Market Trends: Economic Commentary - Agency Forward℠

December Agriculture Markets Review

December 27, 2021

November’s Purdue University Ag Barometer index fell to 116, the lowest level since May 2020. Feelings about current conditions and future expectations both dropped, with inflationary pressures on input prices being the primary concern.

Economic commentary

November Monthly Economic Dashboard

December 7, 2021

Despite a shortage of workers, as well as supply chain and transportation challenges within many industries, economic activity remained robust in November while inflation jumped. Payroll growth has been strong in recent months even as many businesses continue to report difficulties finding workers. But faster and broader inflation is a growing concern as supply chain dislocations remain in place.

Economic commentary

November Agriculture Markets Review

November 22, 2021

The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which was passed by the Senate in August, made it through the House in early November. Nearly half of the total cost of the bill — $550 billion — will be directed toward rural infrastructure development. This month’s Agriculture Markets Review includes potential impacts for the agricultural community.

Economic commentary

October Monthly Economic Dashboard

November 5, 2021

Supply chain disruptions and a lack of workers have noticeably slowed business activity while helping to drive up inflation. As a result, economic growth decelerated sharply in the third quarter. These constraints, which will likely take time to unwind, will eventually ebb allowing the economy to resume above-trend growth in 2022.

Economic commentary

U.S. to push China on Phase 1 trade agreement flows in 2021

October 28, 2021

U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai indicated in early October that efforts will be made by the Biden administration to ensure greater compliance from China with the Phase 1 trade agreement negotiated by former President Donald Trump. The deal called for China to purchase $200 billion of U.S. goods and services in excess of what was purchased in 2017 for both 2020 and 2021.

Economic commentary

Webinar: Nationwide Economics Commercial Market Update

October 4, 2021

Information about the current landscape and insights from the Nationwide Economics team.