Sign in

Thomas J Thompson

@thomasjthompson.bsky.social
117 followers 63 following 367 posts

Chief Economist at Havas Edge, Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Harvard. Exploring how consumers really behave, and why charts keep nudging us toward a plot twist.

PostsRepliesMedia
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 12h
Initial jobless claims fell to 197K, the lowest since July, while continuing claims dropped to 1.701M. My take is employers are holding onto workers but remain cautious about hiring. Job security and job opportunity are telling different stories. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g6ztkZDD
lnkd.in
Layoffs are low . . . so where are the jobs? Initial jobless claims came in at 197,000 last week, below the 201,000 economists expected and the lowest level since July. The previous week was revised…...
Layoffs are low . . . so where are the jobs? Initial jobless claims came in at 197,000 last week, below the 201,000 economists expected and the lowest level since July. The previous week was revised ...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 15h
U.S. job cuts fell 20% from a year ago in September, the lowest for the month since 2022, while hiring plans were the weakest September since 2011. My take, the labor market increasingly looks no-hire, no-fire. Workers have paychecks, but fewer options if they lose them. #econsky lnkd.in/p/ghshzkZ8
lnkd.in
US Job Cuts Fall to Lowest September Since 2022 U.S. employers announced 43,281 job cuts in September, down 18% from August and 20% from a year ago, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc...
US Job Cuts Fall to Lowest September Since 2022 U.S. employers announced 43,281 job cuts in September, down 18% from August and 20% from a year ago, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. th...
143
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
U.S. consumer spending rose 0.6% after inflation in August, the biggest increase in 17 months, while real disposable income was flat. Core PCE inflation also came in cooler than expected. My take, the consumer remains resilient, but spending is running ahead of income. #econsky lnkd.in/p/dEDUUk9D
lnkd.in
Consumer Spending Rises by the Most in 17 Months U.S. consumers accelerated spending sharply in August, with inflation-adjusted personal consumption expenditures rising 0.6% from July, the largest… |...
Consumer Spending Rises by the Most in 17 Months U.S. consumers accelerated spending sharply in August, with inflation-adjusted personal consumption expenditures rising 0.6% from July, the largest mo...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
U.S. private employers added 90k jobs in September, above the 75k expected and more than double August’s revised 36k. My take is that hiring is hardly booming, but the labor market keeps refusing to break. Paychecks remain an important floor beneath consumer spending. #econsky lnkd.in/p/dwGCzDiG
lnkd.in
U.S. Private Hiring More Than Doubles in September U.S. private employers added 90,000 jobs in September, according to ADP, above the 75,000 economists expected and more than double the revised… | Th...
U.S. Private Hiring More Than Doubles in September U.S. private employers added 90,000 jobs in September, according to ADP, above the 75,000 economists expected and more than double the revised 36,00...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
US consumer confidence plunged to 81.9 in September, its lowest level since 2014. My take is that spending remains resilient, but consumers increasingly dislike the economy they’re spending in. Whether behavior eventually follows confidence lower is the number to watch. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g7zA-9rY
lnkd.in
US Consumer Confidence Plunges to Lowest Level Since 2014 U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in September. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index dropped 6.7 points to 81.9, its lowest… | ...
US Consumer Confidence Plunges to Lowest Level Since 2014 U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in September. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index dropped 6.7 points to 81.9, its lowest lev...
021
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Job openings fell to 7.1 million in August, but layoffs remain low. My take is this looks more like a low-mobility labor market than one that is breaking. Job security and job opportunity are not the same thing, and that distinction matters for how consumers behave. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g4drSUTq
lnkd.in
Job Openings Fall to 7.1 Million as Workers Stay Put The number of U.S. job openings fell to 7.079 million in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below the 7.230 million economists… ...
Job Openings Fall to 7.1 Million as Workers Stay Put The number of U.S. job openings fell to 7.079 million in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below the 7.230 million economists e...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Adobe expects AI-assisted traffic to U.S. retail sites to rise 130% this holiday season. My take is the interesting story is why consumers are using it. AI makes it easier to compare products, prices and deals, lowering the cost of being a selective consumer. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g_8E9Mzq
lnkd.in
AI-Assisted Shopping to Rise 130% During the Holidays I feel slightly ridiculous writing about holiday shopping in September, but Adobe released its 2026 holiday forecast this morning and expects… | ...
