• February 16, 2017
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Construction on new houses fell 2.6% in January, but another increase in permits points to builders breaking ground on more units in the months ahead. Housing starts took place at an annual rate of 1.246 million last month, the government said Thursday. That’s how many houses would be built in the U.S. in 2017 if

• February 16, 2017
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The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in mid-February rose by 5,000 to 239,000, but they remained at exceedingly low levels that reflect the resilience of a nearly eight-year-old economic recovery. Continuing Jobless Claims 2.076M vs. estimates of 2.051M.

• February 16, 2017
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The Philadelphia Fed said its manufacturing index soared in February to a reading of 43.3 from 23.6 in January. That’s the highest level since early 1984.

• February 15, 2017
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The Empire State index of manufacturing conditions in the New York area jumped to its highest level in more than two years in February, the New York Fed said Wednesday. The index rose to 18.7 in February from 6.5 in January. That’s well above economists forecasts of a reading of 7.5. Any reading above zero

• February 15, 2017
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The U.S. economy is showing promising signs in the job market, inflation numbers and stock markets, all factors that could support a March rate hike by the Fed. At present we are at less than a 30% chance for a Fed move.

• February 15, 2017
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Most U.S. retailers posted strong sales in January, even beleaguered department stores, perhaps a sign that higher consumer confidence since the election has encouraged Americans to spend more. Retail sales rose 0.4% last month following a much bigger gain in December than originally reported, the government said Wednesday.

• February 15, 2017
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The prices Americans pay for goods and services surged in January by the largest amount in four years, mostly reflecting a rebound in the cost of gasoline that’s taking a bigger chunk out of household incomes. The consumer price index, or cost of living, rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.6% in January. Economists polled had

• February 15, 2017
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January Industrial Production -0.3% vs. estimates of 0.1%. Capacity Utilization 75.3% vs. estimates of 75.6%. This is weaker data than expected, but not a major market mover.

• February 15, 2017
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December Business Inventories 0.4% vs. estimates of 0.4%, while the NAHB Home Builder’s Sentiment Index 65 vs. estimates of 67. All eyes on Janet Yellen and these will not be a large factor for today pricing.

• February 15, 2017
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Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is back in the hot seat, giving her semiannual monetary policy report to Congress and taking questions from members.