Financial News for the Week of February 7th, 2025
Financial News Highlights
- Tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been put on hold for one month, but a 10% tariff was imposed on imports from China in financial news.
- Companies have ramped up inventories ahead of tariffs, leading to a sharp increase in the trade deficit in December. Activity has eased off in the services sector, but continued to reaccelerate in manufacturing.
- Hiring has slowed in January, however, the labor market remains solid overall. Significant upward revisions to the fourth quarter figures suggest that job growth was stronger at the end of last year than previously thought.
Canada-Mexico Tariffs on Hold
This week was anything but boring for financial news. On Monday, an 11th-hour deal was reached to delay tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month. However, while Canada and Mexico were spared, China was not, as an additional 10% tariff was imposed on all imports from the country.
The prospect of tariffs being imposed on North America in a month, or in April when the review of current trade policies is completed, looms large. Financial markets have largely recovered from their initial knee-jerk reaction to the tariff announcement, with the S&P 500 paring back losses by the end of the week. However, inflation expectations over the next two years have risen (Chart 1) while bond yields have declined. This points to investors’ concerns that tariffs will accelerate inflation and slow economic growth.
Businesses’ uncertainty about the looming tariffs were reflected in the trade data. The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in December – the largest one-month increase since the early 1990s. Imports surged as companies rushed to ramp up inventories ahead of potential tariffs. Last month’s sharp increase in the trade deficit is likely temporary, but trade policy uncertainty will continue to affect trade flows throughout the year. Uncertainty about tariffs also clouds the outlook in the manufacturing sector, particularly in industries such as auto manufacturing (report). Even though the ISM manufacturing index has continued to improve in January, rising for the third consecutive month and finally moving into expansionary territory, supply chain disruptions could dent the sector’s nascent progress.
Activity in the services sector continued to expand robustly in January, although it dialed back a notch. The services sector is less exposed to trade than manufacturing, but it is not immune. The prices paid subcomponent remains elevated, and any supply chain disruptions and higher input prices could reignite inflationary pressure.
Additional inflationary impetus could also come from the labor market. Today’s employment report showed that the U.S. economy added 143k jobs in January. This is considerably less than December’s tally (+305k), but still a solid outturn, particularly when combined with a slight decline in the unemployment rate and an uptick in wage growth. Moreover, wildfires in Los Angeles and a cold weather spell nationwide could have also weighed on employment, suggesting a bounce-back next month could be in the cards. Lastly, revisions through the fourth quarter were notably higher, adding an extra 101k jobs to the previously reported figures and suggesting that hiring momentum was even stronger at the end of last year than previously thought (Chart 2).
With inflation progress having stalled in recent months, wage growth showing staying power and heightened uncertainties on how far the new administration will go on its policies, the Fed is likely to remain more cautious. Next week’s inflation report will likely show that the Fed’s patience is justified, as inflation remains persistently above the Fed’s 2% target.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of January 31st, 2025
Financial News Highlights
- The U.S. economy ended 2024 on solid footing, expanding at a 2.3% annualized pace. The consumer did the heavy lifting, with spending accelerating in the fourth quarter.
- The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the core PCE deflator, continued to hover somewhat above target in December, growing at 2.8% year-on-year. But trends over the past few months suggest further cooling ahead.
- Major action may come on the trade policy front as early as this weekend, with President Trump reiterating his intentions to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico – America’s largest trading partners.
U.S. – Stock Market Rowdy, Economy Steady
The last week of January began on a soft note for stock markets in financial news. As it became apparent that a low-cost Chinese artificial intelligence start-up (DeepSeek) could threaten the dominance of American rivals, the valuations of several large tech firms took a hit, weighing on major indexes. Some recovery ensued later in the week, with the S&P 500 and tech-heavy NASDAQ nearly erasing the losses from last week’s close (at the time of writing). In contrast to the rowdiness of the stock market, signals out of the economy continued to point to steadiness.
The first read on fourth quarter GDP showed that the U.S. economy ended last year on a solid footing as it grew at 2.3% quarter-on-quarter annualized. The consumer did the heavy lifting, offsetting a notable drag from gross fixed private investment (Chart 1). Goods spending carried the torch once again, propelled forward by a double-digit increase in durable goods, but services also notched a mild acceleration. Meanwhile, within the softness of the broad private investment category, residential investment was a bright spot for a change, lifted by a double-digit gain in housing starts last quarter. Looking at the big picture, the fact that the economy essentially sustained 2023’s pace through 2024, despite the still elevated interest rate environment, is an impressive accomplishment.
