Economic & Market Watch

In the News

Economy

• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted in his Jackson Hole Economic Symposium speech that the risk of weakness in the job market has increased even as inflation concerns remain. He opened the door to a potential rate cut in September.
• U.S. new single-family home sales in July fell 0.6% from June to an annualized rate of 652,000 units, but exceeded expectations of 630,000 units.

Markets

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures advanced to over $64/barrel, continuing last week’s gains as markets anticipate rate cuts starting in September, boosting the demand outlook.
• U.S. stocks opened the week lower as tech took a back seat while the dollar strengthened.

Current Events

• The U.S. could take further stakes in companies similar to its equity investment in Intel, said Kevin Hassett, President Trump’s National Economic Council director, who suggested that further deals could form part of Trump’s plan to set up a U.S. sovereign wealth fund.
• The Energy Information Administration forecasts natural gas consumption in the U.S. will increase 1% to set a record of 91.4 billion cubic feet per day in 2025.

Meet the Team

CFC's economic research team—John Suter, Sam Kem and Antony Davies—share their expert, yet easily digestible, perspective on what you need to know.

Have feedback about the podcast? A topic you'd like the EMW team to cover? Get in touch at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Trading Economics