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Bulls and Bears at Odds Over Economic Outlook as Rate Hikes Pause

  • Bulls see a soft landing as the Fed pauses rate hikes, but bears see economic problems ahead.

  • Bullish view based on persistent corporate earnings growth driven by tech.

  • Bearish view based on consumers - savings depleted, credit card debt rising, student loans restarting.

  • Battle over the economy will determine market's next major move.

  • Bulls rallied earlier this year on inflation being under control, but bears still skeptical.

thestreet.com
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### Summary The global financial markets are facing multiple challenges, including the crisis in the Chinese property market, rising U.S. bond yields, and declining U.K. retail sales, causing concerns among investors. ### Facts - 📉 The Chinese property market crisis, combined with Country Garden's bond payment suspension, raises concerns about China's real estate sector. - 🌧️ U.K. retail sales fell by 1.2% in July, dampening sentiment. - 🌎 The global markets are experiencing a "perfect storm" due to surging interest rates, weak economic data in China, summer liquidity issues, and a lack of fiscal stimulus. - 💼 Barclays suggests employing a "barbell" investment strategy, focusing on both cyclical and defensive stocks with a value tilt. - 💸 The upcoming Jackson Hole symposium and flash PMI readings will provide further insight into the market's direction. - ⬇️ David Roche from Independent Strategy warns that markets may face a significant downside if geopolitical and macroeconomic risks are fully priced in.
### 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 stock market and house prices are at risk of crashing, while Bitcoin has already fallen. Investors are concerned about rising interest rates, the Chinese property market's instability, and the overall economic outlook. ### Facts - The S&P 500 and FTSE 100 indexes have been declining, with the S&P 500 falling four percent over the last month and the FTSE 100 showing minimal progress. - The Evergrande Group, a major Chinese property giant, has filed for bankruptcy with significant liabilities, adding to concerns about the Chinese economy. - Youth unemployment in China is high and predictions of a crash worsen unless massive stimulus packages are implemented. - The UK property market is uncertain, with predictions of a potential 25 percent crash in house prices due to disappointing inflation figures and potential interest rate hikes. - Bitcoin has already experienced a ten percent drop in the last week, reflecting a bearish sentiment in the market. - The copper price, often used as an economic indicator, has fallen 12.64 percent over the last six months, suggesting an economic slowdown. ### Other Points - Experts like Michael Burry and Jeremy Grantham are predicting a stock market crash, with Grantham even comparing it to the 1929 Wall Street Crash. - It is important not to put too much trust in doomsayers, as they have often been wrong in the past. - The author of the article is personally feeling gloomy about the economic outlook.
The U.S. stock market experienced a milder bear market in 2022 compared to historical bear markets, with a decline of 25% from its prior high, and history suggests that a new bull market is likely to follow soon.
The U.S. economy and markets seem to be in good shape for now, but there are concerns about the potential for problems in the future due to factors such as rising interest rates, supply and labor shocks, and political uncertainties.
A stock market rally is likely to occur in the near future, as recent data indicates that a bounce is expected after a period of selling pressure, with several sectors and markets reaching oversold levels and trading below their normal risk ranges. Additionally, analysis suggests that sectors such as Utilities, Consumer Staples, Real Estate, Financials, and Bonds, which have been underperforming, could provide upside potential in 2024 if there is a decline in interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve.
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 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.
Bitcoin may experience a period of stagnation before turning bullish again, according to crypto analyst Jason Pizzino, who believes that the cryptocurrency could remain in its current pattern for the next couple of months before potentially surging in late 2021 or early 2024.
The Fed and bond market may be headed for a clash as they have differing views on whether interest rates are sufficiently restrictive to cool the economy and bring inflation back to target.
The markets are facing numerous headwinds, including an imbalanced U.S. economy, stubborn inflation, a looming recession in Europe and China, a bulging deficit, reduced market liquidity, rising geopolitical risk, and high price earnings ratios, making above-average cash reserves a sensible choice for investors.
There is a possibility that digital assets may not witness another bull market, according to a crypto strategist who is growing skeptical of the market's potential for a bullish reversal this time around, citing a lack of real-world use cases and the failure to deliver on promises. However, another investor remains confident that a crypto bull market is coming, predicting a potential decline in prices before a new bull market begins.
The US Federal Reserve's actions will determine the start of the next Bitcoin bull market, depending on their monetary policy decisions and willingness to hold interest rates higher for longer.
The fundamentals and technicals support a demographically driven bull market in stocks until 2034, but potential risks include inflation, interest rate-induced debt crisis, and refinancing problems, which could lead to a drop in the stock market. Comparing the S&P 500's score in August 2023 to historical patterns, the market seems confident and not indicating an imminent debt crisis or severe recession. Credit spreads also appear tame compared to previous crisis periods. However, the article notes the possibility of abrupt changes in the market and encourages openness to a wide range of outcomes.
Stock investors have been reacting positively to "bad economic news" as it may imply a slowdown in the economy and a potential halt to interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, however, for this trend to change, economic data would have to be much worse than it is currently.
The author argues against the common belief that rising interest rates and a rising dollar will negatively impact the stock market, citing historical evidence that contradicts this perspective and emphasizes the importance of analyzing market reality rather than personal beliefs. The author presents a bullish outlook for the market, with a potential rally towards the 4800SPX region, but also acknowledges the possibility of a corrective pullback.