Friday morning’s monthly PCE report provided some more detail with respect to consumption and inflation trends at the turn of the year. The handoff to the start of 2025 is solid, as real spending growth remained robust in December, growing at nearly 5% annualized. This, as strength in services helped offset some cooldown in goods spending from the double-digit gain in the month prior. Additionally, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge – core PCE – held at 2.8% in year-on-year terms. The fact that the 3-month and 6-month annualized rate of change in core PCE inflation gravitated lower toward the target, was a welcome development (Chart 2).
With inflation still somewhat elevated (though appearing to head in the right direction) and the economy remaining on solid footing, the Fed can afford to take a cautious approach to further loosening monetary policy. The FOMC left the policy rate unchanged at this week’s meeting – a move that was widely anticipated. Fed Chair Powell acknowledged that “we don’t need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance”, while nodding to the uncertainties and the risks related to major policy changes out of Washington, such as on trade policy. Powell reiterated a wait-and-see approach, stating that they’d need any new policy changes to be articulated first, before assessing their impacts on the economy in financial news.
Major action on the trade front may come as early as this weekend, with President Trump reiterating his intention to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada on February 1st. There’s still a possibility that cooler heads will prevail, as President Trump’s top pick for commerce secretary suggested that tariffs could be avoided if swift action was taken on the border issues. Still, the deadline is fast approaching and any trade skirmishes with its neighbors will be problematic – the two countries are America’s largest trading partners and are deeply integrated in supply chains.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of January 3rd, 2025
Financial News Highlights
- The Federal Reserve cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.25-4.5%, as expected in financial news. But, updated forecasts showed that FOMC members now expect inflation to be a bit hotter next year, and as a result expect to make only 50 basis points in cuts next year, down from 100 bps in September.
- Economic growth was revised upwards in the third quarter. Real GDP rose 3.1%, up from 2.8% previously.
- There was also good news on the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. The Core PCE Deflator held steady at 2.8% in year-on-year terms in November, but cooled noticeably on a month-to-month basis.
Awaiting the Changing of the Guard
Turning the page on 2024, we eased into the new year this week with limited updates on the state of the economy in financial news. For that reason, the attention of financial markets was more attuned to developments in Washington as the 119th session of Congress kicked off. However, the holiday period continued to weigh on trading volumes overall, with the S&P falling 1.1% on the week, while U.S. Treasury yields declined modestly.
Economic data releases this week showed that housing market activity continued to gradually recover from its current subdued state. Pending home sales improved for a fourth consecutive month in November, although gains have moderated recently as rates ticked higher through the fourth quarter. With mortgage rates remaining near 7% (Chart 1) and the Federal Reserve shifting into a more cautionary stance in 2025, the housing market’s recovery is expected to remain gradual this year (see report). As of the time of writing, market pricing implies a nearly 90% probability of the Fed pausing at their next meeting at the end of the month, but the ultimate trajectory of monetary policy this year will likely depend on the fiscal policies implemented by the incoming administration and the impact they have on the economy.
Shifting over to D.C., the federal government continues to be funded by the continuing resolution passed by Congress on December 20th, which will remain in effect until March 14th. This means the twelve appropriation bills for the current fiscal year will be one of the first priorities of the new session of Congress which commenced this week. In addition, the debt ceiling suspension that had been in place since June 2023 expired with the start of the new year. The U.S. Treasury put out a statement last week stating that they anticipated that the debt ceiling would become binding in the next 2-3 weeks, at which time they would begin taking extraordinary measures to avoid defaulting on their fiscal obligations. These measures would likely last until the summer (as they did when the debt ceiling was last hit in early 2023 – Chart 2), but the timely implementation of measures to suspend, raise, or eliminate the debt ceiling will be of paramount importance in the first half of 2025.
With a full legislative agenda already taking form, the first order of business for the new Congressional session this week was electing a new Speaker of the House, with a vote expected Friday afternoon. Looking ahead, Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees are likely to begin in the coming weeks, with the much-anticipated presidential inauguration day set for two weeks from Monday.
