Business News

Consumer Spending Jumped

The Commerce Department says consumer spending jumped 1.0%, its biggest increase in more than eight years. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Consumer spending in September was lifted by motor vehicles, as hurricane victims replaced destroyed automobiles.  

The Federal Reserve's inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, was up 0.1%. The PCE is up 1.3% in the last 12 months.  

Personal income rose 0.4% in September. Wages were up 0.4%. Savings fell to $441.9 billion in September from $521.4 billion in the prior month. (CNBC)

The first half of earnings season has been good relative to expectations. Earnings are tracking near a 7% year-over-year increase, 2% above prior expectations, with a solid 74% of companies having beaten estimates. Growth has slowed from the last two quarters, due partly to the impact of insured hurricane losses. Strong upside and big increases in technology and energy earnings have offset financials weakness. Solid earnings outlook continues to support U.S. stocks even at elevated valuations. This week 135 S&P 500 Index companies will report results. (LPL Research)

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.

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