Economic commentary

Timely data and commentary on employment, financial markets, consumer activity, business performance and inflation.

Visit the Advisor Advocate for detailed market and economy news.

Economic commentary

Podcast: Housing Outlook – Can home construction pick up in 2025?

Housing affordability remains a key concern in 2025 with mortgage rates rising again. And the low supply of homes on the market continues to drive up prices for buyers. What...

Economic commentary

Podcast: Signs of optimism in the Ag industry

April 9, 2025

The Ag industry started the year facing the same headwinds from 2024, including high input costs and elevated interest rates. Farmers have also been hit hard with the bird flu and the potential for large tariffs with our largest trading partners.

Economic commentary

Economic trends impacting the housing industry heading into 2025

October 16, 2024

Learn about the recent trends in the housing market, focusing on how fluctuating mortgage rates, limited housing supply, and rising construction costs can affect clients.

Economic commentary

Podcast: Predict & Prevent: Code for success: Building a disaster-resistant future

September 30, 2024

With the rise of severe weather events, Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide Property & Casualty, and Pete Miller, President and CEO of the Institutes, explore the critical role of advancing building codes for enhanced resilience. Discover actionable insights to help your clients better protect what matters most.

Economic commentary

Economic and inflation data normalizing as Fed considers timing of rate cuts

July 8, 2024

Economic activity remains resilient as second-quarter growth likely expands at a solid 2.5 percent annualized rate, powered by continued strength in consumer spending on services.

Economic commentary

Data was cooler in April but one month does not make a trend

June 12, 2024

Economic activity slowed in April as employers ratcheted back the pace of hiring and consumers dialed down spending. This could be the start of a slower trend, but we still believe the momentum for consumers is sturdy enough to drive solid economic growth in the second quarter above a 2.0 percent annualized rate.

Economic commentary

Podcast: Weathering the storm: Safeguarding businesses from hurricanes

May 16, 2024

The 2024 hurricane forecast calls for 23 named storms – including 11 hurricanes. Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Nationwide’s President of Standard Commercial and Excess & Surplus Lines Russ Johnston discuss the economic impact of storms and how business owners can prepare for hurricanes.