U.S. Economy in a Snapshot

U.S. Economy in a Snapshot is a monthly presentation designed to give you a quick and accessible look at developments in the economy.
Overview of the October 2018 Snapshot
  • The pace of growth in real consumer spending was firm in August, but it was still somewhat below that of recent months. As was the case in July, the increase in spending for August was led by services and nondurable goods expenditures.
  • The recent monthly readings suggest that business equipment spending growth may be somewhat stronger in 2018Q3 than it was in the first half of 2018. New orders of capital goods (excluding aircraft) remained above shipments, continuing to suggest some momentum over the near term.
  • Housing activity indicators remained soft in August. Home price appreciation, which had remained solid in earlier in the year, slowed some in the most recent readings. These patterns suggest that higher mortgage rates have had moderate restraining effects on the housing market.
  • Payroll growth was below expectations in September, but was revised significantly upward for both July and August. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since 1969. The latest readings of various measures of labor compensation point to some firming of wage growth.
  • Core PCE inflation continued to run at a level roughly consistent with the FOMC’s longer-run objective.
  • After reaching new highs, U.S. equity indices fell sharply in the past week amid higher volatility. The nominal 10-year Treasury yield increased significantly, reaching a multi-year high, mostly due to higher real yields. The broad trade-weighted dollar index rose modestly. Oil prices moved higher to around their highest levels since late 2014.
Download the October 2018 Snapshot 

We post accompanying data for the charts, if permitted, with the intent to expand the series to the fullest extent possible.

Read more about the launch of the series: Just Released: U.S. Economy in a Snapshot, Liberty Street Economics, June 2015

2018 Release Dates
Released at 10:00 a.m.

January 16**
February 12**  
March 23* 
April 16  
May 14   
June 15* 
July 16  
August 13** 
September 14* **  
October 15  
November 13**
December 21
* Publication is normally on a Monday, with three Friday exceptions noted.
** Released at 11am.

2017 Released Reports
2016 Released Reports
2015 Released Reports
About the New York Fed's Snapshot
U.S. Economy in a Snapshot, produced by the Research Function of the New York Fed, is designed to provide a tight yet comprehensive overview of current economic and financial developments. This monthly packet presents charts and commentary on a broad range of topics that include labor and financial markets, the behavior of consumers and firms, and the global economy. What’s more, Snapshot aims to cover special topics such as movements in commodity prices, developments in the Second District, or findings from the New York Fed Survey of Consumer Expectations.