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Economic output should continue moving higher for the foreseeable future according to data from the Conference Board.  Their Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased for the fifth consecutive month in February 2018.  Contributions to the uptick were widespread; only building permits and stock prices were lower in the period.

Did you notice prices rising in February?  You’re not the only one.   According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2 percent in February 2018.  This uptick followed January’s jump of 0.5 percent. Its year-over-year trend accelerated too, reaching 2.2 percent versus 2.1 percent to start this year.

America’s output of physically made goods improved in February 2018 according to the Federal Reserve.  Rising 1.1 percent, Industrial Production made up for all the downwardly revised decline of 0.3 percent (originally minus 0.1 percent) in January.  Year-over-year, this cyclically sensitive indicator increased 4.4 percent.

America’s output of physically made goods improved in February 2018 according to the Federal Reserve.  Rising 1.1 percent, Industrial Production made up for all the downwardly revised decline of 0.3 percent (originally minus 0.1 percent) in January.  Year-over-year, this cyclically sensitive indicator increased 4.4 percent.

Prices paid by producers and wholesalers rose in February according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index (PPI).  This cost proxy increased 0.2 percent, slowing from 0.4 percent in January.  Despite the monthly deceleration, the annual trend level increased marginally to 2.8 percent from 2.7 percent.  Excluding food and energy (since they are volatile) lea

America’s central bank increased the overnight interest rate (called the Fed Funds Rate) on Wednesday.  This is the Federal Reserve’s sixth hike since they began raising rates in December 2015.  At the time, Janet Yellen led the institution; four subsequent increases happened under her watch.  On February 5, 2018, Jerome Powell assumed the office, and he now has his f

Small business confidence is high.  The Small Business Optimism Index improved during February 2018 from an already lofty tally in January.  Reaching 107.6, this is the second highest level in the indicator’s 45-year history.  Only the 1983 record high of 108.0 has been better.

Federal tax revenues fell, and outlays rose during February 2018 according to the latest from the Treasury Department.  Receipts dropped to $156 billion from $361 billion in January; this dramatic drop was expected since the first month of the year is normally a stronger period for tax collection.