Lara Sheldon
Disclosure: I am in full compliance with all ethics and other policies for Market Realist research analysts. I am not invested in securities that I cover on Market Realist.
More From Lara Sheldon
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy Did Consumer Sentiment Fall in February?
According to the University of Michigan, the consumer sentiment preliminary index fell to 90.7 in February—compared to 92.0 in January 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJobless Claims Rose in January
According to the Department of Labor, initial jobless claims stood at 285,000 for the week ended January 30. This was a rise of 8,000 from the prior week.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIndian Manufacturing Moved into an Expansionary Phase in January
India accounts for about 2.7% of the world’s gross domestic product (or GDP), and manufacturing activity accounts for ~17% of India’s GDP.
Macroeconomic AnalysisItaly’s Manufacturing Activity Eased in January
The Italian economy contributes about 3.0% toward global gross domestic product, and the manufacturing sector accounts for 15% of the country’s economy.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEurozone Manufacturing Eased in January
In-line with the flash estimate, the Eurozone’s manufacturing PMI (purchasing manufacturers’ index) stood at 52.3 in January 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Manufacturing Rebounded Slightly in January
The US economy contributes about 25.4% toward global gross domestic product, and the manufacturing sector accounts for one-tenth of the country’s economy.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGlobal Manufacturing Activity Remained Subdued in January 2016
According to JPMorgan Chase and Markit, the global manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) rose slightly to 50.9 in January 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJanuary ISM Manufacturing Showed a Mixed Picture
The manufacturing sector accounts for about 12% of the US economy. The manufacturing PMI was 48.2 in January—a rise of 0.2 points from December.
Macroeconomic AnalysisPending Home Sales Rose Annually, but They’re Falling Monthly
According to the National Association of Realtors, US pending home sales rose marginally at 0.1% in December versus a 1.1% fall in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisThe Japanese Housing Sector Sent a Mixed Signal in December
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Japanese housing starts fell 1.3% in December YoY as compared to a rise of 1.7% in November.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Contributed to the Rise in Japanese Inflation in December?
The target inflation rate set by the B0J (Bank of Japan) stands at 2.0%. However, the December inflation is much lower than the target inflation rate.
Macroeconomic AnalysisMortgage Applications Rose, Volatility Continued in January
According to the MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association) survey, mortgage applications rose by 8.8% for the week ending January 22.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHouse Prices Continued to Rise in November
With increasing home prices, builders might increase the home supply. Due to lower mortgage rates, more customers could be attracted to the housing sector.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Manufacturing: Solid Improvement in Operating Conditions
The manufacturing sector in Japan accounts for ~19% of the country’s GDP. According to Markit, Japan’s flash manufacturing PMI fell by 0.2 points in January.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEurozone Flash Composite PMI Fell 53.5, Business Activity Cools
With the reading above neutral, the Eurozone continued its upturn in business activity. Though at a 12-month low, the services PMI rose to 53.6 in January
Macroeconomic AnalysisFalling Crude Prices Dragged Russia’s Trade Surplus in November
With Russia’s falling trade surplus, the iShares MSCI Russia Capped ETF and the Direxion Daily Russia Bull 3X ETF have fallen 16.6% and 60.9%, respectively.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDecline in Mining Activity Keeps Industrial Production Down
The decline in utilities by 2.0% in December was a main contributor towards the decline in industrial production.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBusiness Inventories and Sales Decline with Sluggish Demand
The November business inventories to sales ratio stood at 1.4, compared with 1.3 in November 2014.
Macroeconomic AnalysisFuture Expectations and Consumer Sentiment Rise
With improved consumer sentiment, there may be greater consumer spending in the economy, which may translate into faster economic growth.
Macroeconomic AnalysisProducer Price Index Falls with Prices for Final Demand Goods
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the PPI-FD (producer price index for final demand) moved down 1.0% in December, year-over-year.
