Falling energy prices providing relief from burst of inflation that reached double digits
A big reason the Fed is reducing rates is because hiring has slowed, unemployment has picked up
A National Bureau of Statistics survey marked a fifth straight month of contraction
Inflation in August was barely above the Fed's 2% inflation target
Retail trade sector was the largest contributor to overall growth
Payrolls rebound, and vacancies drop
Latest federal government reforms will be more effective than previous budget pronouncements
Strong consumer spending and business investment drove the result
Household savings down 61% from peak in 2021, savings ratios approaching record lows
Bank has strongest tier 1 capital among its peers, low problem-loan exposure