Behind the Numbers

The weekly Behind The Numbers report provides an easy to understand analysis of the most up-to-date economic data, including Federal Reserve activity. This timely report allows credit union management to focus on the changing dynamics that could impact members’ financial conditions, as well as the fluctuating interest rate environment. Included in the report is a summary of current and historical key interest rates, financial market indicators, investment yields and credit union loan rates.

  • Can't Stop the Spending

    April 19, 2024

    Higher rates and rising inflation haven’t seemed to put a dent in shopping habits. Retail sales rose 0.7% in March after an upwardly revised 0.9% rise in February. Ex-auto and...
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  • A Sticky Mess

    April 12, 2024

    Two bad months are a concern, but three months make a trend. And it’s not the trend the Federal Reserve wants. The consumer price index (CPI) rose...
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  • Job Market A-OK

    April 05, 2024

    Any way you cut it, the labor market remains healthy. The U.S. added 303,000 jobs in March for the fifth month of consecutive gains, matching the largest increase in 10 months...
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  • Still on Track

    March 29, 2024

    The last measure of inflation for February, and the most important in the Federal Reserve’s eye, came in as expected with a little lean towards good. Headline PCE rose 0.3% ...
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  • And Now We Wait Some More

    March 22, 2024

    The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted unanimously to keep interest rates steady at the current range. No surprise there. The committee kept to their promise to...
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