On the economic front, we’ll return to a more normal schedule of data releases next week, with the December employment report expected to show 153k new jobs added for the month – down from 227k in November. FOMC December meeting minutes will also be released next Wednesday, which will provide further insights on the Fed’s updated projections. All-in-all, 2025 already looks set to be an eventful year.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of December 20th, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- The Federal Reserve cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.25-4.5%, as expected in financial news. But, updated forecasts showed that FOMC members now expect inflation to be a bit hotter next year, and as a result expect to make only 50 basis points in cuts next year, down from 100 bps in September.
- Economic growth was revised upwards in the third quarter. Real GDP rose 3.1%, up from 2.8% previously.
- There was also good news on the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. The Core PCE Deflator held steady at 2.8% in year-on-year terms in November, but cooled noticeably on a month-to-month basis.
Fed Signals a More Cautionary Stance on Rate Cuts Next Year
The Federal Reserve delivered some sour candy to cap off 2024, cutting its policy rate by 25 basis points, but signaling a more moderate pace of cuts next year. This hawkish tilt sent Treasury yields higher, with the 10-year rising from just under 4.4% to briefly over 4.6%. Equity markets took the news hard, with the S&P 500 down roughly 3.5% from pre-meeting levels at time of writing. Part of the weak equity market performance may also have to do with a looming government shutdown. Washington has only a few hours to pass a funding bill into law. Failure to do so will lead to a partial government shutdown. Essential services would continue, but most federal workers wouldn’t receive a paycheck. In addition, some workers would be furloughed until Congress passes new funding. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that some 875 thousand federal workers would be furloughed.
The Fed’s quarter point interest rate cut was as expected, but the accompanying Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) raised a few eyebrows. While the median forecasts for economic growth and the unemployment rate were little changed, the outlook for inflation and the policy rate were raised noticeably (Chart 1). Focusing on the year ahead, the median projection now has the Fed Funds Rate ending next year 50 basis points higher than expected in September. This is in tune with a firmer outlook for core inflation. Asked about the more cautious stance on rate cuts, Fed Chair Powell listed several reasons. These included the economy growing at a better pace and inflation coming in a bit hotter than expected recently. Powell also highlighted an elevated uncertainty around the inflation projections – a theme that was visible in the SEP document, with uncertainty and upside risks to core PCE inflation both up noticeably since September. Pressed on how much of the difference could be explained by the evolving data versus potential policy changes from the new Trump administration, the Fed Chair acknowledged that some policymakers did take preliminary steps to incorporate “highly conditional estimates of economic effects of policies into their forecast at this meeting”.
This week’s economic data buttressed several of Powell’s comments. The third estimate of Q3 GDP indicated that the economy grew at an improved pace of 3.1% annualized, up from 2.8% previously. At the same time, the November personal income and spending report indicated that consumer spending should end the year on solid footing. Consumer spending is on track for a solid 3% pace in the fourth quarter of 2024. That is only a small downshift from 3.5% pace in the third quarter. The November report also carried some better news on inflation, with the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge – core PCE – cooling noticeably in November, up a modest 0.1% month-over-month. While the annual pace remained at 2.8%, this latest cooldown helped reverse near-term trends lower (Chart 2).
Overall, with the economy remaining on decent footing and inflation seemingly having resumed its downward path, there is room for further policy normalization next year. But, the potential for major policy changes from the new U.S. administration remains a wildcard.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of December 6th, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- The embattled ISM Manufacturing Index showed improvement in November, but continued to point to contraction in financial news. In contrast to manufacturing, the services sector continued to expand in November, although the pace of growth slowed.
- As was widely expected, hiring rebounded in November, with payrolls adding 227,000 new jobs, as impact of the Boeing strike and hurricanes reversed. However, an uptick in the unemployment rate increased market confidence that a Fed rate cut is in the offing.
- Vehicle sales also posted a sizeable gain in November, reaching the highest level in over three years. It is possible that some of this strength in sales came from replacement demand related to hurricane activity.
Data Clears the Path for the Rate Cut in December
It’s not just the Christmas holidays that are fast approaching. The next Federal Reserve meeting is also just around a corner, and this week featured several important updates for signals on the health of the U.S. economy. This week’s results were broadly positive: contraction eased in manufacturing, activity continued to expand in the services sector, job growth rebounded in November, as did vehicle sales. Vehicle sales registered their highest level in over three years, although it is possible that some of this strength came from replacement demand related to hurricane activity.
