The Commerce Department reported two positive pieces of economic data today. In February, new home sales rose 4.7 percent and durable goods orders rose 3.4 percent.
These figures are positive, but I find them a tad frustrating because they always come with qualifiers. 
Let me explain.
The new home sales figure is supposed to measure the sales of newly built, single-family homes.
According to MarketWatch, this figure came in at a “seasonally adjusted annual rate” of 337,000.  This makes for positive news since economists were expecting 323,000 units.
Why it sends mixed signals:
1. The number could be inflated since it includes canceled contracts.
2. Last month’s activity and median sales price are …read more

The Fed’s latest Beige Book reads like a tragedy. 
The book is published eight times each year and summarizes economic conditions in each Federal Reserve District (there are twelve).  The Beige Book contains a ton of data.  In a nutshell, economic activity weakened across all Districts.  Below, I have summarized the results from several components.
Consumer Spending and Tourism: Weakened in nearly all Districts.
Business Spending: Weakened in most Districts. 
Nonfinancial Services: Weakened in most Districts.
Manufacturing: Lower in most Districts.
Real Estate and Construction: Weakened or remained low in all Districts.
Banking and Finance: Tightened credit in all Districts that reported data for the category.
Agriculture and Nartural Resources: Favorable …read more