Economic Commentary

ECONOMY AND POLICY November 13, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data. Election results (a divided Washington) and good news on a potential vaccine boosted share prices, although there were some concerns about surging COVID-19 cases (163,402 reported on November 12) and possible difficulties in distributing the vaccine. Weekly jobless claims fell […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY November 06, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses current economic conditions. The October Employment Report – Recent data reports have been consistent with a further rebound in economic activity, but we still have a long way to get back to where we were before the pandemic and the pace of improvement has moderated. […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY November 06, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data. The anticipated Blue Wave was apparently met by a Red Wave, leading to a closer-than-expected presidential election and a divided Congress. The stock market was encouraged by the prospects of a divided government, even though that implies a smaller fiscal […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY October 30, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses current economic conditions. Recent economic data reports added to the picture of a sharp rebound in May and June, followed by more moderate growth in July, August, and September. Economic activity through the pandemic has been mixed, with strength in some areas and prolonged […]