If this productivity-led boom were softening, we'd see it in the high-frequency data first, but we don't. New and existing claims, already at low levels, beat expectations yet again, leaving the implied unemployment rate at 1.3%. The only worrisome spot is the Truflation real-time measure of March inflation, not showing over 10% at an annual rate. It's volatile and somewhat erratic, and was showing outright deflation in March just 10 tens ago. But something to keep an eye on...
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, March 14, 2024
As S&P 500 forward earnings grind every day to a new all-time high, big beats in both new and existing claims. The high-frequency data continues to defy recession fears. Meanwhile, as February PPI comes in hot, the real-time Truflation measure shows CPI cooling to below-target levels for the first half of March.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Very slight misses in claims -- and Truflation's March CPI so far shows outright deflation, after a somewhat hot February thanks to food.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Slight misses in new and continuing claims. But as S&P 500 earnings push out to new all-time highs, the high-frequency data is looking great.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, February 22, 2024
It's this simple. If you don't have a contraction in jobs, you don't have a recession. If you don't have a rise in claims, you won't have a contraction in jobs. Claims beat this morning, both new and continuing. They beat at amazingly low levels. No risk of recession. Move along.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, February 15, 2024
A beat in claims, below an already low consensus, takes the edge off a disappointing retail sales headline. All is well.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Last week's misses in new and continuing claims have become this week's beats, affirming the blockbuster January labor numbers. All is well.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Little misses from insanely low levels in new and continuing claims bump the implied unemployment rate to 1.45%. Not exactly a recession indicator.
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, January 25, 2024
This morning's reported boom in Q4-23 GDP is beautiful but backward-looking. This morning's high-frequency data is just as beautiful, and beautifully contemporaneous. If you want a recession, you're going to have to wait. And wait...
High-Freq Data and DOGE Monitor
Thursday, January 18, 2024
In client conversations every day, the recession narrative just won't die. Yet this morning's substantial beat in claims, with new claims the lowest since September, shows that our boom just continues to boom.