Commentary

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 2 hours ago

From substitute teachers to traffic flaggers, staffing agencies and employers are reporting a pickup in applicants for roles often shunned for their low pay, inconsistent hours or unpleasant conditions. https://buff.ly/pnZLZlh

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 4 hours ago

The online clothing rental industry is valued at $2.6 billion and is projected to more than double by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. Its growth showcases that shoppers are increasingly seeking budget-friendly options as inflation and tariffs pose a risk of raising clothing prices. https://buff.ly/nqVarsh Apparel prices have increased 9% since February 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is far less than overall inflation, however, experts expect prices to rise as tariffs settle in and make their way into stores.

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 5 hours ago

Forty-five percent of employers consider the job market to be “fair,” and they are projecting a 1.6 percent year-over-year increase in hiring for the Class of 2026, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. https://buff.ly/d5z5mWX

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 6 hours ago

Total construction activity for August 2025 ($2,169.5 billion) was 0.2 percent (+/-0.7 percent)* above the revised July 2025 ($2,165.0 billion).

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 19 hours ago

Markets ended last week mixed despite the end of the government shutdown, as traders and investors prepare for the upcoming influx of data releases to assess what those releases mean for the Fed’s rate cut cycle. Additionally, tech stocks were further suppressed due to ongoing uncertainty around AI valuations. Treasury yields were up across most maturities as markets backed away from expectations of near-term rate cuts and continued to grapple with concerns about persistent inflation and elevated federal borrowing needs. The NFIB small business optimism index fell 0.6 points to 98.2 in October but remained above its long-term average of 98. Although small businesses are resilient, they remain concerned about declining profit margins and deteriorating labor quality. The MBA mortgage applications index increased 0.6% with purchase applications rising 6% showing some strength returning to homebuyers. Since 1976, there have been 20 funding gaps in the federal government, approximately half leading to shutdowns with federal employees furloughed. Last week, the longest shutdown on record, at 43 days, ended. In the aftermath, it is clear that there will be significant disruptions to data releases scheduled during that shutdown. With the BLS, BEA, and Census still working to reschedule or reconstruct missed reports, the public should expect gaps in October data and ongoing uncertainty in the calendar of releases through year end. @Chmura Economics & Analytics

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 21 hours ago

Mortgage rates in the US aren’t going to fall. “Would-be homeowners shouldn’t necessarily be putting big hopes on mortgage rates coming down as the US central bank keeps cutting rates, according to a post by the Atlanta Fed this week.” https://buff.ly/8fmYFUq