Economic Outlook
Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. is an internationally acclaimed economist and public speaker specializing in making economics fun, relevant and educational. Dr. Eisenberg earned a B.A. in economics with first class honors from McGill University in Montreal, as well as a Master and Ph.D. in public administration from Syracuse University. Eisenberg is the Chief Economist for GraphsandLaughs, LLC, a Miami-based economic consultancy that serves a variety of clients across the United States. He writes a syndicated column and authors a daily 70-word commentary on the economy that is available at www.econ70.com.
Bummed Builders
The latest homebuilder sentiment index was super-soft. The overall index slumped to 39 (50 is neutral) same as, ugh, 2/07, and two of the three subcomponents worsened, current sales to 43, prospective buyer traffic to 24, and sales expectations over the next six months remained unchanged at 47. Weather wasn’t to blame, all four regional scores slipped. No wonder S&P 500 homebuilder stocks are down 30% from their mid-October peak.
Security Statistics
Despite Secretary Lutnick’s recent comments, Social Security is a key source of income for many! Half of seniors get over half their income from SS, 25% of recipients get 90% or more. For those with a bachelor’s degree, SS provides at least 50% of income to one-third of recipients, 90% of income to 13% of persons. For those with less than HS, the percentages are 70% and 40%, respectively.
By Fernando Mares | Journalist & Industry Analyst, Mexico Business News
The rapid evolution of global logistics, driven by consumer demand, has placed an unprecedented focus on transportation, customs brokerage, and warehousing services.
The automotive, technology, and steel industries have experienced significant growth, requiring the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance logistics and transportation efficiency. As Mexico aims to solidify its position as a nearshoring hub, strategic investments in logistics and technology will be critical to ensure supply chain resilience and long-term sustainability.
To strengthen its supply chains against potential disruptions, the Baker Institute suggests Mexico prioritize investments in: transportation networks, by expanding road and rail infrastructure to facilitate efficient cargo movement; digital connectivity, by upgrading logistics technology, AI-driven optimization models, and machine learning applications; supply chain security, implementing real-time tracking, cybersecurity measures, and risk management strategies; and sustainability, by promoting ESG-compliant supply chain practices and adopting green logistics solutions.
Slight decline in rates helps new sales
By Robert Dietz, NAHB
A slight decline in mortgage rates and limited existing inventory helped new home sales to edge higher in February even as housing affordability challenges continue to act as a strong headwind on the market. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in February increased 1.8% to a 676,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a revised January number, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in February was up 5.1% compared to a year earlier. New home sales have been roughly flat thus far in 2025, as ongoing limited inventory of existing homes in many markets continues to support the need for new homes. Lower mortgage rates helped to lift demand in February, despite other near-term risks such as tariff issues and affordability concerns.A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the February reading of 676,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months.