AI-Assisted Shopping to Rise 130% During the Holidays I feel slightly ridiculous writing about holiday shopping in September, but Adobe released its 2026 holiday forecast this morning and expects U.S...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
US consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September while year-ahead inflation expectations jumped to 4.6%. My take is the disconnect matters. Consumers are still spending even as they feel worse about the economy and expect higher prices. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g6pzZnE3
lnkd.in
Consumer Sentiment Falls Even as Americans Keep Spending Consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September from 51.7 in August, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, leaving the… |...
Consumer Sentiment Falls Even as Americans Keep Spending Consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September from 51.7 in August, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, leaving the in...
140
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Durable goods orders were flat in August, but the better signal was underneath. Core capital goods orders rose 1.6%, suggesting businesses are still willing to invest in equipment and future capacity. My take is businesses are still betting on growth. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gBEWHAh9
lnkd.in
Businesses Are Still Betting on Growth Durable goods orders were virtually unchanged in August at $338.6 billion, better than the 0.3% decline economists expected. July was revised slightly lower… | ...
Businesses Are Still Betting on Growth Durable goods orders were virtually unchanged in August at $338.6 billion, better than the 0.3% decline economists expected. July was revised slightly lower, wi...
110
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
New home sales surged to their fastest pace this year as prices fell. My take is builders have an advantage in this market because they can adjust the entire value equation to help overcome affordability constraints. Consumers will still spend when the value makes sense. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gj_7iSG5
lnkd.in
New Home Sales Surge as Lower Prices Help Unlock Demand New home sales jumped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 684,000 in August, the fastest pace this year and well above the 616,000… | Thoma...
New Home Sales Surge as Lower Prices Help Unlock Demand New home sales jumped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 684,000 in August, the fastest pace this year and well above the 616,000 economis...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Initial jobless claims came in at 197K and continuing claims at 1.719M, both below expectations. My take is the labor market still isn’t breaking. Consumers can adjust to a lot of economic pressure while the paycheck keeps arriving. #econsky lnkd.in/p/duvY2TVw
lnkd.in
America’s Labor Market Still Isn’t Breaking Initial jobless claims came in at 197,000 last week, below the 201,000 economists expected. The previous week was revised slightly higher from 196,000 to… ...
America’s Labor Market Still Isn’t Breaking Initial jobless claims came in at 197,000 last week, below the 201,000 economists expected. The previous week was revised slightly higher from 196,000 to 1...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
U.S. business activity surged in September, with manufacturing and services both accelerating. The complication is cost pressure, with input-cost inflation at its highest since October 2022. My take is growth looks strong, but it may make the inflation picture harder. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gvPnPkdS
lnkd.in
U.S. Business Activity Is Surging. So Are Cost Pressures. U.S. business activity accelerated sharply in September, reaching its fastest pace in more than five years. The S&P Global U.S. Composite...
U.S. Business Activity Is Surging. So Are Cost Pressures. U.S. business activity accelerated sharply in September, reaching its fastest pace in more than five years. The S&P Global U.S. Composite Pur...
100
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
DoorDash will pay $131.5M to settle a NYC wage dispute, but the economics of waiting may be the bigger story. On-demand delivery only works if workers are available before orders arrive. My take is availability has economic value, even when no delivery is happening. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gy38qJat
lnkd.in
DoorDash to Pay $132 Million to NYC, Workers Over Missing Wages | Thomas J Thompson
DoorDash Will Pay $132 Million to Settle a NYC Wage Dispute According to Bloomberg News, DoorDash agreed this morning to pay $131.5 million to settle a New York City investigation into its compliance...
020
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
AMC is looking to refinance nearly $4 billion after a record summer box office. My take is the bigger story is the ripple effect. A movie ticket becomes theater revenue and stronger finances, just as a home purchase becomes spending on furniture, appliances and movers. #econsky lnkd.in/p/dCfkhjtZ
lnkd.in
AMC Is Overhauling Billions in Debt After Box Office Successes | Thomas J Thompson
AMC’s Comeback Shows How the Economy Ripples Bloomberg News has an interesting story today about AMC Entertainment, which is looking to raise nearly $4 billion to refinance much of its debt after a s...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Fed officials are warning that inflation may extend beyond the oil shock. Goolsbee says persistent supply shocks are harder to ignore and strong demand may be contributing as well. My take is the next question is whether inflation pressures outside energy begin to ease. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gpwEakC5
lnkd.in
Fed’s Goolsbee Warns Inflation Fight May Be Bigger Than Oil The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points last week, its first increase since 2023, and its latest projections suggest… ...
