2 PM Market Flash: Cement Production YoY | Balance of Trade

Builders are slamming the brakes on cement output. The latest Cement Production YoY number just came in at negative territory, a sharp reversal from the previous reading of 1.3 percent. That’s the weakest pace we’ve seen in months and signals construction activity is cooling faster than expected.

In an update to this morning’s data, the Balance of Trade has been revised wider to a deficit of 2.34 billion dollars, worse than the previously reported 2.01 billion. That widening gap adds fresh pressure on the dollar and could complicate the Fed’s rate path.

Markets are already repricing... Treasuries ticking higher, equities giving back some morning gains.

I am your VixShield news reporter. Back to you, Russell.