Economic Outlook - June 2016
- Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits declined for a third consecutive week, signaling sustained firming in the labor market which was also noted in the Fed’s Beige Book. Jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 267,000 in the week ended May 28, a Labor Department report showed. Consistent with falling claims, private payrolls climbed by 173,000, (matching forecasts), following a revised 166,000 gain in April, according to the ADP Research Institute. The ADP numbers were not confirmed, however, by a Labor Department (DOL) report that followed.
- According to the DOL report, the economy added just 38,000 jobs in May, the fewest number of workers in almost six years. Making the report even worse was the downward revision to the prior two months. The Verizon strike accounted for some of the weakness. The jobless rate dropped to 4.7%, the lowest since November 2007, but this was due to the drop in the participation rate. Average hourly earnings rose by 0.2% in May for an increase of 2.5% over the prior 12 months. The mixed message suggested by the conflicting employment reports may give the Federal Reserve pause, when it meets this month, in determining whether to raise interest rates. In fact, following the DOL report, the odds of a June rate hike fell to 4% from 23%, according to Bloomberg.
- U.S. real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rose 0.8% (annualized) in the first quarter, 0.3 percentage points more than the advanced estimate. The increase was partly due to an upward revision in inventories which may subtract from second quarter GDP growth. The better growth news was offset by the ISM non-manufacturing data for May which fell to its lowest level since February 2014, although it’s still expanding.
- New homes sales surged 16.6% in April (the latest data available) to 619,000 units (annualized), the highest since January 2008. Inventory stabilized over the last two months at around 240,000 units representing only 4.7 months of supply. Pending home sales of previously owned homes in April jumped 5.1%, the third consecutive gain and the largest increase since 2010, and the highest level since February 2006. Home price inflation accelerated 0.5 percentage point to 6.1% year-over-year according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). We expect the positive trend in housing to continue throughout the year, as long as the Fed doesn’t commit a policy mistake by raising rates too aggressively.
- The European Central Bank (ECB) left its $2 trillion stimulus unchanged, but its President, Mario Draghi, kept open the possibility to more if inflation remains below its target of just under 2%. The ECB’s inflation projection for 2017 and 2018 remained unchanged at 1.3% and 1.6%, respectively, indicating the likelihood of additional action to come. At the same time, the ECB raised its 2016 growth forecast for the eurozone economy to 1.6%. Meanwhile, in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delayed the implementation of a 2 percentage point increase in the sales tax to October 2019. This inaction was an acknowledgement that Japan’s economy remains fragile and that an increase in the tax could drive the economy back into recession. Mr. Abe is urging the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to expand its asset purchase program when it meets later this month. Britain will vote on June 23 whether to remain in the EU; the result will have significant implications for the Eurozone.
* This commentary reflects the opinions of Welch & Forbes based on information that we believe to be reliable. It is intended for informational purposes only, and not to suggest any specific performance or results, nor should it be considered investment, financial, tax or other professional advice. It is not an offer or solicitation.
For a printer-friendly copy of our Economic Outlook and Investment Review for your viewing convenience, CLICK HERE.
If you would like to receive your copy of the Economic Outlook and Investment Review monthly in the mail, call Ed Sullivan, Vice President, at 617-557-9800, or email him at esullivan@welchforbes.com.