Macroeconomic AnalysisLower Fuel Prices Led to a Decline in Import Prices in December
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US import prices fell 1.2% month-over-month in December as compared to a 0.5% decline in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSeasonal Rise in Services Boosted French Inflation
France’s CPI (consumer price index) rose 0.2% month-over-month in December, as compared to a 0.2% decline in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisManufacturing Production Remains Negative in the UK
With the decline in manufacturing output, the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) has fallen 6.6% over the past month as of January 12.
Macroeconomic AnalysisMexico’s Industrial Production Remained Negative in November
According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), Mexico’s industrial production fell by 0.5% in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGermany’s Industrial Production Fell, Energy Production Rose
Germany’s IIP (industrial production index) fell by 0.3% month-over-month in November—compared to a revised rise of 0.5% in October 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Rising Consumer Confidence Impacted Stocks
According to the Economic and Social Research Institute, Japan’s consumer confidence index rose by 0.1 points to 42.7 in December—compared to 42.6 in November.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Service Activity Saw Modest Expansion in December 2015
Japanese services PMI slightly changed at 51.5 in December The service sector accounts for ~72.6% of Japan’s GDP. According to Markit, Japan’s services PMI (purchasing managers’ index) dipped slightly to 51.5 in December 2015, as compared to 51.6 in November 2015. As a result, the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) and the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisFrance’s Services Business Activity Stagnated in December 2015
The service sector makes up about 78.9% of the French economy. According to Markit, France’s services business activity index declined by 1.2 points in December to 49.8.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBrazil’s Trade Surplus Jumped to a Record High in December
Brazil recorded a trade surplus of $6.2 billion in December 2015, as compared to a trade surplus of $0.3 billion in December 2014.
Macroeconomic AnalysisItaly’s Inflation Rate Remained Flat in December
According to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), Italy’s December inflation rate is expected to remain unchanged at 0.1% on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGermany Inflation Rate Dipped in December
According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), Germany’s December inflation rate is expected to come in at 0.3% on a YoY (year-over-year) basis as compared to 0.4% in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Manufacturing Drops with Overall Slow Business Growth
According to the Institute for Supply Management, or ISM, the manufacturing PMI came in at 48.2 in December—a decline of 0.4 points from the November reading of 48.6.
Macroeconomic AnalysisMexico’s Manufacturing Improved at a Slower Pace in December 2015
Manufacturing activity accounts for ~18% of Mexico’s GDP. Mexico’s manufacturing PMI declined by 0.6 points to 52.4 in December, compared to 53.0 in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGermany’s Manufacturing Activity Rose to 4-Month High in December
According to Markit, Germany’s manufacturing PMI rose to 53.2 in December 2015, compared to its November level of 52.9 level.
Macroeconomic AnalysisChina’s Manufacturing Deteriorated Further in December 2015
China accounts for ~8.4% of the global GDP, and manufacturing activity contributes about 31% to China’s GDP. The Caixin China manufacturing PMI declined 0.4 points to 48.2 in December.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIndia’s Manufacturing Contracts in December 2015
India accounts for ~2.5% of the world’s GDP, and manufacturing activity accounts for ~17% of India’s GDP. The Nikkei India manufacturing index fell by 1.2 points to 49.1 in December.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBrazilian Manufacturing Remained in Contraction in December 2015
Brazil accounts for ~2.1% of the world’s GDP, and its manufacturing activity accounts for ~11% of Brazil’s GDP. Brazil’s manufacturing PMI increased by 1.8 points to 45.6 in December.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSpain’s Manufacturing Activity Hit 2-Month Low in December
According to Markit, Spain’s manufacturing PMI increased to 53.0 in December, a decline of 0.1 points from November’s reading of 53.1.
