Tag: PCE Index

Fed’s Key Inflation Gauge Drops to 2.2% in August, Paving Way for Further Rate Cuts

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– The PCE price index showed inflation at 2.2% in August, the lowest since early 2021.
– Core PCE, excluding food and energy, rose 2.7%, staying steady with July’s reading.
– The lower-than-expected inflation could prompt additional interest rate cuts by the Fed.

The Federal Reserve’s key inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, posted a notable drop to 2.2% in August, marking the lowest inflation rate since February 2021. This is a clear signal that inflation is continuing its downward trend, positioning the Fed for future interest rate cuts.

The PCE index, which measures the cost of goods and services in the U.S. economy, saw just a 0.1% increase in August from the previous month. Economists had expected the year-over-year inflation rate to settle at 2.3%, but the actual figure came in even lower, underscoring a continued easing of inflation pressures. This development further supports the Fed’s pivot toward focusing on labor market support, rather than aggressive inflation-fighting measures.

The core PCE index, which excludes the volatile food and energy prices, rose by 0.1% in August and maintained an annual increase of 2.7%, in line with economists’ expectations. This core measure is a preferred gauge for the Fed when assessing long-term inflation trends. The steady core inflation number is likely to reinforce the Fed’s decision-making, signaling that while inflation is cooling, there are still pressures, especially in key sectors such as housing.

The recent PCE numbers are particularly crucial as they come on the heels of the Fed’s decision to cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, lowering it to a target range of 4.75%-5%. It was the first time since March 2020 that the Fed made such a significant rate cut, deviating from its typical quarter-point moves.

With inflation easing closer to the Fed’s long-term 2% target, the latest data could pave the way for additional interest rate reductions by the end of the year. Many market participants expect the Fed to make another cut by half a percentage point before the year’s end, followed by further reductions in 2025.

Fed officials have gradually shifted their focus from solely managing inflation to also supporting the U.S. labor market. Recent data has indicated some softening in the job market, with Fed policymakers noting the need to balance between maintaining price stability and ensuring continued employment growth.

Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley, commented on the positive inflation news, saying, “Inflation continues to keep its head down, and while economic growth may be slowing, there’s no indication it’s falling off a cliff.”

Despite the positive inflation report, personal income and spending data were weaker than expected. Personal income increased by 0.2%, while spending also rose by 0.2% in August. Both figures fell short of their respective forecasts of 0.4% and 0.3%. These softer numbers suggest that while inflation may be cooling, consumer demand remains fragile, posing potential risks to broader economic growth.

Looking ahead, investors and market watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming U.S. data, including personal consumption expenditures and jobless claims, for further clues about the Fed’s next move.

Fed’s Powell Signals Extended High-Rate Environment

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent comments at a central banking forum in Sintra, Portugal, have given investors fresh insights into the Fed’s thinking on interest rates and inflation. While acknowledging progress in the battle against inflation, Powell’s cautious tone suggests that investors should prepare for a more measured approach to monetary policy easing than many had initially anticipated.

Powell’s remarks highlight the delicate balance the Fed is trying to strike. On one hand, inflation has shown signs of cooling, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index – the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge – declining to a 2.6% annual rate in May. This represents significant progress from the 4% rate seen a year ago. However, it’s still above the Fed’s 2% target, which Powell doesn’t expect to reach until 2026.

For investors, this timeline is crucial. It suggests that while the Fed sees positive trends, it’s not ready to declare victory over inflation just yet. This cautious stance is reflected in Powell’s statement that the Fed wants to be “more confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward 2% before we start the process of reducing or loosening policy.”

This careful approach has implications for various asset classes. Bond investors, who had initially priced in up to six quarter-point rate cuts for 2024, may need to recalibrate their expectations. Current market pricing now anticipates only two cuts, one in September and another before year-end. However, even this may be optimistic given that Fed officials have indicated just one cut in their latest projections.

Equity investors should also take note. The Fed’s commitment to bringing inflation down to its 2% target, even if it means maintaining higher rates for longer, could impact corporate earnings and valuations. Sectors that are particularly sensitive to interest rates, such as real estate and utilities, may face continued pressure if rates remain elevated.

Powell’s comments also touched on the risks of moving too quickly versus too slowly in adjusting monetary policy. He noted that cutting rates too soon could undo the progress made on inflation, while moving too late could unnecessarily undermine economic recovery. This balanced view suggests that the Fed is likely to err on the side of caution, potentially keeping rates higher for longer than some investors might prefer.