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 resilient growth of the US economy is fueling a rebound in the dollar and causing bearish investors to rethink their positions, although the currency's rally may face challenges from upcoming data and the Federal Reserve's meeting this month.
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 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.
Stocks soar as a soft landing in 2024 becomes more likely, confounding earlier predictions of a bear market rally and recession.
The Bank of International Settlements warns that financial markets should be cautious of persistent inflation and a more severe economic downturn next year, which could lead to insolvencies and a steep decline in property prices.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies saw a rise in value as traders placed bullish bets ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. However, these bets might be premature.
The Federal Reserve's uncertainty about 2024 is causing concern for the markets.
Investors are more focused on the release of new forecasts from the Federal Reserve, which will reveal their views on the prospect of an economic "soft landing" and the rate environment that will accompany it.
The stock market faces a major issue as the dollar reaches a crucial level and could potentially break out.
The next crypto bull run will be different from the last one, as corporate interest in blockchain technology will drive gradual growth rather than a sudden surge in prices, according to Lars Seier Christensen, founder of Concordium. However, there are differing opinions, with some experts believing that we are already in the initial stages of a bull market.
The recent decline in the market and various indicators suggest that the market may already be in or very close to a bear market, signaling the need for caution and a potential economic recession.
Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are anticipating a potential surge in price due to a "worst-case" scenario from the Federal Reserve, according to JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.
The recent two-week selloff in the stock market confirms a weak market and raises the possibility of new lows, indicating that the so-called bull market was just a rebound and the next bull market will be driven by different factors. Investors should focus on traditional fundamentals and cash reserves rather than poor investments.
The market is experiencing a gradual decline after a summer rally, as inflation remains above the target range and there are concerns about a forced correction of the economy due to the higher for longer rate environment; the overvalued nature of equity valuations also contributes to the risk of a broader market crash.
Bitcoin (BTC) may test its bull market support and potentially have a final leg to the downside, as predicted by crypto analyst Rekt Capital, who also suggests that this could be the last chance to buy BTC at low prices before it potentially peaks in 2025.
The recent increase in oil prices has analysts debating whether the rally will continue or fizzle out, with the bulls predicting prices in triple digits and the bears foreseeing a drop below $90 by Christmas, but it is expected that the market will be tight until January before the bears gain the upper hand next year.
Crypto strategist predicts that Bitcoin will enter a massive bull run and reach new all-time highs once it surpasses a key support level, but warns that bearish speculation from the stock market could decrease momentum.
The market is experiencing a breakdown and may be headed for a crash due to the budget battle in Washington and the dysfunctional state of the House of Representatives after the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker; however, there is a chance that a financial crisis in the commercial property sector could lead to a market rally if the Federal Reserve is forced to cut interest rates.
Bitcoin's bull market is expected to reignite as the Federal Reserve is predicted to resume printing money, leading to a surge in Bitcoin's price, according to BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes.
Stock market outlook is divided as some remain bullish, citing attractive valuations and potential for a year-end rally, while others warn of ongoing sell-off due to expensive valuations, restrictive interest rates, and geopolitical risks.
The next crypto bull market is expected to start in Q2 2024, coinciding with the Bitcoin halving, but macro factors will play a more significant role in sparking the uptrend, according to macro investor Raoul Pal.
Pervasive bearishness in various sectors is expected to constrain any potential market rally, with weakness seen in previously bullish industries such as travel and leisure, housing, utilities, and banks due to factors like rising fuel costs, decreased disposable income, higher mortgage rates, and persistently high interest rates.
Bitcoin could face difficulties in the long term due to tightening liquidity in the current macroeconomic environment, according to crypto analyst Nicholas Merten. Merten believes that Bitcoin's price is heavily influenced by monetary policy and warns that if sentiment turns bearish, investors may start cashing out.
Bitcoin's bear market may be over and an upward expansion is likely, according to a popular crypto analyst who compares the current situation to that before the 2016 and 2020 bull markets.
Amid concerns about high oil prices, sticky inflation, and rising wages, investors may be poised to panic, but a closer look reveals a more positive long-term outlook with solid job market, moderating inflation, and decent growth.
Geopolitical risks in the form of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with inflation and surging interest rates, weigh on stock futures, exacerbating market fragility.
Wall Street's hopes for a Goldilocks scenario in the stock market and economy have been dashed as interest rates soar and the Fed's "higher for longer" mantra raises concerns about a looming recession and its impact on consumers and businesses.
The current rally in stocks since October 2022 is one of the weakest bull markets on record, with elevated valuations and monetary tightening measures limiting upside potential, according to Ned Davis Research.
A bullish formula for the stock market is emerging as the economy grows, with positive GDP growth, improving earnings, and a paused Federal Reserve leading to a bullish outlook for stocks, according to JPMorgan. The Nasdaq 100 Index is also following a similar playbook from 1999, although JPMorgan is not predicting a repeat of the mind-boggling year-end rally seen in 1999.