### 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
- European stocks rebound after a drop last week, while bond yields rise ahead of the Fed's Jackson Hole event.
- China's smaller-than-expected rate cuts and weak economic data disappointed investors.
### Facts
- 📈 European stocks edge higher after last week's rout.
- 📉 China stocks hit a 9-month low as rate easing underwhelms.
- China's central bank trims its one-year lending rate by 10 basis points, while leaving its five-year rate unchanged.
- Expectation remains for further stimulus from China.
- Asian shares decline due to disappointment, with Chinese blue chips falling to a nine-month low.
- Energy companies outperform as oil prices rise.
- Oil prices edge higher after a seven-week winning streak.
- Bond market sell-off leads to higher government borrowing costs.
- U.S. Treasury yields continue to rise, with the 30-year yield touching a fresh 12-year high.
- The U.S. Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole conference is the key event for the week.
- Markets anticipate that Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address rising yields and strong economic data.
- Polls indicate that a majority of analysts believe the Fed is done hiking rates.
- Traders bet on a just under 40% chance of a final Fed hike by November.
- U.S. dollar trades flat after five weeks of gains.
- Gold prices affected negatively by the rise of the dollar and yields.
- Prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supported by a potential strike at Australian offshore facilities.
- Dutch payments processor Adyen's shares drop amid concerns over weak earnings.
- Earnings from Nvidia will be closely watched.
Note: The given content contains parts that do not match the provided date range.
The Federal Reserve Economic Database (FRED) provides accurate economic data, revealing positive trends such as increased labor force participation and decreased unemployment, but also challenges like labor shortages and rising prices, particularly in food and gas. Consumer sentiment remains skeptical despite these improvements, as illustrated by rising household credit card debt and unaffordable housing prices. Policymakers could address these issues through immigration reform, fiscal restraint, and zoning law reforms. Overall, the data suggests that the economy is slowly returning to normalcy, but further actions are needed to sustain the recovery.
Investors will have a lot to consider this week as they analyze economic indicators such as US nonfarm payrolls, wage growth, and inflation, as well as Eurozone inflation numbers and central bank commentary, all of which could impact policy decisions and market sentiment.
This week's highlights include new data on the U.S. labor market, earnings reports from several retailers, and the latest inflation data.
Investors will be focusing on new data on the U.S. labor market, including job openings and the nonfarm payrolls report, as well as earnings reports from retailers and the latest inflation data.
Investors are eagerly awaiting news about the health of the US labor market, with reports on job openings, labor turnover, employment, and job cuts expected this week, as the Federal Reserve aims to cool the economy to fight inflation caused by higher labor costs.
The US jobs data for July suggests a cooling employment market, with a drop in labor demand and easing of hiring conditions, which could help lower inflation without a significant rise in unemployment rates.
The Federal Reserve meeting in September may hold the key to the end of the tightening cycle, as markets anticipate a rate hike in November, aligning with the Fed's thinking on its peak rate. However, disagreement among Fed policymakers regarding the strength of the economy and inflation raises questions about the clarity and certainty of the Fed's guidance. Market skeptics remain uncertain about the possibility of a "soft landing," with sustained economic expansion following a period of tightening.
The U.S. jobs market shows signs of cooling as Labor Day approaches, giving investors relief from concerns about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate hike. However, global market rally and uncertainty around China's market rebound indicate that risks still persist.
The August jobs report is highly anticipated as investors assess the health of the labor market amidst rising interest rates and inflation, with projections indicating an increase in hiring and a steady unemployment rate, but potential disruptions from ongoing strikes and bankruptcies could affect the data. The report is closely watched by the Federal Reserve for signs of labor market softening as they grapple with inflation, and while the labor market has remained tight, there are indications of a gradual slowdown. Job openings have decreased, along with resignations, pointing to a labor market that is cooling.
The week has been driven by macroeconomic data, but the threat of economic contraction is not currently imminent, with the US Ten-Year Note yielding around 4.11% overnight and the US Dollar Index trading around 103.5; the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its employment-related surveys for August today, with economists expecting non-farm job creation of around 170,000 and wage growth at 4.4% year over year.
US job and wage growth slowed in August, but the Federal Reserve's efforts to control inflation and prevent a recession seem to be working as planned. The unemployment rate increased to 3.8 percent, but this is viewed as a positive sign by the Fed.
The Fed's "Sahm Rule" recession gauge could be triggered by an increase in unemployment, according to Peter Corey, co-founder and chief market strategist at Pave Finance, who believes that a stronger-than-expected jobs number and an uptick in the average workweek could put upward pressure on wages and possibly lead the Fed to tighten.
Equity markets had a successful week as softer labor market data increased optimism for the Federal Reserve to maintain its current monetary stance, leading to gains in the tech and energy sectors, while the Euro may face challenges in foreign exchange markets.
Traders will have a break from the stock market on Labor Day following positive economic data that suggests a slowing economy and potentially prevents the Federal Reserve from raising interest rates, while other markets such as commodities and bonds will be closed, and stock futures are expected to rise; additionally, the crypto trade remains active.
The coming week is expected to be lighter for investors, with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision being the highlight, as US markets observe Labor Day and updates on the services sector and corporate earnings are anticipated.
Investors are becoming increasingly nervous due to concerns about the Fed potentially increasing interest rates, as well as rising 10-year interest rates and the VIX, which may put pressure on stocks; however, there are also positive factors emerging, such as improving S&P 500 profit estimates and a shift away from data dependence by Fed officials, which suggests a better finish to September is probable.
This week's economic reports, including the Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, and Consumer Sentiment Index, will provide crucial information for investors and may influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.