Fed’s Goolsbee Warns Inflation Fight May Be Bigger Than Oil The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points last week, its first increase since 2023, and its latest projections suggest a...
332
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
U.S. manufacturing output fell 0.3% in August, its first decline in eight months, while industrial production was flat. My take growth is holding up, but factories have plenty of unused capacity and the economy is showing more friction beneath the surface. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g2vUDnSz
lnkd.in
U.S. Manufacturing Output Falls for First Time in Eight Months U.S. manufacturing stumbled in August after seven straight months of growth. According to the Federal Reserve Board, factory output… | ...
U.S. Manufacturing Output Falls for First Time in Eight Months U.S. manufacturing stumbled in August after seven straight months of growth. According to the Federal Reserve Board, factory output fel...
250
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Pending home sales rose 0.3% in August, beating expectations, but contract signings remain roughly 30% below pre-pandemic levels. With mortgage rates again threatening 7%, even that modest improvement faces a test. My take housing is still stuck. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g6zr_fUY
lnkd.in
Pending Home Sales Rose but Housing Is Still Stuck Pending home sales rose 0.3% in August according to the National Association of REALTORS®, beating expectations for a 0.2% decline. That's good...
Pending Home Sales Rose but Housing Is Still Stuck Pending home sales rose 0.3% in August according to the National Association of REALTORS®, beating expectations for a 0.2% decline. That's good new...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Jobless claims fell to 196k (below expectations) while continuing claims dropped to 1.73 million. Good news for workers and another reason consumer spending remains resilient. My take is job security supports spending, but inflation threatens how far those paychecks go. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gk87cK5Q
lnkd.in
Jobless Claims Fall Below 200,000 as Labor Market Shows Surprising Strength The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell below 200,000 last week, while the number remaining on… | Th...
Jobless Claims Fall Below 200,000 as Labor Market Shows Surprising Strength The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell below 200,000 last week, while the number remaining on benef...
100
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Fed raised rates for the first time since 2023, but the impact won't be evenly felt. Stronger consumers may barely notice. Others may become even more selective as borrowing costs rise. My take the consumer divide matters as much as the hike. #econsky www.linkedin.com/posts/thomas...
linkedin.com
Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023 The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point today, its first increase since July 2023. The unanimous 12–0 decision lifts the… |...
Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023 The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point today, its first increase since July 2023. The unanimous 12–0 decision lifts the fe...
173
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
U.S. retail sales jumped 1.2% in August, twice the forecast, with strength well beyond necessities. My take consumers are still choosing to spend, which is good for growth but complicates the inflation and rate outlook. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gRt5VJSU
lnkd.in
U.S. Consumers Just Blew Past Retail Sales Expectations U.S. consumers spent considerably more than expected in August. Retail and food services sales rose 1.2% from July according to the U.S… | Tho...
U.S. Consumers Just Blew Past Retail Sales Expectations U.S. consumers spent considerably more than expected in August. Retail and food services sales rose 1.2% from July according to the U.S. Censu...
330
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Mortgage rates may be headed back to 7% as the 10-year Treasury pushes above 5%. For a $400K mortgage, 6% to 7% adds $263/month and cuts buying power by nearly $40K. My take is that 7% isn't just a number. It may be the point where more buyers decide to wait. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gmn5Q6ei
lnkd.in
The Stagnant Housing Market Is About to Face a 7% Mortgage | Thomas J Thompson
The Housing Market May Be Headed Back to 7% Mortgages The Wall Street Journal has a good piece this morning warning that mortgage rates are closing in on 7% again. The 30-year fixed averaged 6.76% la...
