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Orders for goods expected to last longer than three years deteriorated in May 2018 according to the Census Bureau.  Their report on Durable Goods Orders fell 0.6 percent, worsening for a second consecutive period.  April’s tally dropped a revised 1.0 percent (originally minus 1.7 percent).

Americans face many health risks.  Overindulge at Pie Parties, diabetes could become an issue.  Spend too much time in the sun, skin cancer might develop.  Sleep deprivation leaves people less responsive to stimuli, making nearly every activity more dangerous.  Fortunately, there is a remedy for the last issue, more shut-eye.

Sales of new homes moved higher in May according to the Census Bureau.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, transactions reached 689,000 units.  This demonstrates an increase of 6.4 percent from April and 14.1 percent above the tally from a year ago.  New home sales are helping push our economy ahead.

Sales of existing homes moved higher in May according to the Census Bureau.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, transactions reached 689,000 units.  This demonstrates an increase of 6.4 percent from April and 14.1 percent above the tally from a year ago.  New home sales are helping push our economy ahead.

Economic output slowed in May 2018 according to the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI).  After reaching an upwardly revised +0.42 in April (originally +0.34), it declined to -0.15 in the middle of the second quarter.  Unfortunately, this lower monthly tally hurt the three-month moving average which dropped to +0.18 from +0.48 to start the quarter. 

Atlas is a peaceful bunch.  We don’t like wars, including those revolving around trade.  But everywhere one looks it seems like nations are turning their backs to one another.  Instead of finding new ways to work together and prosper, countries are looking for new barriers.  This is not just a recent phenomenon.  Brexit started off two years ago as the U.K.

Costs rose at an accelerating pace for producers and wholesalers in May 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Producer Price Index.  After rising just 0.1 percent in April, this price proxy jumped 0.5 percent.  Compared to a year ago, this indicator is 3.1 percent higher, marking the fast year-over-year uptick since January 2012 when it reached the same level. <