The embattled ISM Manufacturing Index showed improvement in November, but still signaled that activity is contracting. Overall, the manufacturing sector has gained some momentum, with the new orders index rising for the third consecutive month, since the Fed began cutting interest rates. However, regulatory and trade policy cloud the outlook. In contrast to manufacturing, the services sector continued to expand in November, although the pace of growth slowed. Still, with 14 out of 18 industries reporting growth, the services sector appears to be in relatively good shape.
As expected, hiring rebounded in November, with payrolls adding 227k new jobs in financial news (Chart 1). Revisions also added 56k jobs to the gains seen in the prior two months. Smoothing through the recent volatility, job gains have averaged 173k over the past three-months, or only a modest step down from the 186K averaged over the prior twelve-month period. But this likely overstates the degree of “strength” in the job market. In the household survey, the unemployment rate backed up one tenth to 4.2%, after spending September and October at 4.1%.
Other indicators, such as the Job opening and labor turnover survey (JOLTS), similarly point to a labor market that has come into balance and is no longer a meaningful source of inflationary pressure. JOLTS data, released this week, showed that while job openings increased in October, the uptick was narrowly concentrated in professional and business services and leisure and hospitality. Meanwhile, both the quit rates and the hiring rate are below their pre-pandemic levels. This suggests that the employers are becoming more selective, while workers are less eager to leave job voluntarily. Indeed, with no significant premium for job switching (Chart 2) and given the low hiring rate, landing a new job may be challenging.
Comments from the latest Fed’s Beige book also reflected this trend, stating that “hiring activity was subdued as worker turnover remained low” and that “wage growth softened to a modest pace”. The Beige book, along with the payrolls and especially the next week’s inflation report will help to solidify the Fed’s stance on their next rate move later this month. The cooling labor market should give the policy makers confidence for another quarter point cut. However, with inflation showing some stickiness lately, and in the words of Jerome Powell this week, the Fed could “afford to be a little more cautious”. The market is pricing nearly 90% odds of a December cut, but the path for rate cuts in 2025 is less clear (report).
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of November 22nd, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- A quiet week for data with the housing market showing healthy sales activity and Fed speakers recommitting to a data-dependent approach to policy in financial news.
- The focus will be on housing inflation in next week’s Personal Income and Outlays report for October.
- Productivity growth has allowed inflation to cool without sacrificing much growth. Whether that continues through the end of 2024 and into 2025 will be material for Fed policy.
Looking Ahead After a Quiet Week
A brief rally in Treasuries fizzled out this week and, at the time of writing, Treasury yields are roughly back to where they were at Monday’s open. Ultimately, a pair of housing reports coming in roughly in line with expectations and two Fed speakers emphasizing data dependence, leave us looking to next week’s Personal Income and Outlays report as the next sign-post to gauge where the Fed’s rate cutting campaign is headed.
Two Fed Board Members took the stage this week – Governor’s Bowman and Cook in financial news. Though they offered slightly different interpretations of the state of the economy both recommitted to a data-dependent approach to rate setting. Governor Cook presented her view of the outlook, with an emphasis that the disinflation process is well on its way “even if the path is occasionally bumpy”. Governor Bowman was more pessimistic noting that, “progress on inflation seems to have stalled”. Markets now expect the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge (the personal consumption expenditure index excluding food and energy) to show another strong advanced in October of 0.3% month-on-month (m/m, 3.7% annualized) – well ahead of the Fed’s 2.0% target. Whether it’s a bump or another sign of stalling will come down to the details of the report.
The good news is that the growth in most goods and services prices has moderated significantly (Chart 1). Goods price trends have been a key part of the recent cooling with prices in both durables and nondurables in deflation over the past several months. There is some worry this benefit could be coming to an end as there was a notable uptick in durable goods prices last month (+0.3% m/m). With retail sales demand still healthy, another price gain can’t be ruled out. Adding to the concern is the prospect that tariffs are around the corner. For policymakers, the end of the downdraft from durable goods prices would come at an inopportune time as it has provided a meaningful deflationary offset to a still-hot housing sector.