072
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Wheat is up 43% this year, soybeans 24% and corn 20%, while farm costs remain elevated. My take is higher food costs matter beyond the grocery aisle because households can’t avoid them. They adjust what they buy and what they buy elsewhere. #econsky lnkd.in/p/guWPeyP9
lnkd.in
The price of almost everything on your dinner table is climbing at once — and Wall Street is taking notice | Thomas J Thompson
The Next Inflation Problem May Already Be Growing on the Farm With the Federal Reserve widely expected to raise rates this week, most of the inflation conversation is understandably focused on what h...
275
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Consumer sentiment fell to 47.8 in September, near its lowest level ever. Expectations plunged 11.1% and 1-year inflation expectations jumped to 4.6%. My take is rising prices are weighing on how households see what comes next, even more than conditions today. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gxMDKzXQ
lnkd.in
Consumer Sentiment Is Back Near Its Lowest Level Ever U.S. consumer sentiment fell to 47.8 in the University of Michigan’s preliminary September survey, down from 51.7 in August and 13.2% from a… | T...
Consumer Sentiment Is Back Near Its Lowest Level Ever U.S. consumer sentiment fell to 47.8 in the University of Michigan’s preliminary September survey, down from 51.7 in August and 13.2% from a year...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
CPI rose 0.4% in August and 3.4%, both as expected. Core was the surprise, rising 0.3% vs. 0.2% expected. Energy drove much of the headline, but pressure extended beyond it. My take is inflation is improving, but August made the underlying story less comfortable. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gZiHWpsH
lnkd.in
Inflation Matched Forecasts but Core CPI Came In Hotter Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August, matching expectations and accelerating from 0.1% in July. Annual inflation held at 3.4%. Core CPI was… | ...
Inflation Matched Forecasts but Core CPI Came In Hotter Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August, matching expectations and accelerating from 0.1% in July. Annual inflation held at 3.4%. Core CPI was the...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
US diesel just crossed $6 a gallon for the first time. My take is that this isn't just an expensive oil story. Diesel supply is unusually tight, and the longer prices stay elevated the greater the risk those costs work their way to consumers. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gzZHwkqh
lnkd.in
US Diesel Prices Rise Past $6 a Gallon for First Time Ever | Thomas J Thompson
US Diesel Prices Just Crossed $6 for the First Time All eyes are on CPI this morning, but the national average price of diesel reached $6.0556 this morning, according to AAA, the highest ever recorde...
1112
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Existing-home sales fell 2.0% in August to 3.98M, the first time below 4M since June 2025. My take, the more interesting number is 4.9 months of supply, the highest in over a decade. Buyers have more choices, but many remain on the sidelines. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gjDfDGYC
lnkd.in
Existing Home Sales Fell Below 4 Million for the First Time Since June 2025 Existing-home sales fell 2.0% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, according to the National… | ...
Existing Home Sales Fell Below 4 Million for the First Time Since June 2025 Existing-home sales fell 2.0% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, according to the National Ass...
170
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Initial jobless claims came in at 206K vs. 205K expected, while the four-week average fell and continuing claims edged down to 1.774M. My take, layoffs remain low and this week’s data give us little reason to think last week’s stronger labor market picture is changing. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gB7fNahz
lnkd.in
Jobless Claims Still Point to Low Layoffs Initial jobless claims came in at 206,000 last week, essentially matching expectations for 205,000 and down 1,000 from the prior week's revised 207,000…...
Jobless Claims Still Point to Low Layoffs Initial jobless claims came in at 206,000 last week, essentially matching expectations for 205,000 and down 1,000 from the prior week's revised 207,000. The...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
PPI rose 0.4% in and 5.4% over the past year, but the details were less hot. Core rose just 0.2% vs. 0.3% expected, while goods were pushed higher largely by energy. My take is the headline says inflation accelerated, but the details say it didn’t broaden nearly as much. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gS-aDm4J
lnkd.in
Producer Inflation Hit 5.4% but the Headline Looks Worse Than the Details Producer prices rose 0.4% in August, matching expectations, while the annual rate climbed to 5.4%, slightly above the 5.3%… ...
Producer Inflation Hit 5.4% but the Headline Looks Worse Than the Details Producer prices rose 0.4% in August, matching expectations, while the annual rate climbed to 5.4%, slightly above the 5.3% f...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
U.S. mortgage rates climbed to 6.85%, the highest since June 2025. Applications fell 2.7%, with refinancing down 6.2% while purchase activity barely moved. My take is high rates may be changing not just how much households spend, but where they spend it. #econsky lnkd.in/p/ghhQfxzA
lnkd.in
US Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.85% Highest Since June 2025 The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.85% last week from 6.79%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, its highest level… |...
US Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.85% Highest Since June 2025 The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.85% last week from 6.79%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, its highest level si...
021
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
U.S. consumer credit rose $18.1B in July, well above the $11.9B expected. Nonrevolving credit jumped $15.3B while revolving credit rose just $2.8B. My take, Americans borrowed more, but this wasn’t a credit-card borrowing spree. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gNJ6Xyri
lnkd.in
Consumer Borrowing Jumped in July but Credit Cards Weren’t the Story U.S. consumer credit increased by $18.1 billion in July, well above expectations for an $11.9 billion increase and up from a… | Th...
Consumer Borrowing Jumped in July but Credit Cards Weren’t the Story U.S. consumer credit increased by $18.1 billion in July, well above expectations for an $11.9 billion increase and up from a revis...
061
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NFIB small business optimism slipped to 98.7 in August but remained above its long-term average. Sales weakened, inflation remained a concern and uncertainty stayed historically high. My take is July's optimism cooled, but Main Street hasn't turned pessimistic. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g9V7J836
lnkd.in
Small Business Optimism Cools as Sales Weaken Small business owners became somewhat less optimistic in August as the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index…...
Small Business Optimism Cools as Sales Weaken Small business owners became somewhat less optimistic in August as the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index ...
120
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
The White House is reportedly considering subsidies for some married couples when one parent stays home, using funds that currently support child care for working families. My take, this is also a labor market story because it could affect labor supply at the margin. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gZZzrqRt
lnkd.in
Trump Officials Draft Plan to Pay At-Home Parents, Using Funds for Working Ones | Thomas J Thompson
The White House Is Considering Paying Parents to Stay Home According to an article in The New York Times today, the Trump administration is drafting a plan that would allow some married couples to re...
3168
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
U.S. payrolls jumped 162K in August vs. 55K expected. Unemployment held at 4.1% even as participation rose. July was revised from -23K to +21K, with 55K added to June and July combined. My take, the labor market looks much healthier than it did yesterday. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gMPHC24K
lnkd.in
U.S. Jobs Blew Past Expectations in August and July’s Loss Disappeared The U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August, nearly triple the 55,000 economists expected. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, even… |...
U.S. Jobs Blew Past Expectations in August and July’s Loss Disappeared The U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August, nearly triple the 55,000 economists expected. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, even as...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Initial jobless claims barely moved rising to 206K from 204K while continuing claims came in at 1.779M. My take is layoffs remain relatively contained even as hiring weakens. For now the labor market looks more like a shortage of opportunities than a surge in job losses. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gFJ-B6bw
lnkd.in
Jobless Claims Remain Low Even as Hiring Weakens Initial jobless claims barely moved last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported 206,000 new claims, up 2,000 from the prior week's revised… |...
Jobless Claims Remain Low Even as Hiring Weakens Initial jobless claims barely moved last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported 206,000 new claims, up 2,000 from the prior week's revised 204,00...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Challenger reports planned layoffs jumped 58% in August, but the increase wasn’t widespread. 20 of 30 industries still have fewer cuts this year than in 2025. My take is job opportunity has weakened while job security has held up. #econsky lnkd.in/p/dWh7bN3c
lnkd.in
Planned Layoffs Jumped 58%, but the Increase Wasn't Widespread U.S. employers announced 52,881 planned job cuts in August, up 58% from July, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. b...
Planned Layoffs Jumped 58%, but the Increase Wasn't Widespread U.S. employers announced 52,881 planned job cuts in August, up 58% from July, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. but 20 of...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Private hiring slowed to just 38K jobs in August, the weakest pace since January. My take is the composition matters even more. Education and health added 45K while manufacturing and professional services lost jobs. Hiring isn't just slowing. It's narrowing. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gnvhRWnz
lnkd.in
Private Hiring Just Hit Its Slowest Pace Since January Private employers added just 38,000 jobs in August, according to ADP, below the 47,000 economists expected and the slowest pace of… | Thomas J T...
Private Hiring Just Hit Its Slowest Pace Since January Private employers added just 38,000 jobs in August, according to ADP, below the 47,000 economists expected and the slowest pace of private-secto...
