Commentary

We provide insights on key macroeconomic trends — monetary policy, labor trends and interest rate trends — that inform our investment process. 

 

Monthly Economic Model

The US economy continues to expand at an above-trend rate

Economic update

November 12, 2024 | Aside from some unexpected weakness in last month’s job report, the US economy continues to expand at an above-trend rate, gradually closing in on the economic soft-landing Federal Reserve officials have sought.

Read more
chicago streetview image

2024 Commentary

This is a pivotal moment for the central bank

chicago streetview image

September 24, 2024 | Statement of Investment Policy | The Federal Reserve’s decision to lower its reference rate by 50 basis points represents a major recalibration of monetary policy.

Read more

The US economy has proven to be resilient

chicago streetview image

August 16, 2024 | Economic Update | Economic data shows the US economy continues to slowly decelerate as the restrictive Federal Reserve monetary policy of the past two years gradually gains traction.

Read more

Inflation eased substantially last month

chicago streetview image

July 18, 2024 | Economic Update | Incoming economic data shows that in the wake of the gradually slowing US economy inflation eased substantially last month, extending the recent downward drift in consumer price increases, setting the stage for the Federal Reserve to begin easing credit conditions by the end of this summer.

Read more

The US economy remains resilient

chicago streetview image

June 18, 2024 | Economic Update | Recently released economic data shows that overall, the US economy has remained resilient in the face of the Federal Reserve’s highly restrictive monetary policy, continuing to expand at a solid rate, but showing some signs of deceleration from last year’s torrid pace.

Read more

Economic trends shaping Fed's policy outlook

chicago streetview image

May 14, 2024 | Economic update | Economic indicators through mid-May remained surprisingly strong, delaying rate cuts. Recently released data raises the possibility that if there are additional signs of cooling, the central bank may move sooner than September to reduce its reference rate.

Read more

Economy can continue to expand

chicago streetview image

April 8, 2024 | Statement of Investment Policy | While incoming data last month provided confirmation the US economy can continue to expand without fanning inflation, it also suggests Federal Reserve interest rate cuts may be delayed.

Read more

Explore

Front Barnett is a division of the Wealth Management business of Mesirow Financial Investment Management, Inc. (“MFIM”). MFIM is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. The Mesirow and Front Barnett name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. © 2024, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Advisory Fees are described in Front Barnett’s Form ADV Part 2A.