| Today's Economy
Partial U.S. Shutdown Likely Won't Cause Jobless Claims to Jump Claims by federal employees are separated from the regular claims pool. Trump vs. Powell Here's how the U.S. president could, but is unlikely to, change Fed chairs. What U.S. Economic Data Are Affected by the Shutdown Department of Commerce releases are likely delayed; the Fed and Labor Department remain open. Another Natural Disaster for Indonesia The human cost is significant, but the economic cost may be less than that in earlier disasters. » VIEW MORE TODAY'S ECONOMY
Commentary
Living Costs in the West Widen Their Gap With Rest of the U.S. High and rising living costs in the West pull the region further above the national average. U.S. Regional Outlook: HQ2 Leaves Winners Primed for Growth—and Growing Pains Even though the winning bidders are rightfully optimistic, numerous concerns persist. Bumps Ahead on Asia's Wild Ride The U.S.-China trade war dominated 2018, and there are no guarantees in the current truce. U.S. Weekly Highlights and Preview, December 21, 2018 Markets will not get guidance from the Fed next week. » VIEW MORE COMMENTARY
Today's Economic Indicators
Thailand
Foreign Trade
Nov. 2018: US$0.7 bil
Spain
GDP
2018Q3: 0.6%
Despite a gloomy retail sales performance, domestic demand was still the main impulse in the third quarter while export receipts languished. Brazil
Employment Situation
Nov. 2018: 11.6%
Brazil’s unemployment continued to decline in November as the economy’s recovery advances. Mexico
Trade Balance
Nov. 2018: -US$2,381.8 mil
Mexico’s trade balance remained in negative territory in November as imports remained strong. United States
Pending Home Sales
Nov. 2018: 101.4
The pending home sales index declined 0.7% to 101.4 in November on a month-over-month seasonally adjusted basis, dropping to its lowest level since mid-2014. United States
Natural Gas Storage Report
December 21: -48 bil cubic feet
The decline in natural gas inventories was roughly in line with analyst expectations, which will have little effect on gas prices. United States
Oil Inventories
December 21: 441.4 mil barrels
Oil inventories remained nearly unchanged last week, which will have negative effects on prices since analysts had expected a 1.4 million-barrel draw. » VIEW MORE ECONOMIC INDICATORS | 
