Elon Musk’s SpaceX successfully launched a reused booster on a demanding commercial mission Thursday, setting course for what management predicts will be routine flights of refurbished rockets and spacecraft. The Falcon 9’s trouble-free blastoff from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, followed by normal operation of its cluster of main engines used in a previous launch, was long-awaited accomplishment for the closely held space-transportation company.
The rate of inflation, as measured by the government’s Personal Consumption Expenditures index, is now above Federal Reserve’s 2% long-term target for the first time since 2012, a potential trigger for more increases in interest rates in the months ahead. The Fed increased interest rates earlier this month owing to an improved economy and higher inflation.
MNI indicators announced the Chicago Purchasing Managers Index rose to 57.7 in March from 57.4 in February where readings above 50 indicate improving conditions. The first-quarter average of 55.1 was the best showing since the fourth quarter of 2014. In March, 4 of the 5 components improved, with only employment contracting.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
