Corporate America is on pace for a record $1 trillion in stock buybacks this year. Manufacturing surprised to the upside. March inflation came in softer than expected. Here’s a closer look at the data moving markets this week — from the busiest US airports, to where Iran stacks up against its neighbors, to what the Fed is watching next.
US Economy
Here are the busiest airports in the US.
The New York Fed’s Empire State Manufacturing Index unexpectedly surged into expansionary territory, smashing expectations. The strength was driven by a sharp rise in shipments, as well as strong gains in the new orders component.
Prices received edged up while prices paid jumped, implying that companies are, for now, absorbing the recent jump in costs for energy and other commodities into their margins.
This map shows the salary needed to live comfortably in US cities.
US Stock Market
Corporates have authorized a record $428 billion in buybacks year to date, putting them on track to execute roughly $1 trillion in share repurchases in 2026, assuming a 90% execution rate.
CTA net buying of global equities over the past five sessions is one of the largest in history.
Source: Goldman Sachs
The War in Iran
How does Iran compare against its neighbors
Source: Visual Capitalist via @Market_Mind_ Read full article
The Fed
March headline PPI rose 0.51% month over month, while core PPI inflation was even tamer at 0.09%, both well below consensus.
Energy prices surged, led by gasoline prices, as expected.
Excluding energy and food, core goods prices rose by a soft 0.2%, while core services prices were nearly unchanged.
The Fed’s Beige Book showed overall economic activity increased at a “slight to modest pace” in eight out of 12 districts, up from seven in February.
Great Quotes
It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change. – Queen Elizabeth II
Picture of the Week
The milky way galaxy at dusk
All content is the opinion of Brian Decker
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