Market Commentary

Last week delivered many important macroeconomic releases, giving investors insight into an evolving U.S. economic landscape. In addition, the conflict in Iran has escalated dramatically, adding significant economic concerns.

Last week’s economic data began on Tuesday with the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rising to 91.2, up from 89.0 in the prior release.

Last week’s data provided investors with a clearer sense of an economy that is still progressing but slowing at the margins, with steady activity in some areas and renewed caution in others.

Last week’s data reinforced a familiar theme: inflation is cooling, the labor market is stabilizing, and the consumer is becoming more selective.

This week’s data offered a mix of momentum and moderation. Manufacturing activity improved, but labor indicators softened, and price pressures — especially in services — remained elevated.

Economic data released last week suggested mixed growth, with strengthening activity signals contrasting sharply with weaker consumer confidence, persistent producer level inflation, and a Fed meeting that underscored a steady policy stance amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Economic data released this week continued to show a U.S. economy growing at a steady, though gradually moderating, pace.

Markets spent the week sifting through economic data still distorted by the lingering effects of last year’s federal shutdown.

Economic indicators over the recent period delivered a mixed but informative set of signals. The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) came in slightly worse than expected at 47.9% versus 48.3% expected, marking the tenth straight month of contraction and the lowest reading of 2025.

Economic indicators over the recent period provide a nuanced view of U.S. conditions as the year closed. Crude oil inventories showed mixed results at the end of the year, with a small increase followed by a decline. However, product stockpiles — like gasoline and distillates — rose sharply, reinforcing the view that supply remains ample.