BREAKING >>> Fed Chair Powell says there has been a ‘lack of further progress’ this year on inflation
SUMMARY OF FED CHAIR POWELL'S COMMENTS (4/16/24): 1. Recent data "shows lack of further progress on inflation" 2. Inflation has "introduced new uncertainty" on whether the Fed can cut rates later this year 3. Fed can maintain higher rates for "as long as needed" 4. Recent data has not given greater confidence on inflation 5. Restrictive Fed policy needs more time to work 6. It will likely take longer to "regain confidence" on inflation https://lnkd.in/eMaJZNZZ Source: CNBC, The Kobeissi Letter, Trend Spider
Longer-term inflation expectations are rising again.
The market's implied rate of inflation over the next five years has risen to the highest level in more than a year, at 2.6%, according to breakeven rates. Source: Bloomberg, Lisa Abramowitz
Did you know that the US is the only G10 economy where the latest core inflation print surprised to the upside?
Source: Goldman Sachs, TME
Big Mac inflation vs. CPI... which one is right?
While many investors are more confused than ever looking at "CPI", whatever that is, the real inflation gauge is giving off a serious warning. Source: J-C Parets
The correlation between equity market volatility and inflation expectations is at the highest level we've seen in decades.
Although the chart below doesn't extend as far back, a similar phenomenon occurred in 1973-1974 as markets faced difficulties whenever inflation reaccelerated. This is especially pertinent now, with energy prices, agricultural commodities, precious metals, copper, global freight costs, and other inflation indicators showing significant resurgence. Source: Tavi Costa, Crescat Capital, Bloomberg
Price increases over last decade...
McDonald's: +100% Popeyes: +86% Taco Bell: +81% Chipotle: +75% Jimmy John's: +62% Arby's: +55% Burger King: +55% Chick-fil-A: +55% Wendy's: +55% Panera: +54% Subway: +39% Starbucks: +39% US Government Reported Inflation (CPI): +31% Source: Charlie Bilello
In our 2024 "10 surprises 2024" (see link below), we had surprise #6: "What if inflation rises again?"
The idea here was that inflation could experience a second wave similar to that seen in the 70s and 80s. And this would lead inflationary assets (e.g., cyclical stocks) to catch up with deflationary assets (e.g. technology stocks). Below an uopdate chart (courtesy of HZ on X) taking into account yesterday's US cpi print... Has a second inflationary wave begun? https://lnkd.in/eDPyFa_9
The Federal Reserve's next move might be to raise interest rates warns Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
Source: Barchart
