US industrial production in December is projected to increase by 0.4% vs. the previous month in tomorrow’s release from the Federal Reserve, according to The Capital Spectator’s median econometric forecast. The projected gain represents a sharp deceleration vs. the previously reported 1.1% rise for November. Meanwhile, the Capital Spectator’s median projection for December is slightly higher than three consensus forecasts based on recent surveys of economists.
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Housing starts are expected to total 1.023 million in tomorrow’s update for December, based on The Capital Spectator’s median econometric forecast (seasonally adjusted annual rate). The projection represents a modest decline vs. the previously reported 1.091 million for November. Meanwhile, the Capital Spectator’s median estimate for December is above a trio of consensus estimates based on recent surveys of economists.
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New filings for unemployment benefits inched lower last week, dropping for the second week in a row. The decline of 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 326,000 for the week through January 11 is a welcome sign, of course. But the trend looks a bit sluggish lately, raising questions about the potential for stronger growth in the labor market in the months ahead.
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The US stock market continues to set new highs, but the bull market in equities comes in a variety of flavors. Yes, prices are higher across the board, but there’s a fair amount of variation to the party. The implication: the opportunity to add value with rebalancing within the equity allocation is knocking. Before we open the door, let’s take a peek at the possibilities by carving up US stocks into three buckets based on market capitalization, style (value vs. growth), and sectors. Our tour guides: a set of ETFs based on the trailing 250-trading-day total return (roughly the equivalent of 1-year performance).
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