Sponsored by Agile Auto

 

Economic Update:

• U.S. employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs in July, signaling a softer labor market.
• The unemloyment rate remained relatively low at 4.1%.
• The U.S. economy continues to grow, though at a slower pace than earlier in the year.
• Strong business investment & technology infrastructure continues to support economic growth.
• Key risks include slowing job growth, persistent inflation, and geopolitical volatility.
• Overall, the U.S. economy remains resilient, but uncertainty is still a factore

 

Automotive

• Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index still above January but declining.
• Sales conversion at Manheim is slowing indicating uneasiness.
• Overall Retail demand continues to hold steady with Used Vehicles the strongest.
• Inventory conditions continue to favor used vehicles in volume and trim.
• Yet the used vehicle market remains remarkably stable heading into the second half of 2026.

 

Agile Auto Perspective:

• The three most important things to watch right now are inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and the labor market. These will likely determine whether the economy achieves a soft landing, continues moderate growth, or experiences a sharper slowdown.
• As the market normalizes, dealer performance will be determined less by overall market and more by acquiring the vehicles that historically deliver the highest turn and gross within each dealership’s unique market.