CAD

223,000 jobs were created in the United States last month, and the unemployment rate fell further – giving the Federal Reserve further motivation to raise rates. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.5 percent in December, and the participation rate moved up to 62.3 percent from 62.1 in the prior month, indicating that some workers are coming off the sidelines. Average hourly earnings rose 4.6 percent year-over-year, slower than expected, but still well beyond levels that would suggest inflation pressures have receded. Ahead of the release, investors were positioned...

American households slowed spending last month but the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure exceeded expectations, bolstering the case for continued tightening in 2023. Data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis this morning showed inflation-adjusted household outlays were unchanged in November, decelerating sharply from the 0.5-percent gain posted in the prior month. Markets had expected a print closer to 0.2 percent. Personal income rose 0.4 percent month-over-month, led by a 0.5-percent increase in private sector wages and salaries. Incomes are 4.7 percent higher relative to the same month last year. The core personal consumption expenditures index – targeted by the...