Viewpoints

Mirroring with national figures, yesterday's BLS release showed that state payrolls were generally strong in January. Thirteen states (as these things go, a large fraction) reported statistically significant increases in jobs. In [...]

Payroll employment increased by only 20,000 in February, following a 311,000 gain in January. Many analysts quickly dismissed the small gain in payrolls, arguing that it was inconsistent with other labor market indicators and some [...]

Payroll employment increased by only 20,000 in February, following a 311,000 gain in January. Many analysts quickly dismissed the small gain in payrolls, arguing that it was inconsistent with other labor market indicators and some [...]

In 2018, the US merchandise trade deficit hit a record $891.3 billion. Many analysts, academics and even a former policy advisor downplayed the record trade deficit, arguing that "a higher trade deficit means a stronger economy"; and, [...]

The Trump Administration is cheering the initial GDP results for 2018, claiming that the fastest economic growth in more than a decade proves that the bold and risky fiscal policy experiment of legislating substantial cuts in business [...]

Policymakers are involved in another debate about inflation, but this time its because some think reported inflation is too low, not too high. The new view is not based on any formal review or research. Rather, some policymakers think [...]

At the January 29-30 Federal Open Market Committee meeting policymakers decided to adopt a “patient posture” arguing that they saw “few risks” in maintaining the current target range for the federal funds. Easy money conditions have [...]

It has long been observed that inflation is a monetary phenomenon. The foundation for this observation was developed decades ago when accelerating and decelerating rates of consumer price inflation were associated with similar [...]