Sharkey, Howes & Javer

This week on Inside the Economy, we discuss the state of consumers and employment, today’s frothy markets, and economic developments in Europe. While we await updated jobless claims data —delayed due to the government shutdown—we can already see signs of possible moderation in consumer behavior. Both consumer and credit card spending have declined over the past three months, while consumer loan growth has remained relatively flat. The labor market continues to normalize following the hiring surge of recent years, and U.S. high-propensity business applications are steadily rising—suggesting continued entrepreneurial activity. Meanwhile, import prices have increased 4% compared to a 2% rise in domestic goods. Tune in to learn more about these trends and their potential implications for the broader economy. Key Takeaways: • Crude oil prices settled at $59.49 per barrel. • The unemployment rate remains at 4.3%. • The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is at 4.14%.