1
AIA: "Architecture Billings Index backslides in March"
Note: This index is a leading indicator primarily for new Commercial Real
Estate (CRE) investment.
From the AIA: Architecture Billings Index backslides in March
Following consistently increasing demand for design services for over two
years, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dipped into negative territory
in March, according to a new report today from The American Institute of
Architects (AIA).
*The ABI score for March was 47.8, down from 50.3 in February*. Indicators
of work in the pipeline, including inquiries into new projects and the
value of new design contracts remained ... more »
New construction is slowing.
2
Trade Deficit Decreased to $49.4 Billion in February
From the Department of Commerce reported:
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced
today that the goods and services deficit was $49.4 billion in February,
down $1.8 billion from $51.1 billion in January, revised.
February exports were $209.7 billion, $2.3 billion more than January
exports. February imports were $259.1 billion, $0.6 billion more than
January imports.
[image: U.S. Trade Exports Imports] *Click on graph for larger image.*
Exports increased and imports decreased in January.
Exports are 27% above the pre-recession peak and up 2% compa... more »
Trump would wrongly approve.
3
MBA: Mortgage Applications Decreased in Latest Weekly Survey
From the MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications decreased 3.5 percent from one week earlier,
according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly
Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending April 12, 2019.
... The Refinance Index decreased 8 percent from the previous week. *The
seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 1 percent from one week
earlier*. The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 2 percent compared with
the previous week and was *7 percent higher than the same week one year ago*
.
...
“Mortgage appli... more »
Fewer people sold their futures.
4
So You Want To Be The Next Silicon Valley? One Thing You Must Not Do.
Recently I’ve been re-reading Peter Hall’s magisterial “Cities in
Civilization.” It’s a huge doorstopper of a book, the majority of which is
histories of cities Golden Ages. Artistic, technological, civic, and so on.
One of the histories is of Silicon Valley. And if there is anything which
is clear from that history it is that […]
Good point.
The unhappy are allowed to try their ways in California.
5
Julián Castro Needs a Defining Moment. It Hasn’t Come Yet.
Mr. Castro brings youth and diversity to the Democratic presidential field.
But, overshadowed by some peers, he has failed to get traction in early
polls.
It is early days yet in a primary contest.
"All politics is local"
Tip O'Niel
6
The Mueller Report Will Be Released on Thursday. Here’s a Guide.
The highly anticipated report will tell us a lot about Russia’s 2016
election interference, any contacts between Moscow and the Trump campaign
and possible presidential obstruction.
Teasers. Many will want to tell people what is there.
7
On Politics: Trump’s United Base of America
NYT > Politics - 11 hours ago
While other presidents sought to broaden their public support, President
Trump is sticking with the voters who first propelled him to the White
House.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerrymandering
8
Court Rejects 2 Years of Judge’s Decisions in Cole Tribunal
The ruling, which found that the judge had wrongly hidden his simultaneous
pursuit of a Justice Department job, was a major setback in the oldest
death-penalty case at Guantánamo Bay.
Steve Bannon is frustrated.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bannon
9
Wednesday: Trade Deficit, Beige Book
Wednesday:
• At 7:00 AM ET: The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release the
results for the *mortgage purchase applications index*.
• At 8:30 AM, *Trade Balance report* for February from the Census Bureau.
The consensus is the trade deficit to be $53.7 billion. The U.S. trade
deficit was at $51.1 billion in January.
• During the day, The AIA's *Architecture Billings Index* for March (a
leading indicator for commercial real estate).
• At 2:00 PM, the *Federal Reserve Beige Book*, an informal review by the
Federal Reserve Banks of current economic conditions in their Districts.
A big net with a big mesh.
10
News Analysis: A President of the People or a President of His People?
While his predecessors sought to broaden their public support, President
Trump appears to be heading into his re-election campaign sticking with his
own tribe.
A man on a white mount.
The ears are long.
11
In New Effort to Deter Migrants, Barr Withholds Bail to Asylum Seekers
Attorney General William Barr issued an order on Tuesday that could keep
thousands of migrants in jail indefinitely while they wait for a resolution
of their asylum request.
Barr has not bothered to know the law.
12
Early Fund-Raising Divides the Democratic Field Into Haves and Have-Nots
Senator Elizabeth Warren has spent millions to build her campaign staff,
while Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent less than 10 percent of what he raised in
the first quarter.
Learning happens to prepared minds.
I will vote in the primary.
13
Trump Vetoes Measure to Force End to U.S. Involvement in Yemen War
President Trump’s decision to reject the bipartisan resolution was the
second time in a month that he has blocked legislation passed by both
houses of Congress.
I want no voice in Islamic orthodoxy.
14
Justice Dept. Investigated WikiLeaks After Secretly Indicting Assange
Prosecutors sought to question a former WikiLeaks activist about whether he
broke laws against publishing government secrets, and questioned a former
WikiLeaks volunteer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_Hearts_(Alice%27s_Adventures_in_Wonderland)
15
White House Memo: This Just In! Waiting for Mueller, Trump Passes Time Commenting on the News
In speeches, in interviews and on Twitter this week, the president has been
a kind of town crier as he opines on the day’s news developments.
Faux!
16
Tennessee Advances Bill That Could Make It Harder to Register New Voters
A bill passed by the Republican-controlled House would punish groups for
submitting incomplete voter registrations. Critics say it would stifle
minority votes.
Voting is a rite.
17
To Pressure Cuba, Trump Plans to Lift Limits on American Lawsuits
The move could open the door to thousands of legal actions against foreign
companies and individuals accused of “trafficking” in seized property.
Cuba is a sovereign nation.
18
Media Memo: How to Cover 2020: Assume Nothing and Beware of Twitter
Political journalists gathered in Chicago to discuss the mistakes of 2016
and how to avoid them the next time around.
"Who will bell the cat?"
19
Biden, at Hollings Funeral, Talks About How ‘People Can Change’
Yes.
"How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Just one but the lightbulb must really want to change."
20
For Democrats, Ilhan Omar Is a Complicated Figure to Defend
After President Trump attacked the freshman Democrat from Minnesota on
Twitter, Democrats pushed back. But they are choosing their words with
caution.
Ilhan Omar must stand for reelection in 2020.
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