This puts more focus on what kind of print we can expect in the coming months from the housing market. Sales activity clocked in a healthy gain last month amid lower mortgage rates in late summer. However, this is likely to be a temporary burst as affordability is still stretched, and the recent backup in borrowing costs should dent demand (Chart 2). With inventory levels near balanced territory, this should help temper further price gains.
To date, U.S. consumers have benefited from a productivity boom that has allowed inflation to cool without sacrificing much growth. The key concern now is whether this pace of productivity growth can extend into next year. This means looking at the details in the data for signs that demand growth is yet again outpacing supply. Markets currently judge the odds of a Fed cut in December at a coin toss. An upside surprise next week could make it a long-shot.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of November 15th, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- Progress on the inflation front appears to have stalled in financial news. Core CPI inflation held steady in October, while the trend over the past three months has accelerated.
- October retail sales were also solid, putting consumer spending in the fourth quarter on a very solid footing.
- Chair Powell moved markets on Thursday by saying that the Fed may not be in a hurry to cut rates. This sent Treasury yields and the dollar moderately higher, while weighing on equities.
Inflation Progress Stalls, Fed in No Hurry to Cut Rates
Political developments continued to dominate the limelight this week. Republicans retained a slim majority in the House, cementing control over both chambers of Congress and the Presidency. In the meantime, President-elect Trump is hitting the ground running, announcing cabinet appointments and White House staff positions. The choices reinforce the campaign themes of slower immigration, along with a tougher stance on China and trade. Amidst the political noise, equity markets remained sanguine early in the week, but did lose considerable steam at the end of the week on growing signs that the Fed may not be in a rush to cut rates. Chief among these are signs of slowing progress on the inflation front.
Headline inflation as tracked by the consumer price index (CPI) ticked up in October (see commentary). Inflation pressures were also a little hot under the collar in the core measure, which rose 0.3% m/m for the third consecutive month. Core inflation held steady at 3.3% on a year-on-year basis in October, but the trend over the past three months heated up (Chart 1). Services inflation is showing signs of stickiness, with price growth for core services holding at 4.8% y/y for the second month in a row. This suggests that after some fast initial progress, the final stage of getting inflation back down to the Fed’s 2% target may indeed be a long slog. Producer prices drove home the same point, with growth in core producer price inflation accelerating to 3.1% y/y in October from 2.9% in the month prior.
These latest inflationary trends are not what the Fed wants to see. At a speech this week, Fed Chair Powell noted that “the economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates”, adding that “the strength we are currently seeing in the economy gives us the ability to approach our decisions carefully”. A relatively healthy October retail sales report released on Friday lends support to that latter point. Helped along by an outsized gain in autos, decent growth in retail sales in October built on a healthy September gain to provide a solid start for consumer spending in the fourth quarter, which looks to be tracking 3.3% annualized, up from a few ticks under 3% previously.
The inflation data, combined with Powell’s comments appeared to move markets, sending yields and the dollar moderately higher, while taking a toll on equities. Market odds for the Fed to take a pause on rate cuts have surged higher in recent days, with a probability of a little over 40% (Chart 2). The next payrolls report should be pivotal for the Fed heading into the December meeting, but given that it may continue to show volatility from one-off factors (i.e., recent hurricanes), the Fed will still have its work cut out for it in trying to ascertain the underlying strength in the labor market.
Next week’s economic calendar sees updates on housing in October, which are not likely to show the impact from the recent upswing in mortgage rates yet. The starts data could be messy due to hurricane impacts, while existing home sales are still expected to be solid.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of November 1st, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- The U.S. economy expanded by a robust 2.8% quarter-on-quarter (annualized) in the third quarter, only a touch slower than the 3% pace seen in Q2 in financial news.
- Growth in both income and consumer spending picked up in September while core PCE inflation held steady at 2.7% y/y.
- Employment was essentially flat in October, with the economy adding a meager 12k jobs – well below the already-low 100k consensus estimate. The ongoing Boeing strike and disruptions related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton both weighed on the headline.
The U.S. GDP data delivers treats, but the payrolls report plays tricks
Next week all eyes will be on the U.S. elections and the Federal Reserve meeting. However, this week the focus has been on the health of the U.S. economy – an important reference point for both presidential candidates and the Fed.
