Joseph Abate

The claims data are telling us that the labor market is continuing to improve and growing at a rate of read more

The claims data are telling us that the labor market is continuing to improve and growing at a rate of about 200,000 jobs a month.

Warm weather and a post-December rebound in new activity will likely boost construction payrolls. Retail employment should also enjoy a read more

Warm weather and a post-December rebound in new activity will likely boost construction payrolls. Retail employment should also enjoy a post-holiday boost.

With little excess capacity left in the labor market, we expect continued upward pressure on wages.

With little excess capacity left in the labor market, we expect continued upward pressure on wages.

On net, we'll see some damage and a hit to corporate profits and proprietors' income, but that effect is temporary. read more

On net, we'll see some damage and a hit to corporate profits and proprietors' income, but that effect is temporary. But in the next quarter, we will get some mild stimulus from the rebuilding. Certainly, it will have no major, permanent effect on the economy.

The fact that households are saving so little, even with strong growth in personal income, is a potentially troubling development.

The fact that households are saving so little, even with strong growth in personal income, is a potentially troubling development.