Jennifer Nash

The latest employment report showed that 115,000 jobs were added in April, down from March's 185,000 gain. This figure was better than the projected addition of 65,000 jobs.

Consumer sentiment inched down further this month, hitting another record low. The preliminary May reading for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 48.2, a 1.6-point drop from April's final print and below the projected 49.7 reading.

Customize Consent Preferences Official recession calls are the responsibility of the NBER Business Cycle Dating Committee, which is

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Gas prices continued to climb this week, hitting their highest level since July 2022. As of May 11th, weekly prices were up 5 cents for regular and premium, marking the third consecutive weekly increase.

Bitcoin maintained its momentum this past week, consistently closing above $80,000 and hitting its highest mark since late January. Despite the recent strength, BTC remains down approximately 8% year-to-date and sits ~35% below its October 2025 record high.

What does the ratio of unemployment claims to the civilian labor force tell us about where we are in the business cycle and recession risk?

Official recession calls are the responsibility of the NBER Business Cycle Dating Committee, which is understandably vague about the specific indicators on which it bases its decisions.

Building on the last week's strength, the S&P 500 rose every day this week and set multiple new record highs. With a 1.6% weekly increase, the index secured its ninth straight weekly gain, matching its longest winning streak from 2023.

Building on the last week’s strength, the S&P 500 rose every day this week and set multiple new record highs. With a 1.6% weekly increase, the index secured its ninth straight weekly gain, matching its longest winning streak from 2023. Here is a snapshot of the index from the past week: