### Summary
The blog emphasizes that the war on inflation has been won, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a 12-month inflation rate of +3.3%. However, BLS's imputation of shelter costs using lagged data means that the CPI would be significantly below the Fed's target of 2%. The market believes that the current Fed Funds rate will remain unchanged for the rest of the year.
### Facts
- The economists at three Regional Federal Reserve Banks believe that a recession is coming, despite the official forecast of "no recession" from the Fed. The probability of recession is higher than during the last two recessions.
- The Conference Board's Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) have been negative for 16 consecutive months, which has a 100% track record in predicting recessions.
- The freight industry is experiencing a recession, with the Cass Freight Index down -8.9% over the year. Housing is also struggling, with mortgage loan applications at 30-year lows and significant declines in new and existing home sales.
- Seasonally adjusted retail sales for July were +0.7%, but the actual raw data fell -0.4% from June to July. The weak data suggests a different story than what the seasonally adjusted numbers portray.
- Home Depot, Target, and Walmart reported lower Q2 revenues, with general merchandise sales at Walmart contracting.
- Industrial Production rose 1.0% in July, driven by utility output and auto production. However, the seasonal adjustment may be questionable.
- Inflation rates in developed countries are just above 2%, with China experiencing deflation. One-year inflation expectations are rapidly falling, which is positive for controlling inflation.
- China's economy is faltering, with industrial production and retail sales declining. Q2 real GDP growth is anemic, and the crisis in the real estate sector is worsening. China's struggles will have a negative impact on the global economy and its major trading partners.
### Emoji
- 📉: Recession
- 📊: Economic indicators
- 🚂: Freight industry
- 🏘️: Housing market
- 🛍️: Retail sales
- 🏭: Industrial production
- 💰: Inflation
- 🇨🇳: China's economy
- 📉💼: Global economy
### Summary
The US economy and markets appear to be in good shape, with a strong stock market, low inflation, and low unemployment. However, there are potential risks on the horizon, including the impact of the Federal Reserve's monetary tightening, supply and labor shocks from the pandemic, political polarization, and the possibility of another government shutdown. While the overall outlook for investing remains uncertain, it's important for investors to prepare for any eventuality.
### Facts
- The US stock market is close to its 2022 peak, inflation is less severe than a year ago, and the economy remains strong with low unemployment.
- The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 5 percentage points, which could lead to economic growth faltering.
- The US economy is facing supply and labor shocks from the pandemic and commodity shortages caused by Russia's war with Ukraine.
- Falling prices in China could contribute to disinflation in the US and elsewhere.
- Political polarization in the US and the possibility of another government shutdown could negatively impact the economy and markets.
- Despite the resilience and stability of the economy and markets, there are still risks to consider, including a crisis in commercial real estate and the potential for inflation to flare up again.
- Some economists and surveys predict a 50% probability of a recession occurring within the next 12 months.
- Investing should be based on a long-term outlook and a diversified portfolio, with cash on hand to cover expenses.
Note: Due to the nature of the text provided, some of the facts may be subjective or based on the author's opinion.
### Summary
The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages, suggesting that the stock market is not unanchored from reality. However, the performance of long-term US Treasuries has been poor, with even 10-year Treasuries resulting in losses over the last five years. Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain whether it will be enough to bring down inflation rates.
### Facts
- The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages.
- The performance of long-term US Treasuries has been weak, resulting in losses for investors even after accounting for coupon payments.
- Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain if it will bring down inflation rates.
- The nature of the stock market rally suggests that investors are still searching for buying opportunities rather than thinking about selling.
- Energy, industrials, and financials have become favored sectors, while technology stocks have started to decline.
- The Chinese economy is struggling, with retail sales and industrial production growth slowing down.
- The Federal Reserve has expressed concerns about inflation but also noted downside risks to the economy.
###
### Summary
The Chinese economy has slipped into deflationary mode, with retail sales, industrial production, and exports all missing forecasts. Shrinking domestic demand and a debt-fueled housing crisis are the main causes behind this slowdown.
### Facts
- 📉 Retail sales in July grew by 2.5% year-on-year, compared to 3.1% in June.
- 🏭 Value-added industrial output expanded by 3.7% y-o-y, slowing from 4.4% growth in June.
- 📉 China's exports fell by 14.5% in July compared to the previous year, and imports dropped 12.4%.
- 💼 Overall unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in July, with youth unemployment at a record 21.3% in June.
- 📉 Consumer Price Index-based inflation dropped to (-)0.3%, indicating a deflationary situation.
- 🏢 China's debt is estimated at 282% of GDP, higher than that of the US.
