Stock-market investors just got reminded that the inflation fight isn't over
The risk of inflation becoming entrenched is one of the biggest challenges facing the Federal Reserve, according to LPL Financial's Jeffrey Roach.
Topics
Posted 9/6/2023, 4:53:00 PM
marketwatch.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The world's top central bankers meeting at Jackson Hole are concerned about lingering inflation challenges and uncertain policy tightening, which could lead to increased financial market turbulence and potential economic recessions.
The Federal Reserve must consider the possibility of a reacceleration of the economy, potentially impacting its inflation fight, as retail sales in July were stronger than expected and consumer confidence is rising, according to Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin.
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.
As Jerome Powell, the chair of the U.S Federal Reserve, prepares to speak at the Jackson Hole symposium, the big question is whether he will signal a major shift in how central banks deal with inflation, particularly regarding interest rates and inflation targets. Some economists are suggesting moving the inflation target range from 2-3 percent, while others argue for higher targets to give central banks more flexibility in combating recession. The debate highlights the challenges of setting and changing formal inflation targets and the ongoing changes in the factors that drive growth and inflation.
Central banks are facing significant challenges due to shifts in the global economy, including changes in the labor market, energy transition, and geopolitical division, and must adapt their policymaking frameworks to ensure stability in the face of uncertainty, according to Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that inflation remains too high and the central bank is prepared to raise rates further if necessary, although he did not suggest a tougher stance, leading to the possibility that the Fed may not increase its benchmark target range. However, economists argue that the Fed's current policy is already too tight and the tightening of credit may lead to a recession.
U.S. economic growth, outpacing other countries, may pose global risks if the Federal Reserve is forced to raise interest rates higher than expected, potentially leading to financial tightening and ripple effects in emerging markets.
Emerging markets are facing challenges due to the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation and China's economic slowdown.
Global inflation pressures could intensify in the coming years due to rising trade barriers, aging populations, and the transition to renewable energy, posing challenges for central banks in meeting their inflation targets.
Top central bankers, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, emphasized the importance of keeping interest rates high until inflation is under control while also grappling with economic challenges and uncertainties at the annual Federal Reserve gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The Federal Reserve is losing its power to influence the US economy, according to Wall Street economist Richard Koo, potentially requiring higher interest rates to drive inflation down and leading to a selloff in stocks and bonds.
BlackRock's Rick Rieder suggests that the Federal Reserve can now end its inflation fight as the labor market in the US is cooling down after gaining 26 million jobs in the past three years.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge increased slightly in July, suggesting that the fight against inflation may be challenging, but the absence of worse news indicates that officials are likely to maintain interest rates.
The U.S. is currently experiencing a prolonged high inflation cycle that is causing significant damage to the purchasing power of the currency, and the recent lower inflation rate is misleading as it ignores the accumulated harm; in order to combat this cycle, the Federal Reserve needs to raise interest rates higher than the inflation rate and reverse its bond purchases.
Boston Federal Reserve President Susan Collins advocates a patient approach to policymaking and believes that more evidence is needed to determine if inflation has been tamed, stating that the Fed may be "near or even at the peak" for interest rates but further increases could be necessary depending on data outcomes.
The dollar's strength is expected to be difficult to overcome for most major currencies by year-end, according to a Reuters poll of forex strategists, with risks to the greenback outlook skewed to the upside.
The US banking industry faces significant downside risks from inflation and high interest rates, which could weaken profitability and credit quality, according to FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg.
Inflation has decreased significantly in recent months, but the role of the Federal Reserve in this decline is questionable as there is little evidence to suggest that higher interest rates led to lower prices and curtailed demand or employment. Other factors such as falling energy prices and the healing of disrupted supply chains appear to have had a larger impact on slowing inflation.
Bank of America warns that the US economy still faces the risk of a "hard landing" due to rising oil prices, a strong dollar, and potential interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, contrasting with the optimistic outlook of other Wall Street banks.
The United States Federal Reserve's financial woes and potential implications for cryptocurrency are discussed on the latest episode of "Macro Markets," highlighting challenges posed by inflation and the consequences of loose monetary policies during the pandemic.
The odds of a recession in the US have collapsed, making markets vulnerable to any signs of the economy overheating and contributing to inflationary pressures.
Rising oil prices are making it harder for the Federal Reserve to achieve its 2% inflation target, as increased energy costs could lead to higher prices for goods and services, potentially complicating the Fed's plan to hold interest rates steady and achieve a "soft landing" for the economy.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies have been experiencing a steady decline in prices due to concerns from the Federal Reserve, leading to warnings of a potential price crash, although some analysts remain hopeful for improvement.
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 Federal Reserve has expressed concerns about disruptions in the US Treasury market due to hedge fund trading strategies that could exacerbate market crashes.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to panic over the recent surge in consumer prices, driven by a rise in fuel costs, as it considers further interest rate hikes, but if the rate hikes weaken the job market it could have negative consequences for consumers and President Biden ahead of the 2024 election.
The Federal Reserve faces a critical decision at the end of the year that could determine whether the US economy suffers or inflation exceeds target levels, according to economist Mohamed El-Erian. He suggests the central bank must choose between tolerating inflation at 3% or higher, or risking a downturn in the economy.
The US economy shows signs of weakness despite pockets of strength, with inflation still above the Fed's 2% target and consumer spending facing challenges ahead, such as the restart of student loan payments and the drain on savings from the pandemic.
Potential risks including an autoworkers strike, a possible government shutdown, and the resumption of student loan repayments are posing challenges to the Federal Reserve's goal of controlling inflation without causing a recession. These disruptions could dampen consumer spending, lead to higher car prices, and negatively impact business and consumer confidence, potentially pushing the economy off course.
Despite assurances from policymakers and economists, inflation in the US continues to rise, posing significant challenges to the economy and financial stability.
Rising oil prices pose a risk to the Federal Reserve's efforts to achieve a soft landing for the economy and return inflation to its 2% target without triggering a downturn.
Global stocks eased as a drop in U.S. homebuilding highlighted the challenges the Federal Reserve faces in managing inflation, while oil prices rose and investors await rate decisions from major central banks.
The Federal Reserve's uncertainty about 2024 is causing concern for the markets.
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep its benchmark lending rate steady as it waits for more data on the US economy, and new economic projections suggest stronger growth and lower unemployment; however, inflation remains a concern, leaving the possibility open for another rate increase in the future.
The Federal Reserve predicts a "soft landing" for the economy, with low inflation and no recession, as it aims to control inflation without hindering economic growth.
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.
The stock market faces a major issue as the dollar reaches a crucial level and could potentially break out.
The Federal Reserve's measure of inflation is disconnected from market conditions, increasing the likelihood of a recession, according to Duke University finance professor Campbell Harvey. If the central bank continues to raise interest rates based on this flawed inflation gauge, the severity of the economic downturn could worsen.
The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates at their highest in over 20 years is posing a "nightmare" scenario for bitcoin and crypto companies, potentially leading to price chaos and further decline in the bitcoin price.
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 U.S. economy is facing uncertainty and conflicting estimates, with regional Fed estimates showing significant divergence and risks of economic contraction or slow growth, while factors such as health insurance costs, wage growth, home prices, and rising gas and commodity prices could potentially cause inflation to rebound. Moreover, there are still risks and challenges ahead, making declarations of victory premature, according to Larry Summers.