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 July 2017 Snapshot
  • While real consumer spending rose at a modest pace in May, data still suggest a notable pickup in consumption growth in Q2 compared to Q1. Auto sales have continued to slow this year from the strong pace of 2016.
  • Capital spending indicators suggest rather sluggish growth for business equipment spending in Q2, with signals of only modest near-term momentum.
  • Housing activity data indicate that the gradual recovery in this sector is being maintained, while surveys generally signal a solid pickup in manufacturing activity.
  • Payroll growth was solid in June. The unemployment rate, the employment-to-population ratio and the labor force participation rate all increased slightly. Growth in labor compensation measures remains subdued.
  • Recent monthly readings on PCE inflation remain soft, suggesting a pause in the progress toward the FOMC’s longer-run objective.
  • U.S. equity indexes were little changed overall, while the nominal yield on the 10-year Treasury note has moved up since late June. The trade-weighted index for the U.S. dollar and the price of oil have been relatively stable.
Download the July 2017 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

2017 Release Dates
Released at 10:00 a.m.

January 17   
February 13   
March 20**  
April 17  
May 15  
June 19  
July 14*  
August 14
September 8*
October 16
November 13
December 18
* Publication is normally on a Monday, with two Friday exceptions noted.

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.