For global investors, it’s worth noting that Powell’s stance aligns with other major central banks. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, who was also present at the forum, has similarly emphasized the need for continued vigilance on inflation.

The Fed’s approach also has implications for currency markets. A more hawkish Fed stance relative to other central banks could support the U.S. dollar, potentially impacting multinational corporations and emerging market investments.

Looking ahead, investors should pay close attention to upcoming economic data, particularly inflation readings and labor market indicators. These will likely play a crucial role in shaping the Fed’s decisions in the coming months.

It’s also worth noting that Powell downplayed concerns about potential political influence on Fed policy, stating that the central bank remains focused on its mandate regardless of the political climate.

In conclusion, while the Fed sees progress on inflation, investors should prepare for a potentially slower path to monetary policy easing than initially expected. This underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and staying attuned to economic indicators that could influence the Fed’s decision-making. As always, adaptability will be key in navigating the evolving economic landscape.

New Inflation Data Supports Case for Fed Rate Cuts in 2024

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The latest inflation report released on Friday provides further evidence that price pressures are cooling, opening the door for the Federal Reserve to pivot to rate cuts next year.

The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, which excludes food and energy costs, rose 3.2% in November from a year earlier. That was slightly below economists’ expectations for a 3.3% increase, and down from 3.7% inflation in October.

On a 6-month annualized basis, core inflation slowed to 1.9%, dipping below the Fed’s 2% target for the first time in three years. The moderating price increases back up Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments last week that inflation has likely peaked after months of relentless gains.

Following Powell’s remarks, financial markets boosted bets that the Fed would begin slashing interest rates in early 2024 to boost economic growth. Futures prices now show traders see a more than 70% likelihood of a rate cut by March.

The Fed kicked off its tightening cycle in March, taking its benchmark rate up to a 15-year high of 4.25% – 4.50% from near zero. But Powell signaled last week the central bank could hold rates steady at its next couple meetings as it assesses the impacts of its aggressive hikes.

Still, some Fed officials have pumped the brakes on expectations for imminent policy easing. They noted it is premature to pencil in rate cuts for March when recent inflation data has been mixed.

Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said markets have “gotten a little bit ahead” of the central bank. And Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin noted he wants to see services inflation, which remains elevated at 4.1%, also moderate before officials can decide on cuts.

More Evidence Needed

The Fed wants to see a consistent downward trajectory in inflation before it can justify loosening policy. While the latest core PCE print shows prices heading the right direction, policymakers need more proof the disinflationary trend will persist.

Still, the report marked a step forward after inflation surged to its highest levels in 40 years earlier this year on the back of massive government stimulus, supply chain snarls and a red-hot labor market.

The Commerce Department’s downward revision to third quarter core PCE to 2%, right at the Fed’s goal, provided another greenshoot. Personal incomes also grew a healthy 0.4% in November, signaling economic resilience even in the face of tighter monetary policy.

Fed officials will closely monitor upcoming inflation reports, especially core services excluding housing. Categories like healthcare, education and recreation make up 65% of the core PCE index.

Moderation in services inflation is key to convincing the Fed that broader price pressures are easing. Goods disinflation has been apparent for months, helped by improving supply chains.

Path to Rate Cuts

To justify rate cuts, policymakers want to see months of consistently low inflation paired with signs of slowing economic growth. The Fed’s forecasts point to GDP growth braking from 1.7% this year to just 0.5% in 2023.

Unemployment is also projected to rise, taking pressure off wage growth. Leading indicators like housing permits and manufacturing orders suggest the economy is heading for a slowdown.

Once the Fed can be confident inflation will stay around 2% in the medium term, it can then switch to stimulating growth and bringing down unemployment.

Markets are currently betting on the Fed starting to cut rates in March and taking them back down by 1.25 percentage points total next year. But analysts warn against getting too aggressive in rate cut expectations.

“There is mounting evidence that the post-pandemic inflation scare is over and we expect interest rates to be cut significantly next year,” said Capital Economics’ Andrew Hunter.

The potential for financial conditions to tighten again, supply chain problems or an inflation rebound all pose risks to the dovish outlook. And inflation at 3.2% remains too high for the Fed’s comfort.

Fed Chair Powell has warned it could take until 2024 to get inflation back down near officials’ 2% goal. Monetary policy also acts with long lags, meaning rate cuts now may not boost growth until late 2023 or 2024.

With risks still skewed, the Fed will likely take a cautious approach to policy easing. But the latest data gives central bankers confidence their inflation fight is headed in the right direction.