A measure of US profit margins has reached its widest since 1950, suggesting that the prices charged by businesses are outpacing their increased costs for production and labor.
US Corporate Profits Soar With Margins at Widest Since 1950, Reade pickert, bloomberg, august 25, 2022
Chinese makers of everything from Christmas decor to clothing and tents say orders from overseas customers are slowing, with some predicting flat demand at best compared with last year.
“Chinese Exporters Bemoan Signs of Weakening Global Demand,” Brendan Murray, Bloomberg, August `5, 1011
The U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.6% in the second quarter despite average expectations originally calling for a 0.3% increase, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in a new estimate on Thursday. It’s the second consecutive quarter of negative gross domestic product growth and signals the economy has entered a technical recession.
GDP Again Flashes Recession Warning Sign: Economy Shrank 0.6% Last Quarter As Experts Warn ‘Worse To Come’, Jonathan ponciano, forbes, august 25, 2022
The good news is some supply strains are easing and fuel prices are falling — removing some of the sting that logistics costs have contributed to corporate balance sheets.
“Container Lines Brace for Slowdown as Shipping Rates Keel Over,” Bryce Baschuk, Bloomberg Supply Lines, August 25, 2022
Now the carriers that just a few months ago had zero available capacity have ample room on the ships they deploy across key trade lanes — a reversal that has sent short-term container rates sinking for six straight months.
“Container Lines Brace for Slowdown as Shipping Rates Keel Over,” Bryce Baschuk, Bloomberg, August 25, 2022