Macroeconomic AnalysisChinese Non-Manufacturing Continued to Expand in December
China’s non-manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) rose by 0.8 points to 54.4 in December as against 53.6 in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisChicago Business Activity Contracted at Fastest Pace in December
With a sharp fall in new orders, the Chicago PMI (purchasing managers’ Index) fell 5.8 points to 42.9 in December, as compared to 48.7 in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSouth Africa Turned a Trade Surplus in November
South Africa recorded a trade surplus of 1.8 billion zar in November. This compares to an upwardly revised trade deficit of 21.6 billion zar in October 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDIA May Rise after Triggering Bullish Crossover
In DIA, the 20-day moving averages for MMM, BA, and HD are crossing over the 100-day moving averages. This is considered a bullish crossover.
Macroeconomic AnalysisXLI Holdings May Rise after Triggering Bullish Crossover
Of all the top holdings of XLI, except for UTX, the 20-day moving averages are crossing over the 100-day moving averages. This is considered a bullish crossover.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDisappointment Continues: Spanish Inflation Dips in December
Spanish inflation is expected to fall 0.3% in December, following a rise of 0.4% in the previous month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisRussian Manufacturing Contracts in December
According to Markit, Russia’s manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) declined by 1.4 points and came in at 48.7 in December, as compared to 50.1 in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHousing Stocks Rallied Then Came to a Halt in December
Housing has been a bright spot in the US economy. But over the past month, housing stocks haven’t been performing well. ITB, a housing-focused fund, has fallen 4.7%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisItalian Consumer Confidence Fell in December
According to the ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics), Italy’s consumer confidence fell to 117.6 in December—compared to 118.4 in November 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUnemployment Rises in Japan
According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications, the unemployment rate rose to 3.3% in November 2015, as compared to 3.1% in October 2015 and 3.5% in November 2014.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Household Spending Fell with a Drop in Income
Household income in Japan fell 1.8% YoY (year-over-year) in November, despite rises in new orders and production levels.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Inflation Rate Remained Unchanged in November
With an increase in food prices by 2.9%, Japan’s CPI remained relatively unchanged on a YoY basis in November, recording the same increase of 0.3% seen in October 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisConsumer Spending Increases with Rising Incomes in November
Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of the US GDP, and personal spending rose 0.3%, or $44.0 billion, in November.
Macroeconomic AnalysisNet Trade Contributed -1.0% to UK Gross Domestic Product
The only negative contribution to UK gross domestic product came from net trade, which contributed -1.0% in 3Q15 compared to an estimated -1.5%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Gross Domestic Product Was Revised Downward in 3Q15
In the second quarter of 2015, gross domestic product rose 3.9%. The US economy grew at an annual rate of 2.0% in the third quarter of 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisCapital Spending May Help Japan’s Economy to Grow at 1.7% in 2016
After sliding for two consecutive quarters, Japan’s economy has advanced 0.3% in 3Q15. This comes as a relief to the ailing Japanese economy.
Macroeconomic AnalysisCan UK Economy Grow 2.6% in 2016 with Negative Trade Balance?
The UK economy is struggling with lower inflation. Oil’s fall below $35 during the week has worsened the situation further.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHousehold Consumption Expenditure to Boost the Eurozone Economy
In 2015, the Eurozone economy advanced at a slower rate of 0.3% in 3Q15 with an increase in household consumption expenditure.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHow Rising Inflation Is Affecting the Russian Economy
Like Brazil (EWZ), Russia (RUSL) (ERUS) is also struggling with high inflationary pressure. For the September quarter, Russian GDP (gross domestic product) fell 0.57%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Is Crippling the Brazilian Economy?
For the September quarter, the Brazilian GDP (gross domestic product) fell 1.7% as compared to a decline of 2.1% in the previous quarter.
