What Happened Last Week and What It Means to You: Week Ending May 1, 2026

Happy 250^th America…Let’s Celebrate all year long!! March nonfarm payrolls increased by 178,000…The 3-month average for total nonfarm payrolls increased to 68,333 from 6,000. What does it mean – March nonfarm payrolls increased by 178,000. March private sector payrolls jumped by 186,000, the consensus was 51,000. The March unemployment rate also came in at 4.3% versus 4.4% in February. Factory orders beat the consensus estimate by a full percentage point in March…Factory orders increased 1.5% month-over-month in March (Briefing.com consensus: 0.5%) following an upwardly revised 0.3% increase (from 0.0%) in February. What does it mean – In level terms, factory orders excluding transportation have surged this year. Driven by widespread strength that was punctuated by a big increase of 3.4% in new orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft. The median list prices of homes were down 1.4% year over year…Marking a sixth straight annual decline and signaling continued seller price adjustment in a more buyer-friendly market. What does it mean – While the Fed lowered rates right before the election they have held steady. Debt to Income (DTI) is still too high and in some cases there are now loans that will lend as high as 50% DTI. America is becoming a cashless society…Bank of America’s data show card spending per household rose 7.2% year over year in the week ending April 25. What does it mean – The banks know everything and you are the product. Have you ever wondered how your spending is compared to the rest of America. Better yet, have you ever wondered how you keep getting the same ads on your phone through your email or text message. Every time you use your credit regardless of venue you create a digital footprint designed to exploit your habits, create urgency and manipulate your spending habits. Look at the chart below. It will also give you insight into how your fellow citizens are spending their money and may get you thinking about your personal habits and how you are spending your money and time.