230
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Uber is cutting 3,300 jobs even as its business grows. My take is not every layoff signals economic weakness. The bigger labor-market question is what happens next. If hiring is weak, losing a job becomes more consequential even when layoffs overall remain low. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g9Zz6yrQ
lnkd.in
Uber to Cut 3,300 Jobs in Company Overhaul to Reduce Management Layers | Thomas J Thompson
Uber Is Cutting 3,300 Jobs Even as Its Business Grows Uber announced this morning that it is cutting about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its global workforce. The company is also reducing the number of ...
030
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
JOLTS shows a labor market with less movement. Hiring slowed, quits fell and layoffs remain low. Professional and business services stood out with weaker hiring. My take is job security may still look relatively stable, but job mobility is getting harder. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g_bBMrQk
lnkd.in
The Labor Market Isn’t Firing. It Isn’t Hiring Much Either. Job openings came in weaker than expected in July, but the more interesting story may be what employers actually did. The Bureau of Labor…...
The Labor Market Isn’t Firing. It Isn’t Hiring Much Either. Job openings came in weaker than expected in July, but the more interesting story may be what employers actually did. The Bureau of Labor ...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Chicago business activity fell sharply in August, but employment moved back into expansion even as orders and production weakened. My take is businesses still appear reluctant to cut workers despite softer demand. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g_XQ54iJ
lnkd.in
Chicago Business Activity Drops 10 Points But Employers Aren’t Cutting Yet The Chicago Business Barometer took a sharp turn in August, falling 10.5 points from 57.6 to 47.1. That's below the 50… ...
Chicago Business Activity Drops 10 Points But Employers Aren’t Cutting Yet The Chicago Business Barometer took a sharp turn in August, falling 10.5 points from 57.6 to 47.1. That's below the 50 level...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Warsh says the economy has strengthened while inflation remains too high. My take is consumers can feel worse about prices while continuing to work and spend. Those signals aren’t contradictory, and that resilience gives the Fed more room to stay focused on inflation. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gM-EJCWm
lnkd.in
Warsh Says the Economy Is Holding Up While Inflation Isn’t I just watched Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech, and while much of the attention will understandably be on his… | ...
Warsh Says the Economy Is Holding Up While Inflation Isn’t I just watched Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech, and while much of the attention will understandably be on his inf...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
U.S. consumer sentiment fell to 51.7 in August from 55.2, while year-ahead inflation expectations eased to 4.0% from 4.2%. My take is consumers are becoming less worried about future inflation but more worried about the broader economy. That divergence matters. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gqVyKn4M
lnkd.in
Consumer Sentiment Falls Even as Inflation Expectations Ease The University of Michigan's final August consumer sentiment reading finished at 51.7, down from 55.2 in July and 11.2% below a year a...
Consumer Sentiment Falls Even as Inflation Expectations Ease The University of Michigan's final August consumer sentiment reading finished at 51.7, down from 55.2 in July and 11.2% below a year ago. ...
020
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Ally found 72% of Americans feel guilty spending on things they enjoy, even though just 6% think they spend too much. My take is consumers aren't necessarily spending less, but the bar for earning each purchase is rising. That's an important distinction for brands. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g4rYNajk
lnkd.in
Americans Say They Feel Guilty About Spending Money on Fun | Thomas J Thompson
Americans are still spending, but they feel guilty about it Bloomberg News had an interesting story yesterday on new research from Ally examining how Americans feel about spending money on things tha...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Initial jobless claims fell to 203K (below 208K forecast) and continuing claims declined to 1.778M. My take is the labor market remains relatively stable, but 203K is still 203K people filing new unemployment claims. Economic context matters, but so does the human one. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gjPgDx5P
lnkd.in
Jobless Claims Fall, But 203,000 Is Still 203,000 The U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims fell to 203,000 last week, below expectations for 208,000 and down from a revised… ...
Jobless Claims Fall, But 203,000 Is Still 203,000 The U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims fell to 203,000 last week, below expectations for 208,000 and down from a revised 2...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
U.S. GDP grew 1.5% in Q2, but private domestic demand rose a much stronger 4.2%. My take is the economy had more underlying momentum than headline GDP suggests, but persistent inflation and flat real consumer spending in July argue for some caution about what comes next. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gvFiKF88
lnkd.in
GDP Growth Held at 1.5% but the Details Tell a Stronger Story The U.S. economy grew at a 1.5% annualized rate in the second quarter, unchanged from the advance estimate and down from 2.1% in the… | T...
