Category Archives: The State of the Economy
SOF TODAY | Ake’s Take: Are the Fears Inflated?
You’ve probably seen the headlines about some economists becoming increasingly concerned about inflation. So, should we be concerned? (Note: please keep reading. This is not one of those in-depth analysis involving T-bills and yield-curves, but more of a big picture, horse-sense type of view.) Definitions The most basic definition of inflation is: Too many dollars… Read More »
The Jobs Smoother: 2020 in the rear-view mirror
Amazingly, it has been exactly one year since I last did a piece on the monthly jobs report. Then again, the last 12 months were 2020. During the last year, we had such unprecedented levels of employment change that the Jobs Smoother that we typically look at didn’t tell us what we really needed to… Read More »
“Sky is Not Falling” Despite Talk of Recession
You can listen to this conversation using the player below, or by going to www.ftrintel.com/podcast, or read below for the transcribed audio. As you read or listen, you will hear from Eric Starks, Chairman and CEO for FTR, Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking, and Todd Tranausky, Vice President of Rail and Intermodal, with each providing… Read More »
Freight Environment is Weak but Still Growing Slightly
Although initial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of 2019 show economic growth at 2.1%, the components of GDP linked to demand for and transportation of goods was far weaker, according to an analysis by FTR Transportation Intelligence. FTR estimates that the GDP Goods Transport Sector rose at a seasonally adjusted annual… Read More »
Boeing’s Troubles With the 737 MAX Were Largely Responsible For the Decline in Orders in May
Welcome to FTR’s “Monday Morning Coffee “ blog. The following article is designed to keep busy executives up to date with the latest economic data releases. Released every Monday, this blog promises to keep our clientele updated with the latest weekly economic news and developments, highlighting its impact on the transportation, freight, and equipment markets.… Read More »
Ake’s Take: When Do We Need To Fear The Next Recession?
Imagine you are in a crowd of people cheering on a runner in a long-distance race. Your contestant is running at a hearty pace and is winning. But then you notice their speed has slowed some. The athlete is still running at a steady pace, and is still winning, but just not by as much.… Read More »
Big Weight Could Be Lifted If a Trade Deal with the U.S. and China Could Be Completed
Welcome to FTR’s “Monday Morning Coffee “ blog. The following article is designed to keep busy executives up to date with the latest economic data releases. Released every Monday, this blog promises to keep our clientele updated with the latest weekly economic news and developments, highlighting its impact on the transportation, freight, and equipment markets.… Read More »
U.S. Trade Deficit Widened in December to $59.8 Billion
Welcome to FTR’s “Monday Morning Coffee “ blog. The following article is designed to keep busy executives up to date with the latest economic data releases. Released every Monday, this blog promises to keep our clientele updated with the latest weekly economic news and developments, highlighting its impact on the transportation, freight, and equipment markets.… Read More »
The Fed will Keep the Funds Rate Unchanged
Welcome to FTR’s “Monday Morning Coffee “ blog. The following article is designed to keep busy executives up to date with the latest economic data releases. Released every Monday, this blog promises to keep our clientele updated with the latest weekly economic news and developments, highlighting its impact on the transportation, freight, and equipment markets.… Read More »