The US Leading Economic Index Continued Upward Trend in March
The US Leading Economic Index continued its upward trend in March. Strength in ISM new orders and the interest rate spread components continue to help boost the index.
The March increase and upward trend in the US LEI point to continued economic growth in 2017 with perhaps an acceleration later in the year if consumer spending and investment pick up,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, Director of Business Cycles and Growth Research at the Conference Board. “The gains among the leading indicators were very widespread, with new orders in manufacturing and the interest rate spread more than offsetting declines in the labor market components in March.”
US Raw Steel Production Rose 2.2% Last Week
US raw steel production rose 2.2 percent last week from the previous week as mills operated at an ACUR of 74.6 percent. In the corresponding week last year mills operated at an ACUR of 72.6 percent. Thus far this year mills have produced prox 26,000,000 tons compared to the prox 25,000,000 tons produced in the like period last year.
Special Bar Quality Prices Dipped
Special Bar Quality (SBQ) prices have dipped by $20.00 per ton for May shipment, in line with lower No.1 busheling tags, according to market participants. Base price hikes were successful and secure with no discounting yet seen after their implementation. Lead times have stretched, often to 10 weeks or more but not necessarily due to higher end-user demand. AMM 4/18/17
Manufacturing Business Survey Reports Subdued Growth
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its Manufacturing Business Survey for April and reports business activity grew at a more subdued pace in New York State, according to firms responding to the survey. Indexes assessing the six-month outlook continued to convey a fairly high degree of optimism about future conditions.
Chicago Fed Survey Suggests Moderate Growth
The Chicago Fed Survey of Business Conditions (CFSBC) Activity Index increased in late February, early March, suggesting growth in economic activity stayed at a moderate pace in the period.
Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey Reports Expansion at Slower Pace
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released its Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey for April and reports regional manufacturing activity continued to expand but at a slower pace than in March. The survey’s future indicators continue to reflect general optimism but retreated from their high readings in the first three months of the year.
I hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend.
North Korea tested a ballistic missile over the weekend. The test failed, as it should. The little shit over there will soon get his due reward for continued idiocy.
Fresno, California Tuesday 4/18/17 a black man maliciously murdered 3 white people, stating he hates whites. He also shouted allu akhbar (Sp?) when he was arrested. Investigators are calling it a hate crime, not an act of terrorism. There is no outrage or violence, no protesting, no rioting or looting. ALL LIVES MATTER…
Another terrorist attack in Paris, France as a gun wielding jihadist started firing an automatic weapon, killing one police officer, wounding two others. Police returned fire and killed the creep. The shooter had been on a watch list and nothing was done.
In Cleveland last week a 75 year old man was murdered in cold blood by some idiot who made a video of his deed and posted it on Facebook. This coward shot himself to death several days later as police approached his car. He had been on a watch list too. So, my question is why do we spend time and money compiling watch lists and then do nothing? Then a violent act is committed, people suffer needlessly. It’s only common sense; if someone is known to be unstable, radical or whatever, get them off the streets ASAP.
Infrastructure X (Keystone & Dakota pipelines) Regulation Reform XX 1 in 2 out
Individual Tax Reform Entitlement Reform
Business Tax Reform Education Reform
Healthcare Reform X rollback begun Veterans Administration Reform
Rebuild our Military Trade Reform
Secure our Borders (The Wall) XX Lead the world from the front XX
Help for the poor Drain the swamp X as we speak
Peace through unmatchable strength Support Israel
Destroy ISIS Extreme Vetting XX
Conservative Supreme Court nominees XX American Jobs XX
I will track these campaign promises and will check them off as each is accomplished adding those I have missed as they become apparent. This is quite an agenda and will be difficult to achieve all in one term but I believe the American people are behind him and know these things need to be done. Now, if he can get our legislators to support him instead of fighting him….
“MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”
Have a great weekend…. God bless America!
Buy American made products whenever you can, it’s good for you, good for your friends and neighbors and good for our country.
If you are hiring…try to hire a veteran…. they are loyal, disciplined, hardworking…and they deserve our support.
By the way, if you wish to comment on my rants or offer any other insights you may have, you are encouraged to email me.
