3/1/2022 – MetroIntelligence Economic Update by P. DUFFY

MetroIntelligence Economic Update by P. DUFFY

Inflation tracker PCE Price Index up 0.6 percent in January and 6.1 percent year-on-year

The Fed-preferred PCE index rose 0.6% in January, up from 0.5% in December but matching the same level in November and October. The ‘core’ index subtracting out food and energy costs rose 0.5% in January, matching the level of previous three months. Year-over-year, the index rose 6.1%, the highest annual hike since 1982. The ‘core’ index rose 5.2% year-over-year, the highest annual hike since 1983.

https://www.bea.gov/news/2022/personal-income-and-outlays-january-2022

 

Personal spending jumps 2.1 percent in January, far outpacing income gains

In January, personal income increased less than 0.1 percent, disposable person income rose 0.1 percent and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased 2.1 percent.  This jump in spending led to a decline in the personal saving rate to 6.4 percent, the lowest level since December 2013.

https://www.bea.gov/news/2022/personal-income-and-outlays-january-2022

 

Pending home sales fall 5.7 percent in January and 9.5 percent year-on-year

Pending home sales slumped 5.7 percent in January, continuing what is now a three-month drop in transactions.  Of the four major U.S. regions, only the West registered an increase in month-over-month contract activity. All four regions posted a decline in year-over-year activity, with national pending sales falling 9.5 percent.

https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/pending-home-sales-decrease-5-7-in-january