### Causes of the slowdown
- The debt-fueled housing sector collapse, which contributes to 30% of China's GDP.
- Stringent zero-Covid strategy and lockdown measures that stifled the domestic economy and disrupted global supply chains.
- Geopolitical tensions and crackdowns on the tech sector, resulting in revenue losses and job cuts.
### Reaction of global markets
- The S&P 500 fell 1.2% following the grim Chinese data.
- US Treasury Secretary warns China's slowing economy is a risk factor for the US economy.
- Japanese stocks and the Indian Nifty were also impacted.
- China's central bank cut its benchmark lending rate, but investors were hoping for more significant stimulus measures.
### Global market concerns
- China's struggle to achieve the 5% growth target may impact global demand.
- China is the world's largest manufacturing economy and consumer of key commodities.
- A slowdown in China could affect global growth, with the IMF's forecast of 35% growth contribution by China seeming unlikely.
### Impact on India
- India's aim to compete with China in the global supply chain could benefit if Chinese exports decline.
- However, if China cuts back on commodity production due to slowing domestic demand, it may push commodity prices higher.
Major U.S. indexes have fallen due to losses in financial stocks and concerns about China's economy, as Fitch Ratings warns of a potential downgrade for the U.S. banking industry's credit rating and JPMorgan highlights a higher risk of corporate defaults in emerging markets.
China's economic slowdown, marked by falling consumer prices, a deepening real estate crisis, and a slump in exports, has alarmed international leaders and investors, causing Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index to fall into a bear market and prompting major investment banks to downgrade their growth forecasts for China below 5%.
UBS reports higher than expected profits, job creation in the US slows, and markets rally on weaker economic data and hope for a pause in interest rate hikes. China's factory activity shrinks but at a slower pace, while retail sales increase. There are opportunities for investors in other Asian markets.
Asian stock markets mostly lower as Japanese factory activity and Chinese service industry growth weaken, while Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 rises on hopes that economic data will convince the Federal Reserve that inflation is under control.
The global economy is expected to slow down due to persistently high inflation, higher interest rates, China's slowing growth, and financial system stresses, according to Moody's Investors Service, although there may be pockets of resilience in markets like India and Indonesia.
The U.S. economy is defying expectations with continued growth, falling inflation, and a strong stock market; however, there is uncertainty about the near-term outlook and it depends on the economy's future course and the actions of the Federal Reserve.
Large numbers of job cuts and reduced investment are hitting British manufacturing due to a slump in demand, according to the deputy editor of The Telegraph, Tim Wallace. The purchasing managers’ index fell to 43 in August, down from 45.3 in July, the lowest reading since August 2014 and the worst performance since May 2020, shortly after the first Covid-19 lockdown, also the worst since the financial crisis. Wallace cites Make UK economist Fhaheen Khan’s view that interest rates and inflation have lowered sales, sparking job cuts.
Summary: The US markets ended mixed after the release of the latest jobs report data, with the economy adding 187,000 jobs in August but seeing an increase in unemployment, while in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 closed higher, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down, and China's Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen CSI 300 declined. Additionally, European markets saw declines, and commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, gold, silver, and copper experienced varying price movements.
Wall Street's main indexes fell in choppy trade due to rising Treasury yields and weak services activity in China, while gains in energy stocks limited losses; however, expectations of a pause in Fed monetary tightening boosted growth stocks.
U.S. stocks slipped as worrying data out of China and a spike in oil prices following the extension of Saudi Arabian production cuts weighed on the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, while the S&P 500 lost 0.4% and the Nasdaq dipped 0.1%.
Stock indices finished today’s trading session in the red, with the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all falling. The technology sector was the session's laggard, while the utilities sector was the leader. The U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield increased, and the Atlanta Federal Reserve's latest GDPNow reading estimates that the economy will expand by about 5.6% in the third quarter. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book report, noting a tourism boom but slower spending in other areas. The ISM Non-Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index came in higher than expected, and mortgage applications fell to their lowest level since 1996. The U.S. trade deficit widened less than expected in July. U.S. stock futures inched lower, and European indices trended lower. Asia-Pacific markets were mixed.
US stocks are experiencing their worst performance in September since 1928, but there are signs that the market could avoid a steep downturn this year, with indicators suggesting more stability and positive gains for the rest of the year, according to Mark Hackett, chief of research at US investment firm Nationwide. However, challenges such as elevated oil prices and inflation could put strain on the stock market and the US economy.
A potential government shutdown could have limited impact on the stock market, but could reduce economic growth by 0.15 percentage points per week and potentially cut 1.2 percentage points from fourth-quarter growth; however, the market tends to be unaffected by shutdowns and is more influenced by corporate developments and macroeconomic factors.
