Weekly economic update for March 18, 2024


Highlights of key economic statistics from last week compiled by Putnam Investments.


economy

  • The CPI increased 0.4% and core CPI rose 0.4% in February compared with January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
  • The Producer Price Index for final demand rose 0.6% in February, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found.
  • Retail sales increased 0.6% in February, the Census Bureau stated.

Employment

  • Initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 209,000 in the week ended March 9, 2024, the Department of Labor noted.

Profits

  • As of March 8, 2024, of the 494 S&P 500 Index companies reporting fourth-quarter earnings, 366 beat analysts’ estimates, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Emotion

  • The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined in February.

Europe

  • Eurostat reported industrial production declined 3.2% in the euro area in January compared with December.
  • Wholesale prices fell 0.1% in February compared with January, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.

Rates

  • The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose.

Risks

  • Rate of inflation moderation
  • Slower economic growth amid higher interest rates
  • Magnitude of earnings degradation

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All economic and performance information is historical and does not guarantee future results. The views and opinions expressed are those of Putnam Investments, are subject to change with market conditions, and are not meant as investment advice.