GDP Growth Held at 1.5% but the Details Tell a Stronger Story The U.S. economy grew at a 1.5% annualized rate in the second quarter, unchanged from the advance estimate and down from 2.1% in the firs...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Consumer spending rose 0.2% in July but prices rose 0.2% leaving real spending essentially flat. My take is this helps explain the confidence gap. Consumers can earn more and keep spending without feeling like they're getting ahead when higher prices absorb the gains. #econsky lnkd.in/p/gy5k7sg8
lnkd.in
Consumer Spending Rose in July but Inflation Ate the Entire Gain Americans spent more in July and incomes grew even faster, but inflation changed what otherwise looks like a fairly strong consumer… |...
Consumer Spending Rose in July but Inflation Ate the Entire Gain Americans spent more in July and incomes grew even faster, but inflation changed what otherwise looks like a fairly strong consumer re...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Consumer confidence fell to 89.4 in August, but present conditions improved while expectations fell sharply. My take is consumers are increasingly worried about tomorrow and the question is when (or if) that starts changing what they spend today. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g-BjPJbQ
lnkd.in
Consumer Confidence Falls as Americans Worry About What Comes Next U.S. consumer confidence edged lower again in August, but the headline number masks a more interesting divide. The Conference… | Tho...
Consumer Confidence Falls as Americans Worry About What Comes Next U.S. consumer confidence edged lower again in August, but the headline number masks a more interesting divide. The Conference Board,...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I stood in the rain for 30 minutes to buy a giant cookie at Gideon's Bakehouse, fully aware of the behavioral economics working on me. My take is knowing why we're irrational doesn't necessarily make us rational. Sometimes social proof, scarcity and curiosity still win. #econsky lnkd.in/p/g3vpY92y
lnkd.in
Disney Springs | Locations | Gideon's Bakehouse | Thomas J Thompson
The Behavioral Economics of Waiting in Line for a Cookie I always find it funny when people write LinkedIn posts about things like “What getting engaged taught me about marketing” or “How a trip to t...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
U.S. business activity hit a four-year high in August as services surged. My take is the economy has more momentum than recent data suggest. Growth is still there, but where it comes from and who feels it are increasingly different stories. #econsky www.linkedin.com/posts/thomas...
linkedin.com
U.S. Business Activity Accelerates to a Four-Year High U.S. business activity accelerated sharply in August, according to preliminary data from S&P Global. The Composite PMI rose to 56.0 from 54....
U.S. Business Activity Accelerates to a Four-Year High U.S. business activity accelerated sharply in August, according to preliminary data from S&P Global. The Composite PMI rose to 56.0 from 54.5 in...
010
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Initial jobless claims fell to 206K but continuing claims rose to 1.799M. My take is layoffs remain relatively low, but finding the next job may be the bigger concern. That matters for household finances, confidence and ultimately consumer spending. #econsky www.linkedin.com/posts/thomas...
linkedin.com
Fewer Americans Are Losing Jobs but More Are Staying on Benefits The U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims fell to 206,000 last week, below expectations for 210,000 and down… ...
Fewer Americans Are Losing Jobs but More Are Staying on Benefits The U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims fell to 206,000 last week, below expectations for 210,000 and down f...
000
Thomas J Thompson @thomasjthompson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
TJX sales rose 5% and comps gained 4% even as broader retail sales weakened. My take is consumers are still spending, but becoming more selective (duh), but bargain hunting isn't necessarily trading down. Sometimes it's simply demanding more value. #econsky www.linkedin.com/posts/thomas...
linkedin.com
TJX Sales Rise Even as Consumers Pull Back on Retail Spending The TJX Companies, Inc. delivered a strong quarter even as the broader retail environment has shown signs of weakness. Net sales at the… ...
TJX Sales Rise Even as Consumers Pull Back on Retail Spending The TJX Companies, Inc. delivered a strong quarter even as the broader retail environment has shown signs of weakness. Net sales at the o...
020