Chinese stocks have passed the worst of the selling pressure and are still attractive to investors due to their cheap valuation and potential for growth, according to CLSA. However, Beijing needs to address concerns and risks in the economy. The MSCI China Index has fallen this year, but a pause in the Federal Reserve's tightening policy is expected to reverse market pessimism.
Global markets ended higher as energy stocks climbed supported by Saudi Arabia and Russia's decision to extend supply cuts, while Wall Street's key indexes saw weekly declines due to investor concerns over interest rates and anticipation of upcoming U.S. inflation data. In Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 ended down, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was up, and Chinese shares rose following improved data on consumer price inflation. The Eurozone's economic growth outlook has been downgraded by the European Commission, and crude oil prices fell.
Stock indices closed in the red, with the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all experiencing declines, while the technology sector underperformed and the energy sector led the session. The U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield dropped, while the Two-Year Treasury yield increased. The Small Business Optimism Index for August decreased, with inflation cited as a major concern among small business owners. Stocks opened lower on Tuesday, and U.S. futures trended lower as well. This week's focus will be on the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index data, which could impact the Federal Reserve's decision on rate hikes. Oracle's stock fell after missing sales estimates, while Casey's General and Tesla saw gains. JPMorgan's CEO criticized new Basel III regulations, and European indices traded in the green. In Asia-Pacific, markets ended mixed as traders await U.S. inflation data.
China's economy is facing potential decline due to high debt levels, government interference, and an aging population, with warnings of a full-blown financial crisis echoing the 2008 US recession. Failure to liberalize the economy could have long-term consequences, as foreign investments are restricted and the lack of capital inflow and outflow could harm businesses.
Stock indices closed higher today, with the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posting gains, while the healthcare sector lagged behind; the U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield increased, and the Atlanta Federal Reserve lowered its GDP growth estimate for the third quarter. Additionally, Fitch Ratings revised its global growth forecast for 2023 due to concerns about China's real estate sector, and economic data showed an increase in wholesale inflation and retail sales.
Summary: U.S. stocks slumped amid mixed sentiment about the economy, with only the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising for the week, while Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell, and China's venture capital investment dropped by 31.4% compared to 2022 due to its sluggish economy and geopolitical tensions discouraging foreign investors.
The decline in job openings could have negative implications for the US stock market, as job openings and the S&P 500 have shown a strong correlation since 2001, with job openings currently down 27% from their peak in March 2022.
US small-cap and industrial stocks are dropping, typically signaling a recession, but some investors are dismissing the moves as noise for now, with hope for stocks coming in the form of anticipated earnings season and the Federal Reserve's forecast of stronger economic growth.
Asia-Pacific markets mostly decreased despite a rebound on Wall Street, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 experiencing losses, while the Kospi in South Korea and the Kosdaq in Hong Kong saw mixed results; in European luxury sectors, Bank of America upgraded three stocks that are deviating from negative trends; Moody's warns that a U.S. government shutdown would have a negative impact on credit; analysts have mixed opinions on the investment potential of tech giant Meta; Amazon's shares increased by 1.2% following its announcement of a major investment in AI startup Anthropic; the Federal Reserve suggests that interest rates may soon stabilize but at a higher level than expected; Chevron's CEO predicts that oil prices could reach $100 per barrel.
The Federal Reserve's forecast for the U.S. economy shows that while inflation and unemployment are close to their goals, economic growth will remain weak, primarily due to low labor productivity.
Asia-Pacific markets fell ahead of China's industrial data and Australia's inflation figures, while the US experienced a sell-off after disappointing economic data, causing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to fall below its 200-day moving average for the first time since May. Additionally, oil prices continue to rise, putting crude on track for its best quarter in over a year, and Tesla shares dropped after reports of an EU investigation into whether the company and other European carmakers are receiving unfair subsidies for exporting from China.
The US stock markets broke a four-day losing streak with gains in energy and materials sectors, while the Asian markets saw losses with technology stocks declining and concerns about China's property market stability. European markets opened in the red, awaiting economic data and earnings reports. Crude oil and natural gas prices decreased, while gold, silver, and copper prices fell. US futures and the US dollar index were down.
The U.S. stock market has experienced a decline due to conflicting economic news and a surge in bond yields, which may be driven by factors other than data, such as fiscal deficits and central bank policies.
Wall Street turned lower as concerns over interest rates, rising oil prices, and a possible government shutdown weighed on the market, with the Dow Jones and S&P 500 both experiencing losses.
Summary: The potential government shutdown in the US is unlikely to have a significant impact on the stock market, as historical data shows that market returns have been relatively unaffected in the past, and the economic effects of a shutdown are limited with most government workers continuing to receive pay. However, a prolonged shutdown could complicate the Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation and implement monetary policy changes.