Wednesday’s advanced GDP report showed that the U.S. economy is alive and well. Coming on the heels of the solid 3% gain in Q2, the economy expanded by 2.8% (quarter-over-quarter annualized) in Q3. Consumers were the belle of the ball, with spending accelerating to 3.7%, or the fastest pace since Q1 2023 (Chart 1).
This ongoing resilience was further echoed in September’s personal income and spending report. It showed that spending increased by 0.5% m/m in September, outpacing income and indicating that consumers kept their purse strings open as Q3 wrapped up in financial news. Lower prices at the pump in recent weeks may have boosted confidence, giving consumers some reprieve from the ever-rising prices elsewhere. On that front, core PCE deflator – which excludes food and energy – rose 0.3% m/m in September. This held the twelve-month change steady at 2.7% for the third consecutive month, but this was largely due to “base effects”. Importantly, the 3-and-6-month annualized rates of change sit just above the Fed’s 2% inflation target, suggesting we’re likely to see more downward pressure on the year-ago measure in the months ahead.
As we noted in a recent report, there are several reasons consumers may have more momentum than previously anticipated, such as a notable upgrade to personal income in first half of 2024 and a larger buffer of savings. However, the savings cushion is quickly dwindling, with the personal saving rate having now declined for three consecutive months. This suggests we’re likely to see some moderation in consumer spending to something more consistent with a trend-like pace of around 2% in the months ahead.
On that note, October’s payroll report was expected to be a weak one, but still surprised to the downside. The economy added just 12k jobs in October, well below the expectation for a 100k gain, while. Adding to the disappointment, downward revisions shaved 112k from the two prior months’ gains. The ongoing Boeing strike helped to cut over 40k from the headline number in October, while Hurricanes Helene and Milton also likely had a heavy hand weighing down the payrolls figure.
As a result, the Fed will likely look through October’s noisy employment data, and instead focus more on the broader trends showing that the labor market is decelerating but not necessarily deteriorating. Moreover, with the Fed’s preferred wage metric – the Employment Cost Index – showing wage pressures now growing at a pace roughly consistent with 2% inflation, the FOMC should have all the confidence they need to continue to gradually reduce the policy rate. We expect the Fed to cut by 25 basis-points at next week’s meeting. While this decision seems almost certain, the U.S. elections remain a wild card, promising to keep everyone on edge until the final votes are tallied.
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of October 25th, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- U.S. Treasury yields continued to rise as the race for the White House tightened, leading to elevated uncertainty regarding the future path of fiscal policy in financial news.
- Federal Reserve speakers this week noted that further reductions in interest rates would be warranted, although incoming data supported a cautious approach.
- Existing home sales fell to a fourteen year low in September. Elevated interest rates, combined with expectations for lower rates moving forward, worked to keep demand subdued.
Countdown to Election Day
One of the most anticipated global events of 2024 is now nearly a week away. As financial markets anxiously await the outcome of the U.S. presidential and congressional elections, we have seen U.S. Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar rise to three-month highs (Chart 1). The uptick which began earlier this month was initially incited by stronger-than-expected economic data, but recent movements have also likely been driven by the narrowing in the polls for the U.S. presidential election. Given that the election will determine the path of fiscal policy moving forward, and by extension monetary policy, uncertainty related to the outcome is likely to remain a weight on financial markets through to November 5th.
Elevated interest rates continued to dampen housing market activity in September, as existing home sales fell to their lowest level since 2010! Demand is also likely being restrained in part by consumer expectations for lower interest rates moving forward, with Federal Reserve Chair Powell indicating that rates would likely be trending lower through the coming year during his press conference last month. Existing home sales are likely to remain subdued in the near-term as mortgage rates moved back above 6½% in October. Nevertheless, the housing market is expected to thaw over the coming year as the Federal Reserve continues to reduce borrowing costs.
The Federal Reserve will be entering its pre-interest rate decision blackout period this weekend, with no further updates expected until Chair Powell’s post-meeting press conference on November 7th. The Fed officials we heard from this week stated that the strength of incoming economic data would warrant caution in future policy decisions, but all speakers noted that the trajectory of interest rates would continue to be downward. Market pricing has pulled back their expectations for rate cuts, but they are now realigned with the Federal Reserve’s median projection from the September Summary of Economic Projections (Chart 2).