Uncertainty in various sectors, including potential strikes, government shutdowns, geopolitical tensions, and the question of future Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, is causing markets to lack conviction, but this week's inflation readings could provide direction for the markets. If inflation comes in below expectations, it may signal that the Fed will not hike rates further, while stronger-than-expected inflation could lead to more rate hikes and market volatility. Additionally, increasing energy prices and the potential strike by the United Auto Workers union add to the uncertainty.
The latest data on inflation, gas prices, SNAP benefit cuts, job prospects, Wells Fargo layoffs, student loan scams, and McDonald's beverage stations are discussed in this financial news update.
Stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, including a rise in producer prices and retail sales, has sparked concerns about sticky inflation and has reinforced the belief that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer.
The upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting is generating less attention than usual, indicating that the Fed's job of pursuing maximum employment and price stability is seen as successful, with labor market data and inflation trends supporting this view.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged while revising its forecasts for economic growth, unemployment, and inflation, indicating a "higher for longer" stance on interest rates and potentially only one more rate hike this year. The Fed aims to achieve a soft landing for the economy and believes it can withstand higher rates, but external complications such as rising oil prices and an auto strike could influence future decisions.
The panel discusses the upcoming Fed comments, the market's expectation of no further rate hikes in September, and the impact of high interest rates on jobs, wages, and consumer spending.
Investors are expected to face more news on labor strikes, the Fed's inflation gauge, and earnings reports from companies like Costco and Nike this week.
Investors are focusing on the release of economic reports on GDP and inflation as they evaluate the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates and its efforts to cool down inflation. Metal prices have slipped due to concerns over global demand and the economy, and the risk of a government shutdown is also adding to the bearish sentiment. Earnings reports from various companies and core PCE inflation data are expected in the week ahead.
Concerns over a possible U.S. government shutdown, rising oil prices, and a heavy schedule of Treasury debt sales are adding pressure to the markets, along with the ongoing property crisis in China and the effects of last week's hawkish Federal Reserve projections.
Investors will be keeping a close eye on the latest data on the U.S. labor market this week, which will have implications for consumer spending and the Federal Reserve.
Pre-market futures are down as the stock market continues to struggle, with the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all showing declines, while the 10-year bond yield remains high and the inverted yield curve persists. Job openings are expected to be flat in the JOLTS report for August, reflecting a decline from pre-pandemic levels, and job quits are at a 2.5-year low, indicating a decrease in employee confidence. This week's jobs data will provide further insights into the state of the economy, with interest rates and future Fed decisions being influenced by the upcoming Q3 earnings season.
U.S. job openings unexpectedly increased in August, driven by demand for workers in the professional and business services sector, pointing to a tight labor market that could push the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates next month.
The Federal Reserve's shift towards higher interest rates is causing significant turmoil in financial markets, with major averages falling and Treasury yields reaching their highest levels in 16 years, resulting in increased costs of capital for companies and potential challenges for banks and consumers.
The U.S. labor market's strength may be at risk as the Federal Reserve's projected interest rate hikes could lead to a slowdown and increased consumer debt, potentially pushing the economy towards a recession.
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 upcoming nonfarm payrolls report will test Wall Street's fears of a strong labor market potentially leading to high interest rates and a weak stock market, as economists predict a net increase of 170,000 new jobs in September.
Concerns surround the upcoming release of U.S. payrolls data and how hawkish the Federal Reserve needs to be, as global markets experience a period of calm following a tumultuous week that saw Treasury yields rise to 16-year highs, crude oil prices drop, equities decline, and the yen strengthen. Japanese government bond yields are also causing concern, as investor sentiment towards the Bank of Japan's stimulus remains low.
Investors are awaiting the jobs report to determine the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates, with wage growth and revisions to previous monthly totals being key factors to watch, amidst indications that the economy is less sensitive to rising interest rates due to lower household and corporate debt levels.
Federal Reserve officials are monitoring the strong labor market while trying to manage inflation, despite the recent increase in hiring and upward pressure on interest rates.
The stock market is currently experiencing the most significant U.S. Treasury bond bear market in history, while JPMorgan's Chief Market Strategist predicts potential turbulence and a recession on the horizon; meanwhile, stocks opened lower on Friday morning after the September non-farm payrolls data, and U.S. futures are shaky as traders await the release of the Non-Farm Payrolls report, with experts predicting lower job additions and a potential fall in the unemployment rate.
U.S. employment increased by the most in eight months in September, pointing to a strong labor market and potentially giving the Federal Reserve reason to raise interest rates, though wage growth is slowing.
The strong US jobs report is increasing the likelihood of another Federal Reserve rate increase, which is adding to the pain in credit markets already affected by rising yields and could result in increased default risk and reduced profitability for corporate America.
The stock market initially reacted negatively to September's strong job report, but later rebounded as evidence of a cooling job market and minimal wage growth tempered fears of inflation, leading to uncertainty about potential interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
The latest U.S. Jobs Report shows 336,000 new jobs added in September, exceeding expectations and indicating a strong economy that may lead to another rate hike from the Fed. Higher Treasury yields may result in more volatility in stocks and impact sectors such as mortgages and finance. However, this may also present attractive buying opportunities in beaten-down market sectors. Investors should conduct solid research and diversify their portfolios.
Geopolitical tensions, earnings reports, U.S. retail sales data, and speeches by Federal Reserve officials will shape the week ahead in markets, along with oil volatility and economic data from China and the U.K.
The past week saw significant volatility in financial markets, with gold and crude oil prices rallying, cautious Fedspeak cooling government bond yields, and sentiment-linked currencies underperforming. The upcoming week will bring notable event risks, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech, China's GDP figures, and employment and inflation reports from the UK and Canada.
