Commentary

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

 

Monthly Economic Model

Government shutdown leads to weaker-than-expected economic expansion

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February 28, 2026 | A sharp drop in public sector spending last quarter, reflecting the longest government shutdown in history, held GDP growth to 1.4%, a far weaker rate of expansion than the 2.5% economists had expected and well short of the 4.3% third quarter gain. 

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Recent Commentary

We expect US GDP growth to continue

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January 29, 2026 | We continue to expect the above-trend US GDP growth to persist in the coming months.

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The US economy has remained notably resilient

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January 12, 2026 | The US economy has remained notably resilient..

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The US economy remains on solid footing

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December 8, 2025 | Economic Update | The US economy remains on solid footing, resilient, expanding at a moderate pace

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The US economy remains stable, with moderate overall growth

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November 17, 2025 | Economic Update | During a period in which many key federal statistical publications have been delayed, the US economy has remained solid, expanding at a modest pace.

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The US economy remains stable, with moderate overall growth

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October 17, 2025 | Statement of Investment Policy | Data, surveys and anecdotal evidence we have cobbled together since the government shutdown confirms the US economy remained “stable” over the past several weeks, perhaps growing a bit more moderately overall, according to the latest Fed Beige Book.

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Far fewer jobs had been gained in May and June than previously reported

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September 8, 2025 | Economic Update | In a year replete with economic and policy surprises, probably most notable were the early August downward revisions to the Labor Department’s non-farm payroll gains for the months of May and June, which showed far fewer jobs had been gained in those months than previously reported.

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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. © 2026, 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.