If you’re not confused when it comes to figuring out which way the economic winds are blowing, today’s retail sales report for April threatens to advance the cause of puzzlement.
Daily Archives: May 12, 2005
PARSING THE TRADE REPORT
The U.S. Dollar Index has been marching higher in the wake of yesterday’s better-than-expected trade-deficit news. This index of the greenback in fact reached its highest mark since last November. Has the turnaround in the trade deficit that so many have hoped for finally arrived? If so, should investors celebrate or reserve judgment about the implications?