The World Bank has lowered its 2024 economic growth forecast for China, citing challenges in the domestic market including the property crisis and a slow rebound from the re-opening, which could harm commodity demand and prices as China is the largest commodity consumer in the world.
The U.S. stock market had a relatively flat performance in the third quarter, with stocks falling 3.2% from where they started, while energy stocks had a strong rally and real estate stocks crumbled; the bond market experienced losses, and unless there is a sudden change in the outlook, it is on track for its third straight year of losses; value stocks outperformed growth stocks, and dividend strategies held up better than the broader market; the Fed maintained its higher-for-longer stance on interest rates, contributing to volatility in the bond market; and major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, ended the quarter down approximately 12%.
US stocks fell as investors worried about the impact of higher interest rates, with the Dow down nearly 1.5% and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes also dropping. Concerns about the Federal Reserve's policy and its effect on the housing market and potential recession led to the market decline.
The dollar weakened and global equities dipped as investors grappled with U.S. unemployment data suggesting a tight labor market and the Federal Reserve's commitment to higher interest rates, while European stocks rebounded from losses.
The World Trade Organization has revised its forecast for global trade growth, halving its estimate due to rising interest rates and various economic challenges, with a particular impact on iron, steel, office equipment, textiles, and clothing. The slowdown in trade has raised concerns about the potential negative impact on living standards worldwide, particularly in poor countries.
U.S. stocks dipped as investors awaited the September jobs report, while Asian markets traded higher; the 10-year Treasury yield remains at an elevated level and could cause a 20% sell-off in the S&P 500, according to JPMorgan Chase's Marko Kolanovic; China plans to ease rules on data exports, potentially benefiting foreign companies; the September slump in stocks presents a "tremendous opportunity" for value investors; trading volume was subdued as investors braced for the storm that is the September jobs report, which will determine the market's direction.
Wall Street's main indexes fell as U.S. job growth exceeded expectations, raising concerns of higher interest rates and causing benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields to reach a 16-year high.
Summary:
US stock indexes closed lower as investors awaited monthly employment data and looked for insights into future interest rate directions, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.03%, the S&P 500 down 0.13%, and the Nasdaq Composite down 0.12%; in Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 declined 0.28%, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.41%, China's markets were closed for a holiday, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained 1.40%; European markets, including the STOXX 600, Germany's DAX, France's CAC, and the UK's FTSE 100, all saw gains; and in commodities, Crude Oil WTI and Brent were down, Natural Gas was up, and Gold, Silver, and Copper all saw increases.
The US stock market experienced losses in the third quarter, driven by rising US Treasury yields, leading to a surge in the US dollar and a hostile environment for gold and silver; the fourth quarter may see a continuation of this trend if US yields continue to rise.
Asian shares mostly fell amid concerns about the U.S. banking system and Chinese economic growth, with Japan's Nikkei 225 down 0.2% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng down 0.4%, while China's export data showed the sharpest decline in three years. Bank stocks in the U.S. also fell after Moody's cut credit ratings for 10 smaller and midsized banks, citing concerns about their financial strength in light of higher interest rates and the work-from-home trend. The Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation by raising interest rates have led to a slowdown in the economy and hit banks hard.
Wall Street's main indexes fell as Treasury yields rose and chipmakers declined following the Biden administration's decision to halt shipments of AI chips to China, while U.S. retail sales exceeded expectations, indicating a strong economy.
China's economic growth forecast for next year has been downgraded by the World Bank due to the ongoing slowdown in the country's real estate market, which is expected to put pressure on global growth.
The U.S. stock markets decreased due to rising Treasury yields and investor evaluations of corporate earnings, while Asian markets, including Japan's Nikkei 225 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200, also experienced declines; the European STOXX 600 index and Germany's DAX also decreased, while crude oil, gold, and silver prices fell.
Economists believe the US economy had a strong summer, but warnings from Wall Street figures like Bill Gross and Bill Ackman suggest an economic downturn has already begun, with evidence of weakening demand and rising Treasury yields. Investors are advised to prepare with a mix of risky and safe assets.
The US economy is heading towards a recession that is likely to be milder than previous ones, as it is being "engineered" by the Federal Reserve and they have the ability to reverse the measures that slowed growth.
Stocks opened lower as investors digest disappointing Big Tech earnings and rising bond yields, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 dropping about 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat. The US economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly two years, with a 4.9% increase in GDP, driven by strong consumer spending. Stock futures point to a continuation of the sell-off as investors anticipate more earnings releases.
