Podcast: Persistent Inflation, Full Employment Driving Rate Hike Expectations

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.8 points in November to 99, remaining above its 52-year average of 98.

Consumer inflation expectations in November remained unchanged at the short-, medium- and longer-term horizons, although consumers expect medical costs to rise sharply in the future, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s most recent Survey of...

Consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.2% in October. Revolving credit, largely a reflection of credit card debt, increased at an annual rate of 4.9%.

Volatility measures began rising in late October after Fed Chair Powell stated that a rate cut in December was not a foregone conclusion.

While the outlook for credit conditions over the next six months has improved, bank economists expect continued softening in credit quality and availability given the prospect of persistent labor market headwinds, according to ABA’s latest Credit Conditions Index.

Personal income increased 0.4%, or $94.5 billion, in September, the Commerce Department said. The personal savings rate was 4.7%.