Jeffry Bartash
@jbartash
Economics reporter at @MarketWatch. Writing from Washington on economics and a dash of politics. "Home" economist. Send comments to jeffry.bartash@dowjones.com
341 Following 3.3K Followers
Is AT&T going to dial up a Fed interest-rate hike? OK, I exaggerate. But the 'hot' core CPI in August seems to be a result of an odd - and record rise - in wireless prices. A&TT ended some older, cheaper plans. Big, er, call for the Fed. via @marketwatch
Show more
Higher interest rates seem like a done deal after a hottish August CPI. But with the new Kevin Warsh-led Federal Reserve, I wouldn't bet the house on it. Rate of inflation didn't go up. Problem is, it didn't really show signs of slowing. via @marketwatch
Show more
Wholesale inflation has been stirred up again by Iran war and high oil prices. Enough to guarantee a Fed interest-rate hike next week? No. But the PPI tips the scales in that direction. CPI report on Friday will be the decider. via @MarketWatch
Show more
The Fed is going might raise a key U.S. interest rate next week - and its vote hinges on two key inflation reports in the next two days. Can't recall the last time Wall Street was so uncertain. Big decision for all Americans. via @MarketWatch
Show more
The economy supposedly added 162,000 jobs in August. Good number - if it's real. Jobs report has been more erratic & less reliable the past few years. The best way to put it is, the labor market is 'stable.' Slow hiring and few layoffs. via @marketwatch
Show more
U.S. economy (GDP) was better than it looked in the spring. Much better, even with painful inflation (I feel it every day). Yet it might be due for a slowdown as we head toward the fall, esp. if the Fed raises interest rates. via @MarketWatch
Show more
Consumer spending rose in the middle of summer at the slowest pace in 7 months. The U.S. economy might be losing a little steam after the World Cup. Still growing though, and unlikely to wilt thanks to low unemployment and AI boom. via @MarketWatch
Show more
U.S. inflation rises again and stays well above the Fed’s target. A September interest-rate hike is in play. Latest PCE might not push the Fed over the edge, but it sure is close. via @MarketWatch
Show more
Bad news for the economy? Retail sales slumped in July and posted the biggest drop in 14 months. Dive deeper into the details and it's not so bad. Cheaper gas and an Amazon Prime hangover were the chief culprits. Economy is all right. via @MarketWatch
Show more
U.S. inflation might be slowing. That's what yesterday's consumer price report and today's wholesale price report signal. Yeah, inflation is still too high. Yet a Fed rate hike next month is now in doubt. via @MarketWatch
Show more
I asked yesterday: Should the Fed stay or go? July CPI didn't answer the question. Inflation was tame for the 2nd month in a row. Odds of a Fed rate hike fell, but it's not a done deal. Fed will get more jobs & inflation info before mid-September meeting.
Show more
Should the Fed stay or should it go? Interest-rate increase hinges on July price report. Wall Street expects a fairly tame CPI, but the yearly rate of inflation is far too high. New Fed chair Kevin Warsh already under the gun ... via @MarketWatch
Show more
Dog days of summer? July jobs report will tell us. We're likely to see a so-so pace of hiring. Not too hot, not too cold. via @MarketWatch
Layoffs fall to the lowest level since NASA put men on the moon and young Americans were rocking out at Woodstock. Great time to find a job? Not really. But you probably won't get laid off, either. Here’s what it says about the economy. via @MarketWatch
Show more
Richest 20% bought most new cars in the past few months. Automakers increasingly depend on the wealthy. One can question how to define rich, but this is no surprise. Cars are so pricy. I can afford a new one, but I don't want to. via @MarketWatch
Show more
US economy keeps up the momentum, ISM surveys show, but it's helter-skelter. Iran, gas prices & high inflation are the negatives. Yet the AI and stock market booms and low unemployment keep the 'good' times going. Strange times. via @MarketWatch
Show more
ADP says businesses added the fewest new jobs in 6 months. A summer slowdown in hiring? Appears so. Labor market is stable. If you have a job, things are basically fine. But it you are looking for work, it's not a great time. via @MarketWatch
Show more
Job openings in the U.S. fell to a 3-month low at the beginning of summer. Is the labor market losing momentum? Maybe not, but businesses aren't rushing to hire new workers in a period of economic uncertainty. via @MarketWatch
Show more
The American companies supplying all the stuff to build out artificial intelligence - especially data centers - are enjoying a huge boom. But Iran, tariffs, supply shortages and inflation mean it's good times/bad times, ISM finds. via @MarketWatch
Show more
Warsh’s cred takes a hit investors doubt his inflation-fighting resolve. That's the story. My take? A very different Fed chief will take time to get used to, but ultimately the Fed will act to slay inflation, with or without Warsh. via @MarketWatch
Show more
