From the Desk - Economic Commentary
Brandon Casey, Member Strategies - 6/11/2026
U.S. equity markets are trading higher this morning as investors attempt to stabilize following recent volatility driven by rising inflation readings, elevated Treasury yields, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The U.S. launched more “self-defense” strikes against Iran Wednesday. President Trump said the U.S. would be attacking Iran “very hard” and would soon overtake Kharg Island and assume control of their oil and gas. All three major averages are on track to finish the week lower as of this morning.
Producer price pressures accelerated sharply in May, with the Producer Price Index rising 1.1% month-over-month, above expectations for a roughly 0.7% increase, and matching the largest monthly gain in over a year. On a year-over-year basis, producer prices increased 6.5%, the fastest pace since November 2022. Core prices, excluding food and energy, increased 0.4%, slightly below expectations, suggesting that much of the inflation acceleration is concentrated in energy related categories. A broader core measure that also excludes trade services rose 0.8% during the month, the most since March 2022, and 5.1% over the last year.
Initial jobless claims rose to 229,000 for the week ending June 6, up 4,000 from the prior week and above expectations of around 220,000, marking the highest level since February. The upward movement continues a gradual increase from earlier lows. Continuing claims increased by 24,000 to 1.795 million.
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