Main Topic: U.S. inflation and the Federal Reserve's efforts to control it.
Key Points:
1. U.S. inflation has declined for 12 straight months, but consumer prices increased 3% year-on-year in June.
2. The Federal Reserve aims to reduce inflation to about 2% and plans to raise its key federal funds rate to over 5%.
3. The Fed is concerned about high inflation due to a strong labor market, rising wages, and increased consumer spending, and aims to slow the job market to control inflation.
### Summary
Gold prices have continued to decline due to rising US treasury yields and a stronger dollar. The FOMC meeting minutes revealed concerns about inflation and the potential need for additional interest rate hikes. The outlook for gold prices remains subdued ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech.
### Facts
- 📉 Gold prices have declined for the fourth consecutive week, breaking below the significant threshold of $1,900 per troy ounce and reaching their lowest point since March 2023.
- 📈 The continuous rise in US treasury yields and the dollar index has contributed to the decline in gold prices.
- 📊 US economic indicators, such as retail sales and manufacturing production, have outperformed expectations, highlighting resilient consumer spending and propelling the dollar index.
- 💸 The FOMC meeting minutes revealed concerns about inflation and the potential need for additional interest rate hikes, although two Fed officials favored keeping rates unchanged or pursuing a rate cut.
- 🇨🇳 Weakening sentiment in China and diverging monetary policies have also contributed to the strengthening dollar.
- 📆 The upcoming week will focus on flash manufacturing PMI figures and the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, where Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to address the economic outlook.
### Potential Implications
- ⬇️ Gold prices are expected to remain subdued in anticipation of Powell's speech, as elevated yields and a stronger dollar continue to impact the market.
The Federal Reserve faces new questions as the U.S. economy continues to perform well despite high interest rates, prompting economists to believe a "soft landing" is possible, with optimism rising for an acceleration of growth and a more sustainable post-pandemic economy.
The US economy continues to perform well despite the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, leading to questions about whether rates need to be higher and more prolonged to cool inflation and slow growth.
The US Federal Reserve must consider the possibility of the economy reaccelerating rather than slowing, which could have implications for its inflation fight, according to Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin. He noted that retail sales were stronger than expected and consumer confidence is rising, potentially leading to higher inflation and a need for further tightening of monetary policy.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell stated in a speech at the Jackson Hole symposium that the central bank is prepared to raise interest rates further if needed, signaling that they do not believe inflation is fully under control. The Fed will proceed cautiously and assess economic data as they determine whether to make further policy adjustments.
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 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 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.
Federal Reserve officials are closely monitoring employment numbers to assess if the economy's momentum is slowing, which will influence their decision on whether to increase interest rates further.
The US job market shows signs of slowing but remains resilient, with 187,000 jobs added in August and a rise in the unemployment rate to 3.8%, as more people actively look for work. Wage gains are easing, signaling a potential slowdown in inflation, and the Federal Reserve may decide against further interest rate hikes.
US labor market remains strong despite signs of better balance, with future interest rate decisions dependent on incoming data, says Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester.
Traders believe that the US Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates further this year, as the latest jobs report showed an increase in unemployment and a cooling wage growth, prompting the Fed to potentially halt rate hikes and keep policy on hold.
The Federal Reserve's attempt to combat inflation is not making any progress, as shown by the latest jobs report and inflation data, indicating that inflation is likely to worsen.
The US job market is cooling down, with signs of weakening and a slowdown in momentum, which may allow the Federal Reserve to ease inflation pressure through weaker job creation and reduced demand.
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report reveals modest economic growth in the summer, with subdued consumer spending and a slowing labor market, while also indicating that businesses expect wage growth to slow in the near term and inflation to remain benign, leading to speculation about the Fed's future monetary policy decisions.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Goldman Sachs may be optimistic about a "soft landing" scenario for the US economy, but the author remains skeptical due to factors such as a deeply inverted yield curve, declining Leading Economic Indicators, challenges faced by the consumer, global growth concerns, and the lagging impact of the Fed's monetary policy, leading them to maintain a conservative portfolio allocation.