Next week sees a bumper crop of data releases that will be key inputs to the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. The advance estimate for real GDP growth in the third quarter is expected to show the economy continuing to grow at a strong pace of 3.0%. While employment growth remained solid in the third quarter, October’s employment report due out next Friday is expected to show a deceleration in job gains (125k vs. 254k in September). The Federal Reserve will also be monitoring the release of their preferred inflation metric next week, core PCE, which is expected to show a modest decline to 2.6% in September.
Assuming there are no surprises in the incoming data, the Federal Reserve is expected to continue to cut rates at a pace of 25 basis points per meeting through the end of the year. Chair Powell’s remarks on November 7th will be monitored closely for guidance, although they may be competing with the results of the 2024 election for the attention of financial markets. Suffice it to say, markets will not be left wanting for important developments in the coming weeks.
Andrew Foran, Economist | 416-350-8927
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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Financial News for the Week of October 18th, 2024
Financial News Highlights
- The retail sales report once again reinforced the message that the U.S. consumer continues to brush off headwinds in financial news.
- Personal income growth, some remaining pandemic savings, and a healthy labor market should help to support trend-like growth in personal consumption expenditures into early 2025.
- A still healthy labor market, and a commitment to data dependency means a measured and deliberate approach to interest rate reductions.
Slow and Steady
U.S. Treasury yields were on the rise again this week (Chart 1) as a brighter picture of the consumer pared back rate cut bets in financial news. The September retail sales report once again reinforced the message that the consumer continues to plow ahead, brushing off headwinds from higher rates and two years’ worth of rapid cost-of-living increases. Policymakers and markets continue to assess that interest rates need to fall further, but the timing and level of where they ultimately land remains hotly debated.
Data are streaming in and showing consumers, the backbone of the U.S. economy, are willing and able to spend on goods and services at a healthy pace. Retail sales figures for September rose 0.4% month-on-month, beating out economists’ expectations. Moreover, the “control group” of less volatile expenditure categories surged 0.7% for the month as spending on clothing, personal care and miscellaneous goods surged. With stronger than expected economic news, bond yields surged, rising 6 basis points (bps) through Thursday’s close.
The print suggests plenty of momentum in consumption expenditures into the third quarter, providing a fillip to GDP growth. However, strong doesn’t mean that monetary policy isn’t exerting pressure on households. Sales of motor vehicle dealers were down marginally, as were expenditures on furniture and electronics stores (Chart 2). These categories of goods are more interest rate sensitive, leaving them most susceptible to the still elevated interest rate environment.
However, as we noted this week, the recent upward revision to personal income means households are still holding excess savings that can be deployed. While the funds are mostly concentrated among higher income households that are less likely to spend, their availability means that demand for durable goods could rise as interest rates slowly fall. This sentiment was echoed by Fed Governor Waller this week, when he noted that his “business contacts believe that there is considerable pent-up demand for durable goods, home improvements and other big-ticket items”.
While the labor market is gradually rebalancing, personal income growth is still robust and some remaining pandemic savings should help to support trend-like growth in personal consumption expenditures into early 2025. Carefully balancing strong growth and a healthy labor market against the risks of a flare-up in inflation will likely leave the Fed adopting a relatively cautious and data dependent approach to interest rates – caution Governor Waller reiterated stating, “monetary policy should proceed with more caution on the pace of rate cuts than was needed at the September meeting.”
Policy remains highly restrictive, and more easing is on the way. A still healthy labor market, and a commitment to data dependency means a measured and deliberate approach to policy. This leaves us thinking the Fed will deliver two more quarter point cuts through 2024.
Andrew Hencic, Senior Economist | 416-944-5307
This Financial News report is provided by TD Economics. It is for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of writing and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The views and opinions expressed may change at any time based on market or other conditions and may not come to pass. This material is not intended to be relied upon as investment advice or recommendations, does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered specific legal, investment or tax advice. The report does not provide material information about the business and affairs of TD Bank Group and the members of TD Economics are not spokespersons for TD Bank Group with respect to its business and affairs. The information contained in this financial news report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. This report contains economic analysis and views, including about future economic and financial markets performance. These are based on certain assumptions and other factors and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may be materially different. The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities that comprise the TD Bank Group are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information, analysis or views contained in this report, or for any loss or damage suffered. Do you have any questions about your finances? As financial advisors in Cornelius NC, Naples FL, and Moultonborough NH we are happy to help.
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