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

Video: Economic trends to watch in 2023

Watch Nationwide's Senior Economist Ben Ayers share his 2023 economic outlook as well as discuss a potential recession.

2022 was a record-breaking year for net farm incomes

January 27, 2023

This month's issue features U.S. commodity prices, energy forecasts, and relevant industry news, including the high cost of eggs and drought conditions in California.

Economic commentary

Personal Lines Roundtable Ep. 6: Finding growth opportunities in an ongoing hardening market

January 25, 2023

Hear from experts as they discuss the 2023 economic outlook, how it will affect customers and ways to navigate client conversations.

Economic commentary

Shifting habits in consumer spending 2023

January 10, 2023

In 2020, we saw significant changes in consumer spending behavior, particularly as it relates to household savings and online shopping, that could carry on in the post-pandemic environment.

Economic commentary

Continued growth even as clouds build over the outlook for 2023

December 5, 2022

Consumer trends remained solid into the fourth quarter, supported by strong job & wage growth. Many businesses are anticipating lower sales & production, which should reduce hiring. Interest rates should also rise with the Fed warning more tightening than previously estimated to bring inflation back to trend, adding to worries that restrictive monetary policy will push the economy into a recession.

Economic commentary

Study shows significant ag losses due to Hurricane Ian

November 22, 2022

This month's issue features U.S. commodity prices, energy forecasts, and relevant industry news, including the below-normal supply of diesel fuel and Russia’s support of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Economic commentary

Middle Market business owners eye expense cuts if recession occurs

November 7, 2022

According to a Nationwide survey, more than half of Middle Market business owners have a positive outlook on the economy. However, they are exploring cuts in many areas, including insurance coverage and limits, if a recession occurs.