Jonathan Custer

China’s Industrial Output Plunges, GDP Headed For First Contraction On Record

March 15, 2020 by Jonathan Custer

China’s industrial output fell more than expected as the coronavirus shutdown factories, across the nation. Industrial output fell13.5% in January and February from a year earlier, versus a median estimate for a 3% contraction. Retail sales fell 20.5% in the period, compared to a projected 4% fall. Fixed-asset investment dropped 24.5%, versus a forecast 2% …

Federal Reserve Brings Out The Nukes

March 15, 2020 by Jonathan Custer

The Federal Reserve cut its key policy interest rate to zero joining forces with other central banks to keep the global financial system from seizing up due to fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The Fed acted quickly after the US government bond market began to convulse late in the week with interest rates spiking after …

Fewer Production Launches Expected This Year – IPC

March 15, 2020 by Jonathan Custer

An IPC survey of 101 companies found that 22 percent expect the coronavirus to result in fewer new product introductions this year. Supply Shock On average companies are reporting a five-week delay on receiving component shipments from their suppliers. Around 50 percent of respondents don’t expect business to return to normal until July. Delays on …