From the Desk - Economic Commentary
Scott Goedken, Director of Institutional Strategies - 8/20/2026
U.S. equities are lower this morning, with all three major averages trading in negative territory as Treasury yields move higher despite the Treasury Department's recent announcement that it would expand long-end debt buyback operations. Investors continue to weigh the implications of higher long-term rates and persistent pressure in the Treasury market.
Initial jobless claims fell to 206,000 for the week ending August 15, down from a revised 212,000 the previous week and better than expectations of 210,000. Continuing claims increased to 1.799 million from a revised 1.781 million.
The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index increased 0.2% in July, exceeding expectations for a 0.1% increase and improving from a 0.2% decline in June. This month's reading is the strongest monthly increase since April.
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