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: Weathering the storm: Safeguarding businesses from hurricanes

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...

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

2024 economic trends impacting the auto industry

April 24, 2024

Discover the economic impact on the auto industry over the years and the current state of the industry. Learn how these 2024 economic trends will be impactful.

Economic commentary

Podcast: Can anything slow down the consumer?

April 10, 2024

Nationwide's Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Senior Economist Ben Ayers discuss the state of the consumer and how strong spending could impact our recession outlook.

Economic commentary

Podcast: The Fed is still waiting for cooler inflation

March 25, 2024

Nationwide's Senior Economist Ben Ayers and Financial Market Economist Oren Klachkin discuss inflation trends and provide their analysis of February's hotter-than-expected CPI report.

Economic commentary

Farm net income projected to fall significantly in 2024

March 22, 2024

This month's issue features U.S. commodity prices, energy forecasts, and relevant industry news, including a 73-year low for cattle and calves inventory and cocoa prices surging.