25 percentage points in just six months. Japan and South Korea have also faced significant tariff hikes, suggesting that their exporters would benefit substantially from any policy rollback. Taiwan, India, and the EU also feature prominently, though at more moderate levels. By contrast, ASEAN economies, Australia, and the UK have seen relatively smaller increases, leaving them less exposed. In aggregate, a broad reversal of tariffs would most immediately alleviate the pressure on East Asian exporters—particularly China—while also reducing costs for US importers and consumers who have been disproportionately affected by higher prices on goods from the region.

250904Z2.jpg

**The Indian economy and US trade policy** 
India faces a particularly sharp squeeze from the latest wave of US tariff hikes, given that the US now absorbs nearly one-fifth of its exports. The imposition of higher barriers has dealt a direct blow to key sectors, such as textiles and jewellery, while also undermining investor confidence. That pressure is clearly visible in the sharp depreciation of India’s trade-weighted currency, which has accelerated in 2025. Rather than offering a competitiveness boost, the weaker rupee has compounded difficulties by lifting import costs and stoking inflation at home. The result is that tariffs have both curtailed India’s export earnings and strained its domestic economy, leaving policymakers with limited options beyond seeking trade diversification and targeted support measures.

250904Z3.jpg

**Global monetary policy** 
The latest Blue Chip Financial Forecasts survey helps explain why equity markets have remained upbeat despite escalating geopolitical and trade tensions. The survey points to an expected sizeable policy easing over the coming year, particularly in the US and UK where forecasters anticipate close to a full percentage point of rate cuts. Australia and Canada are also projected to deliver meaningful reductions, while the euro area is expected to ease more modestly. Japan stands out as the exception, with expectations tilted toward further tightening. For equities, these projections of broad-based rate cuts provide a crucial cushion—supporting valuations, lowering discount rates, and reinforcing the sense that policymakers are prepared to offset the drag from tariffs and slowing global growth.

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**Euro area inflation** 
By contrast with the US and UK, where forecasters in the latest Blue Chip Financial Forecasts survey anticipate close to a full percentage point of rate cuts, expectations for the ECB are more restrained. This reflects the fact that the ECB has already delivered a relatively large degree of policy easing, while headline inflation has now fallen back to levels close to its target. Even so, further rate reductions remain likely if underlying price pressures continue to moderate. As the chart shows, services inflation has begun to move lower in line with a clear decline in wage growth, suggesting that disinflationary momentum is building. Should this trend persist, the ECB will have scope to add to its easing cycle, though at a slower and more cautious pace than peers such as the Fed or the Bank of England.

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**Prices and cost pressures in the US corporate sector** 
Corporate profitability has long been one of the best leading signals for US equity cycles, and the measure here (Non-financial corporate profits per unit of output – i.e. profit margins) has slipped from its late-2023 peak and moved sideways for much of the past year. That’s not a collapse, but it does raise questions about how long equities can keep rising without stronger profit momentum. The recent Q2 uptick—a 1.8% annualised gain—came despite a hefty rise in non-labour costs, with margins protected by modest pricing power and a notable 2.2% drop in unit labour costs. Whether that labour relief reflects softer wage pressures or a structural productivity boost—potentially tied to AI—will be crucial in determining if profits can remain resilient, or if this plateau is the prelude to a downturn.

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Equity markets have lost a little ground in recent days and bond markets have been more jittery, as legal challenges to US tariff policies add to a tense backdrop of geopolitical meetings between China, Russia, and India. Gold’s surge to record highs arguably captures the search for safe havens amid this uncertainty (chart 1), while the possibility of tariff reversals keeps alive the prospect of relief for the most affected exporters, notably China, Japan, and South Korea (chart 2). India’s position looks more precarious, with its reliance on the US market colliding with a weakening trade-weighted currency as tariffs bite into growth and investor confidence (chart 3). Monetary policy expectations, however, continue to offer some support, with the latest Blue Chip Financial Forecasts survey pointing to sizeable easing in the US and UK (chart 4). The ECB is expected to tread more cautiously after earlier cuts and with headline inflation now near target. Still, if inflation continues to ease, further action remains possible (chart 5). In the US, corporate resilience is also helping offset some of the gloom: despite tariff-driven spikes in non-labour costs, falling unit labour costs—possibly aided by AI productivity gains—and firmer prices allowed profits per unit of output to rise in Q2 (chart 6).

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Charts of the Week: A Few Cuts More

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The U.S. ISM Services PMI increased to 52.0 in August after falling to 50.1 in July from 50.8 in June, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The index had been declining since it reached 53.5 in February. The index hit a recent high of 55.8 in October of last year and remains below the all-time high of 67.5 in November 2021. The Action Economics Forecast Survey expected a reading of 51.0 for August.

The ISM Composite Index combines the services index and the manufacturing index released on Tuesday. This index rose to 51.6 in August from 49.8 in July. This also was the highest level in six months.

