HomeContributorsFundamental AnalysisWeekly Economic & Financial Commentary: The Labor Market Is Not Out of...

Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary: The Labor Market Is Not Out of the Woods

By Wells Fargo Securities

Feb 07 26, 01:35 GMT

Summary

United States: The Labor Market Is Not Out of the Woods

Job openings in December slipped roughly 10% year-over-year to their lowest level since September 2020. While business activity picked up in the services and manufacturing sectors, so did price pressures.
Next week: Retail Sales (Tue.), Employment (Wed.), Existing Home Sales (Thu.), CPI (Fri.)

International: Central Banks Still in the Spotlight

It was a busy week for foreign central bank announcements, though the only policy move came from Australia, where the RBA delivered a rate hike. The Bank of England, the European Central Bank and Banxico all held rates steady. Outside of central bank developments, Canada’s latest labor market data offered a mixed picture.
Next week: Japan Labor Cash Earnings (Mon.), U.K. GDP (Thu.)

Topic of the Week: New Year, New Tariffs: January Tariff Developments

Trade policy dominated headlines again during the first month of 2026. But despite escalatory rhetoric, the U.S. average tariff rate actually nudged down modestly.

Full report here.

Stay udpated with our FREE Forex Newsletters

Download our Free Forex Ebook Collection

Wells Fargo Securities http://www.wellsfargo.com/

Wells Fargo Securities Economics Group publications are produced by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, a U.S broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Securities Investor Protection Corp. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, distributes these publications directly and through subsidiaries including, but not limited to, Wells Fargo & Company, Wells Fargo Bank N.A, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities International Limited. The information and opinions herein are for general information use only. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness, nor does Wells Fargo Securities, LLC assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Such information and opinions are subject to change without notice, are for general information only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sales of any security or as personalized investment advice. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is a separate legal entity and distinct from affiliated banks and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company © 2010 Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

Latest Analysis

Learn Forex Trading