Macroeconomic AnalysisConsumer Spending May Drive US Economy to Grow at 2.5% in 2016
The US economy contributes about 25.2% towards global GDP. In 3Q15, the US economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.1% due to an increase in consumer spending.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIndia’s Trade Deficit Falls as Value of Oil Imports Drops
With a falling trade deficit, the WisdomTree India Earnings ETF and the Direxion Daily India Bull 3X Shares rose 1.1% and 4.5%, respectively, as of December 15.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDecember’s Housing Market Saw a Drop in Buyer Traffic
According to the National Association of Home Builders (or NAHB), the housing market index fell by a single point to reach a level of 61.0 in December.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Core Inflation Akin to the Fed’s Target Inflation Rate
The core inflation rate in November—including all items aside from food and energy—rose 0.2%. This was the same rise as in September and October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBrazilian Consumer Confidence Fell Further in November
With a drop in consumer confidence, the iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF (EWZ) and the Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 3X ETF (BRZU) were down 0.36% and 0.89%, respectively, as of December 14.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDeclining Wholesale Trade Sales May See Slide in Future Inventory
For October 2015, wholesale trade sales were $1,317.7 billion. They were down 0.2% in October from the previous month and fell 2.7% from a year ago.
Macroeconomic AnalysisConsumer Expectations Remain Less Favorable In December
Consumer sentiment has fallen by 1.9% from a year ago, with a decrease in consumer expectations of 5.1% in December 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisProducer Prices Rise along with Prices for Final Demand Services
With an increase in final demand services, the producer price index for final demand, or PPI-FD, rose by 0.3% in November.
Macroeconomic AnalysisFalling Crude Oil Prices Keep UK Inflation in Check
The Bank of England or BoE is targeting an inflation rate at 2.0% in order to attain economic growth in the United Kingdom.
Macroeconomic AnalysisBank of England Stays Put with Current Bank Rate
The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (or MPC) voted by a majority of 8:1 to maintain a bank rate at 0.5% yesterday.
Macroeconomic AnalysisSluggish Wholesale Trade Sales in US Keep Inventory Build-Up Low
According to the US Census Bureau, wholesale inventories stood at $585.9 billion at the end of October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisFrance Saw Modest Growth in Industrial Production in October
France’s industrial production rose 2.3% year-over-year (or YoY) in October 2015 as compared to 0.7% in September 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIncreased Mining Activities Lifted Industrial Production in the UK
The industrial production in the United Kingdom rose by 1.7% in October. During the month, three of the four main sectors increased.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEurozone Retail Sales Saw a Broad Decline in November
Retail PMI has seen a broad-based downturn with a reduction in sales in Germany (EWG), Italy (EWI), and France (EWQ).
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Trade Deficit Rises as Exports Fell More than Imports
The US trade deficit stood at $43.9 billion in October. International trade plays a crucial role in determining whether the economy is growing or not.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJanet Yellen Discussed the Rate Hike and US Economic Growth
The Fed provided easy access to finance in the economy. It improved the consumer sentiment and spending habits. It stimulated economic growth in the US.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIndia’s Manufacturing Continued to Decline in November
India manufacturing PMI fell to 50.3 in November India accounts for about 2.5% of the world’s GDP, and manufacturing activity accounts for ~17% of India’s GDP. According to Markit, the Nikkei India manufacturing index declined by 0.4 points to 50.3 in November, compared to 50.7 in October 2015. Although manufacturing was down, India’s GDP rose to […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisRussia’s Manufacturing PMI Was Little Changed in November
Russia accounts for about 1.8% of the world’s GDP, and manufacturing activity accounts for ~15% of Russia’s GDP. Russia’s manufacturing PMI declined slightly to 50.1 in November, compared to 50.2 in October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisNo Sign of Recovery in Brazilian Manufacturing in November
Brazil’s manufacturing PMI declined by 0.3 points to 43.8 in November, compared to 44.1 in October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisFrance’s Manufacturing Activity Remained Unchanged in November
According to Markit, the final manufacturing PMI for France remained unchanged at 50.6 in November for the third straight month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGermany’s Manufacturing Activity Rose at a Modest Rate in November
Germany’s manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9 in November 2015, up 0.8 points from October’s reading of 52.1 in October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEurozone Manufacturing Up in November: Will ECB Boost Stimulus?
