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 February 2019 Snapshot
  • Consumer confidence declined sharply in January, but remained at relatively high levels. Light-weight vehicle sales have been stable on a rolling 12-month basis, even though they have softened recently.
  • Business equipment spending rose modestly in 2018Q3, a further slowdown from the second quarter and below the pace in 2017. New orders of capital goods (excluding aircraft) declined in November but remained slightly above shipments, suggesting a bit of momentum over the near term.
  • Housing activity indicators remained soft in December. While a strong labor market continues to have the potential to provide support to the housing sector, higher mortgage rates and tax code changes appear to have had some restraining effect on the market.
  • Payroll growth was strong in January. The employment-to-population ratio and the labor force participation rate rose, while the unemployment rate increased modestly. Various measures of labor compensation continue to indicate a gradual firming of wage growth.
  • Core inflation remains consistent with the FOMC’s longer-run objective.
  • U.S. equity indices rebounded partially over the past month from the falls in 2018Q4, while volatility declined. The nominal 10-year Treasury yield was little changed. The broad trade-weighted dollar index declined slightly, with mixed performance against different currencies. Oil prices were essentially unchanged over the month.

Download the February 2019 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

2019 Release Dates
Released at 11:00 a.m.

Jan 14    
Feb 11    
Mar 22*
Apr 15
May 13
June 21*
July 15
Aug 12
Sept 20*
Oct 15
Nov 12
Dec 16
* Publication is normally on a Monday, with three Friday exceptions noted.

2018 Released Reports
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.