Amongst the services component series, the business activity index rose to 55.0 last month after falling to 52.6 in July. Twenty-three percent (NSA) of respondents reported improved activity while 14.2% reported decline. The new orders index increased to 56.0 from 50.3 in July. Twenty-seven percent (NSA) of respondents reported improved orders while a lessened 16.2% reported decline. The employment series was little-changed in August at 46.5, after falling from 47.2 in June. A lessened 10.3% (NSA) of respondents reported increased employment while a lower 16.8% reported decline. Working lower, the supplier delivery series fell to 50.3 in August after rising to 51.0 in July. Four percent of respondents (NSA) reported faster delivery speeds while 4.5% reported slower speeds.

On the inflation front, the prices index eased to 69.2 after surging to 69.9 in July. A lessened 36.7% (NSA) of respondents reported higher prices while 2.6% reported lower prices. The index has increased from its December 2023 53.1.

Additionally, the new export orders index eased to 47.3 (NSA) in July following a decline to 47.9 in July. Twelve percent of survey respondents reported higher exports while 16.9% reported decline. The imports index surged to 54.6 last month after falling to 45.9 in July. A higher 18.9%% of respondents reported higher imports while a lessened 9.8% reported decline. The inventory change index rose to 53.2 from 51.8 and the order backlog index fell to 40.4 in August after rising to 44.3 in July. These series are not seasonally adjusted and not included in the ISM Services PMI total.

The ISM Services PMI is a composite index consisting of four equally weighted diffusion indexes: Business Activity, New Orders, Employment, and Supplier Deliveries. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the services sector, while below 50 suggests contraction. Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM index that is inversed; a reading above 50 indicates slower deliveries.

The ISM figures are available in Haver's **USECON** database, with additional detail in the **SURVEYS** database. The expectations figure from Action Economics is in the **AS1REPNA** database.

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- Total index rebounds to six-month high.	
- Business activity and new orders improve.
- Prices index eases.

U.S. ISM Services PMI Increases in August

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The ADP National Employment Report indicated that nonfarm private sector payrolls rose 54,000 (1.1% y/y) during August after increasing 106,000 in July, revised from 104,000 and declining an unrevised 23,000 in June. The Action Economic Forecast Survey expected a 75,000 increase in August.

Small business hiring (less than 50 employees) increased 12,000 (0.4% y/y) in August after an 8,000 July rise, revised from 12,000. Employment at medium-sized firms (50-499 employees) rose 25,000 (1.1% y/y) in August after increasing 53,000 in July, revised from 46,000. Large business hiring (500+ employees) gained 18,000 (2.4% y/y) following a 47,000 July increase, revised from 46,000.

Goods-producing employment rose 13,000 (1.3% y/y) after increasing 32,000 in July. Construction jobs increased 16,000 (2.4% y/y) following a 13,000 gain in July. Manufacturing jobs declined 7,000 (+0.1% y/y), after two months of moderate increase. Natural resources and mining jobs increased 4,000 (4.1% y/y) in August after rising 11,000 in July.

Service-producing jobs increased 42,000 (1.0% y/y) after a 74,000 July gain. Changes amongst industry sectors were mixed. Leisure & hospitality employment rose 50,000 (3.5% y/y) after increasing 45,000 in July. Professional & business jobs improved 15,000 (0.5% y/y) following a 9,000 increase. Information sector employment rose 7,000 (1.1% y/y) after increasing 9,000.  Working lower, trade, transportation & utilities employment fell 17,000 (+0.3% y/y) after rising 20,000 in July. Education & health services posted a 12,000 decline (+0.2% y/y) after falling 40,000 in July. This was the sixth decline in seven months. Financial activities employment slid 2,000 (+1.9% y/y) after a 28,000 strengthening.

By region, in the Northeast the number of jobs rose 15,000 (1.2% y/y) in August following four consecutive monthly declines. Jobs rose 14,000 (1.3% y/y) in the Midwest after increasing 12,000 in July. In the West, jobs rose 8,000 (0.8% y/y) following a 67,000 increase, and in the South, employment rose 4,000 (0.8% y/y) following a 40,000 July strengthening.

Wage growth for job-stayers continued to moderate in August as year/year growth of median annual pay weakened to 4.4% from 4.5% in July, the slowest pace since June 2021. The slowdown in wage growth for job-stayers was widespread across major industries. Wage growth for job-changers was steady at 7.1% y/y, but down from a high of 16.1% in April 2022.

The ADP National Employment Report and Pay Insights data can be found in Haver's **USECON** database. Historical figures date back to January 2010 for private employment. Pay data date back to October 2020. The expectation figure is available in Haver's **AS1REPNA** database.

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- Private payroll job increase is half July’s gain.
- Goods-producing employment slows as factory hiring falls; service-sector jobs also moderate.
- Job-stayer wage growth eases.

Economy in Brief: 2006

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Philadelphia Fed Index Remained Negative

Leading Economic Indicators 0.1% Rise Disappointing

Initial Jobless Insurance Claims At Four Month Low

Philadelphia Fed Index Remained Negative

Old News: Euro-Zone Trade Suffers from High Energy Costs in August, Too

Mortgage Applications Fell Again

Rise in Housing Starts Surprising

CPI Fell 0.5%, Core Rose an Expected 0.2%