Global tightening cycle over, slower ride for growth ahead: Reuters Poll
Major central banks are done tightening policy, according to a majority of economists polled by Reuters, with the growth outlook wilting across developed and emerging economies along with scant prospects for a surge in inflation.
Exports, inventories seen boosting U.S. first-quarter growth
The U.S. economy likely maintained a moderate pace of growth in the first quarter, which could further dispel earlier fears of a recession even though activity was driven by temporary factors.
US weekly jobless claims post biggest rise in 19 months
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits increased by the most in 19 months last week.
The feared ‘earnings recession’ is not showing up in the first-quarter numbers
Now that more than a third of the S&P 500 companies have reported, earnings growth looks to be flat this quarter, not negative as many Wall Street analysts expected.
Companies are crushing earnings estimates by 3-to-1 margin
Earnings from a diverse group of S&P 500 companies have been better-than-expected with better than normal gains. The better profits have helped eliminate fears of an earnings recession, and many analysts believe the first quarter is the trough. The S&P 500 rallied Tuesday, touching its all-time closing high of 2,930 in midday trading.
U.S. labor market tightening; inflation pressures moderate
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped to a 49-1/2-year low last week, pointing to sustained labor market strength that could temper expectations of a sharp slowdown in economic growth.
U.S. job growth rebounds in March, but wage gains moderate
U.S. employment growth accelerated from a 17-month low in March as milder weather boosted hiring in sectors like construction, which could further allay fears of an abrupt slowdown in economic activity in the first quarter.
Wall Street rallies on upbeat China, U.S. manufacturing data
U.S. stocks rallied on Monday, starting off the second quarter on a strong note, as upbeat manufacturing numbers from China and the United States eased worries about slowing global growth.
New home sales rise to 11-month high in February
Sales of new U.S. single-family homes increased to an 11-month high in February and sales for January were revised higher, suggesting that lower mortgage rates were starting to lift the struggling housing market.
Despite slowdown fears, US stocks still seen as best bet on the globe
Things might look a little gloomy in the world’s biggest economy, with slowing earnings growth and recession fears in the bond market, but stocks are still holding up just fine.