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Economic Commentary

We break down timely topics, centered on the major economic events around the world and their impacts to financial markets, in order to help you simplify client conversations around important investing decisions.

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Economic Commentary

Podcast: How busy will the travel season be?

Consumers are spending broadly on services this year - which is good news for the travel industry. Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Senior Economist Ben Ayers provide their outlook on consumer spending, especially in terms of travel and services. • What is the overall state of the consumer? • What's the outlook on summer travel? • How could a busy travel season delay the start of a potential recession? 

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Economic Commentary

Elevated inflation, bank failures in tug-of-war over Fed policy

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 253,000 in April, while the unemployment rate matched a 70-year low of 3.4 percent. The CPI rose 0.4 percent in April as gas prices popped and higher used car prices drove an upward reversal in core goods prices. Real GDP expanded at a meager 1.1 percent annualized pace in the first quarter, as a plunge in business inventories weakened growth. 

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Economic Commentary

Growth trends lower but little imminent sign of a downturn

Hiring and spending activity slowed further in March as consumers and businesses look for ways to cut expenses with borrowing costs climbing and the economic outlook dimming. But the strong momentum from the job market should deter an outright recession for some time with solid income growth supporting purchasing power. While the banking crisis has settled for now, banks are poised to further tighten lending standards and another rate hike from the Fed looks likely in early May. Most leading indicators suggest that a downturn is on the way, but pre-recession periods can linger, especially with the tight labor market unlikely to ease quickly. 

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