In line with the flash estimate, the Eurozone manufacturing PMI rose to 52.8 in November 2015, up 0.5 points from the 52.3 reading in October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDeclining Export Orders, Production Levels Slowed US Manufacturing
The US manufacturing PMI fell to 52.8 in November, a decline of 1.3 points from October’s reading of 54.1. This is one of the weakest readings since October 2013.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGlobal Manufacturing Activity Remained Soft in November
According to J.P.Morgan and Markit, the global manufacturing purchasing manufacturers’ index fell slightly to 51.2 in November, compared to 51.3 in October.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Retail Sales Rebounded in October
According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, retail sales rose 1.8% YoY (year-over-year) in October, as compared to the downwardly revised 0.1% decline in September 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan’s Industrial Production Will Likely Be Gloomy in December
With a rise in production and shipments, Japan industrial production rose by 1.4% in October—compared to a rise of 1.1% in September 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisRise in Household Spending Provided Respite for UK Economic Growth
With household spending gathering pace, it could be an important growth driver for the United Kingdom’s economic growth.
Macroeconomic AnalysisGDP Growth May Influence December Election Results in Spain
On a yearly basis, GDP growth in 3Q15 for Spain stands at 3.4% compared to 3.2% in the previous quarter. GDP growth was mainly attributed to an increase in domestic demand.
Macroeconomic AnalysisDecline in Consumer Confidence Raises Concerns of Economic Growth
The consumer confidence index fell by 8.7 points to 90.4 in November 2015 compared to the upwardly revised level of 99.1 in October 2015. It was well below the consensus estimate of 99.6.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat’s Driving Consumer Confidence in the Eurozone?
The rise in the consumer confidence highlights consumers’ growing optimism. With the holiday season ahead, an additional rise is expected.
Macroeconomic AnalysisItaly’s Trade Surplus Widened with Declining Imports in September
According to the National Institute of Statistics (or ISTAT), Italy’s goods and services surplus rose to 2.2 billion euros in September 2015 compared to 2.0 billion euros a year ago.
Macroeconomic AnalysisEurozone Annual Inflation Remained Muted in October 2015
According to Eurostat, the Eurozone’s annual inflation stood at 0.1% in October, compared to -0.1% in September 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisManufacturing Activity Faced Margin Pressure in November 2015
According to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey, business activity improved to -10.74 points in November, compared to -11.36 points in October 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJapan: Recession with Continued Decline in Gross Domestic Product
This is the second consecutive quarter in which Japan economy has contracted. The aging population has been a major problem faced by the Japanese economy.
Macroeconomic AnalysisChina’s Industrial Production Struggles to Regain Strength
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, industrial production in China rose 5.6% in October compared to 5.7% in September. The reading was below market expectations of 5.8%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisOnline Sales to Seize Bigger Chunk of China’s Retail Sales
The increase in China’s retail sales was mainly due to an increase of 36.6% in sales of communication appliances, followed by increases in building materials, office supplies, and furniture.
Macroeconomic AnalysisImport Prices Fell with Lower Fuel and Nonfuel Prices in October
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, import prices fell 0.5% in October as compared to a fall of 0.6% in September 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisOptimism in Small Business Remained Unchanged in October
According to the NFIB, the small business optimism index remained unchanged at 96.1 in October. The reading was below the consensus estimate of 96.4.
Macroeconomic AnalysisAssessing October Inflation in Brazil: Rising Fuel and Transport Prices
Brazil’s inflation rate stood at 9.93% in October, compared to 9.49% in September—the highest level of inflation Brazil has seen so far in 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIs US Consumer Sentiment Turning Pessimistic?
Though consumer sentiment remains low, the First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX ETF (FXD) has gained 0.79% in the past week as of November 5, 2015.
Macroeconomic AnalysisService Sector Expanded at Faster Rate in October
The service sector makes up more than 85% of the US economy. With manufacturing picking up in October, faster growth in the service sector may further ramp up economic growth.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Trade Deficit Fell due to Surge in September Exports
According to the US Census Bureau, the goods and services deficit was $40.8 billion in September, down $7.2 billion from a revised $48.0 billion in August.