US Inflation

Inflation is still one of the biggest risk factors we’re watching this year

Sep 2, 2023

While inflation is still well below its 2022 peak, the data shows that the fight toward 2% still has pretty far to go. Annual inflation has stubbornly remained above 3%, and the December report shows another tick upward.1While market watchers are hoping the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon, policymakers warn easing off too soon could erode progress and cause inflation to “seesaw.”2

It’s likely that the Fed will be cautious and decide to wait for more data before lowering rates. However, the longer they keep interest rates high, the more they risk hurting economic growth. It’s a tough act to balance and we expect the uncertainty to stoke market volatility.

The December jobs report looked strong, but may be masking some pain.

 

The latest employment report showed that the economy added a respectable 216,000 jobs. But many of those new jobs were in the public sector and other industries that aren’t sensitive to the economy.3 Small businesses are lowering their hiring expectations, and manufacturers and service companies cut jobs in December.

Another point of concern: jobs numbers have been revised downward in 11 of the last 12 months, suggesting that the economy may be shifting gears and slowing down.

Geopolitical issues are also adding clouds on the horizon.

Ugly wars in Ukraine and Israel are still burning, and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are adding fresh concerns about global stability.4 In addition to the cost in human lives and misery, geopolitical uncertainty may weigh on economic growth and inflation.

On a positive note, December retail sales increased more than expected.5

Americans shopped more than anticipated in both November and December, showing that consumers may be in better shape than many economists feared.

While some analysts are already celebrating a “soft landing” and an end to recession worries, we’re still keeping our seatbelts buckled.

 

The economy is still growing, but we’re expecting to see bumps and potholes on the winding road to “normal” inflation levels.

While recession risks have lowered, we’re still watching carefully.

Sources

  1. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/a-warning-shot-over-the-last-mile-in-the-inflation-battle/ar-AA1n23O5?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds
  2. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1-feds-bostic-warns-us-122602986.html
  3. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/01/16/recession-signs-soft-landing-forecasts/72209418007/
  4. https://www.reuters.com/business/red-sea-attack-fears-disrupt-global-trade-patterns-2024-01-16/
  5. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/december-retail-sales-surprise-to-the-upside-133212009.html
  6. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-announces-tax-deal-expand-child-tax-credit-business-breaks-rcna134067
  7. Chart sources: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CPIAUCNS#0, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FEDFUNDS

Brad Tedrick is an LPL Registered Principal with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Vantedge Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. CA Insurance License #0B47923. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.

What Dow 40,000 Means for Consumer Net Worth

What Dow 40,000 Means for Consumer Net Worth

May 22, 2024

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 40,000 for the first time recently as markets continue to rebound from a 5% decline earlier this year. While this has felt like a difficult year for many investors due to inflation, high interest rates, and growth concerns, the...

How Earnings Can Guide Investors in Difficult Markets

How Earnings Can Guide Investors in Difficult Markets

May 15, 2024

With markets nervous about stubborn inflation, a gradually slowing labor market, and the timing of the first Fed rate cut, investors are more focused on this corporate earnings season than usual. This is because while the economy has avoided a “hard landing” corporate...

Why Cash Is Not a Long-Term Investment

Why Cash Is Not a Long-Term Investment

May 9, 2024

In times of market uncertainty, investors often seek the safety of cash. This has been true over the past several years as markets have swung due to the pandemic, geopolitical events, Fed rate hikes, inflation, gridlock in Washington, technology trends, and more. More...

More Information You Might Like

Holistic Wealth Management

Holistic Wealth Management is an integrated and coordinated approach to all areas of Wealth Management.  At Vantedge Wealth, our advisors create a collaborative environment with clients to find common sense, easy-to-comprehend approaches to their personal finances.