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 Federal Reserve faces the challenge of bringing down inflation to its target of 2 percent, with differing opinions on whether they will continue to raise interest rates or pause due to weakening economic indicators such as drops in mortgage rates and auto sales.
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady and signal that it is done raising rates for this economic cycle, as the bond market indicates that inflation trends are moving in the right direction.
The Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting will focus on the central bank's expectations for key indicators such as interest rates, GDP, inflation, and unemployment, while many economists believe that the Fed may signal a pause in its rate-hiking cycle but maintain the possibility of future rate increases.
The Federal Reserve officials signal that they believe they can control inflation without causing a recession, with forecasts of higher economic growth and unchanged inflation outlook.
Summary: The markets have experienced various shocks this week, with the most significant one coming from the Federal Reserve, making labor data more crucial than Fed discussions.
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.
Despite predictions of higher unemployment and dire consequences, the Federal Reserve's rate hikes have succeeded in substantially slowing inflation without causing significant harm to the job market and economy.
The Federal Reserve has upgraded its economic outlook, indicating stronger growth and lower unemployment, but also plans to raise interest rates and keep borrowing costs elevated, causing disappointment in the markets and potential challenges for borrowers.
Michael Santoli, senior markets commentator at CNBC, discusses the outlook for the fixed income market, the state of the economy, and the stock market. He notes that the bond market is starting to register the Federal Reserve's plans to keep rates higher for longer, and that real yields are increasing due to higher inflation expectations and concerns over the size of current federal deficits and Treasury issuance. Santoli also suggests that it is still too early to fully understand the impact of artificial intelligence on productivity gains, and that the recent uptick in headline inflation is not expected to change the Federal Reserve's stance. He also notes that the stock market has been range-bound and indecisive, with some pockets of weakness in consumer cyclicals, but that the market is still pricing in somewhat benign economic conditions. Santoli highlights the concentration of the market in a few mega-cap growth stocks and the undervaluation of small-cap stocks, and discusses the outlook for the 60/40 portfolio in light of higher bond yields.
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.
Despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to lower inflation, the job market remains strong with unemployment rates near historic lows, challenging traditional economic thinking.
The Federal Reserve is in a better position to deliver a soft landing for the U.S. economy due to facing different problems compared to the 2007-2008 financial crisis, according to F/m Investments CIO and President Alex Morris.
The US labor market remains strong as jobless claims hold steady, with initial filings for unemployment benefits slightly above estimates, continuing claims unchanged, and the four-week moving average of claims decreasing, putting pressure on the Federal Reserve to carefully consider future monetary policy.
Federal Reserve officials are not concerned about the recent rise in U.S. Treasury yields and believe it could actually be beneficial in combating inflation. They also stated that if the labor market cools and inflation returns to the desired target, interest rates can remain steady. Higher long-term borrowing costs can slow the economy and ease inflation pressures. However, if the rise in yields leads to a sharp economic slowdown or unemployment surge, the Fed will react accordingly.
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 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.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is optimistic about the ability of American consumers, businesses, and banks to handle rising interest rates, and she believes the Federal Reserve's efforts to tame inflation are going well. She also dismissed concerns that a strong jobs report could have negative effects on the economy.
Some Federal Reserve officials are optimistic about finding a monetary policy that lowers inflation to their 2% target without causing high unemployment, but there are risks that could push the Fed onto a more familiar path of an economy struggling with rising borrowing costs and waning confidence.
Federal Reserve officials are expected to pause on raising interest rates at their next meeting due to recent increases in bond yields, but they are not ruling out future rate increases as economic data continues to show a strong economy and potential inflation risks. The Fed is cautious about signaling an end to further tightening and is focused on balancing the risk of overshooting inflation targets with the need to avoid a recession. The recent surge in bond yields may provide some restraint on the economy, but policymakers are closely monitoring financial conditions and inflation expectations.
The U.S. economy is facing risks in 2024 as inflation remains high and interest rates are historically high, leading to concerns about a potential recession; however, the Federal Reserve is optimistic about achieving a soft landing and maintaining economic growth. Economists are divided on whether the Fed's measures will be effective in avoiding a severe recession, and investors are advised to proceed cautiously in their financial decisions.
