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Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.5% in July (+5.4% y/y, vs. +1.0% y/y in July 2020), up 0.3% ex-food and energy (+3.4% y/y). Prices in many of the areas that had experienced rapid inflation in recent months appeared to be moderate, consistent with the view that much of higher inflation will be transitory (granted, it’s only one month). The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 1.0% in July (+7.8% y/y), partly reflecting higher margins for motor vehicles. Ex-food, energy and trade services, the PPI rose 0.9% (+6.1% y/y). Import prices rose 0.3% in July, down 0.1% ex-food and fuels.

The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply in the mid-August reading, reflecting growing concerns about the delta surge. The Chicago Advance Retail Trade Summary (CARTS) data showed a pickup in sales in late July, following some softness in the first half of the month (up modestly relative to June). Job openings rose to another record high in June and the quit rate increased (signs of a strengthening labor market).

Next week, the retail sales report and the FOMC minutes should be the highlights. Retail sales appeared to improve in late July, reflecting healthy back-to-school shopping (often a harbinger of the holiday shopping season), but unit motor vehicle sales were reported lower. (Note: The delta surge is likely to dampen sales in August.) The FOMC minutes should show a difference of opinion about the potential tapering of the Fed’s monthly asset purchases (currently $120 billion per month).

Indices

Consumer Money Rates

Currencies

Commodities

Bond Rates

Treasury Yield Curve – 08/13/2021

As of close of business 08/12/2021

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 08/13/2021

Economic Calendar

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Commodities trading is generally considered speculative because of the significant potential for investment loss. Markets for commodities are likely to be volatile and there may be sharp price fluctuations even during periods when prices overall are rising. Specific sector investing can be subject to different and greater risks than more diversified investments. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the annual total market value of all final goods and services produced domestically by the U.S. The federal funds rate (“Fed Funds”) is the interest rate at which banks and credit unions lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight. The prime rate is the underlying index for most credit cards, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, and personal loans. Material prepared by Raymond James for use by financial advisors. Data source: Bloomberg, as of close of business August 12, 2021.