US industrial production in June is projected to increase 0.3% vs. the previous month in Friday’s release (Aug. 15) from the Federal Reserve, according to The Capital Spectator’s median econometric forecast. The expected gain represents a slightly faster pace of growth relative to June’s previously reported 0.2% advance.
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US retail sales are expected to rise 0.2% in the July report (scheduled for release on Aug. 13) vs. the previous month, according to The Capital Spectator’s median econometric forecast. The prediction matches the previously reported 0.2% gain for June.
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Worrying about risk witnessed a revival last week amid a mix of heightened concerns on geopolitical and economic fronts. But the US stock market, although off its recent highs lately, remains a leading source of strength in absolute and relative terms. Upbeat economic news in recent weeks has been a key reason, although the macro trend for the US will be tested anew in the days ahead with updates scheduled for retail sales (August 13) and industrial production  (August 15). Meantime, US equities remain firmly in the lead among the major asset classes, based on the trailing 250 trading-day total return (a rough proxy for one-year performance) via our usual set of proxy ETFs.
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