The Daily Shot Brief – November 29th, 2017

Greetings,   The United States: Signs point to improvements in US wages. More public companies are talking about wage pressures in their earnings calls. Also, the Conference Board Income Expectations Index suggests that wage growth will accelerate.   The United Kingdom: Ireland is particularly interested in getting a deal done with the UK. Trade between …

The Daily Shot Brief – November 21st, 2017

Greetings,   The United States: Over the past year, labor force participation has declined in more “red” than “blue” states. There are multiple explanations for this, including (in some instances) an older population, fewer opportunities (especially in rural areas), and opioids.   A similar picture emerges for the employment-to-population ratio. Here is Tennessee, for example. …

The Daily Shot Brief – November 17th, 2017

Greetings,   The United States: Small businesses increasingly see their local economic conditions as being better than the national situation.   Unrelated:  The probability of two Fed rate hikes between now and the end of the first quarter rose above 50%.   China: China’s outbound investment dipped, as Beijing clamps down on large foreign acquisitions.   …