Stagflationary Data…Again

Futures are off sharply on a very stagflationary offering of economic data. Q1 GDP rose at only 1.6% versus expectations of 2.4%, while core PCE prices rose 3.7% against expectations of 3.4%. The PCE index itself is due out tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Labor Department reported that unemployment claims for the week ended April 20 came … continue reading →

PCE in Line

January headline PCE registered a 0.3% increase MoM (0.4% Core) which was in line with most estimates. YoY, headline PCE rose 2.4% versus 2.6% in December, while core PCE rose 2.8%, down from 2.9% in December. In other economic data, personal income rose to 1.0% MoM from 0.3% in December and personal spending rose at … continue reading →

PCE in Line, Home Sales Beat

PCE increased 0.2% MoM and 2.6% YoY in December, in line with most estimates. Core PCE increased 2.9% YoY.  This is the smallest gain since Mar 2021. Drilling down, goods rose 1.1% (durable goods 1.5%) in December while services rose 0.3%. Real PCE rose 3.2% YoY, with the goods category growing 5% and durable goods … continue reading →

Q4 GDP Beats

Q4 advanced GDP came in at 3.3% annualized versus 2.0% estimates and full year 2023’s 2.5%. The PCE price index and durable goods orders came in as expected, though durable goods ex-transportation came in sharply higher than estimates.  The numbers… Futures had already bounced at the rising white channel midline, but extended their gains after … continue reading →

PCE Gives Fed Room to Cut

PCE came in below expectations. Headline was -0.1% MoM and 2.6% YoY. Core was +0.1% and 3.2% YoY.  This was the smallest rise since April 21, and offers the Fed additional room to consider cuts in 2024 should the trend continue.Futures added to modest gains after the print.  The key issue remains: whether the moderating … continue reading →

PCE On the Rise

After falling for months, YoY PCE ticked higher in July: 3.3% versus 3.0% in June. Excluding food and energy, the print was 4.2% versus 4.1% in June.The data pared some of the overnight ramp, with futures easing lower as we approach the opening bell. In other economic news, personal spending (0.8% MoM) rose faster than … continue reading →

Some Like It Hot

If you’re a retailer, you might be thrilled with the personal income and personal spending beat last month (0.4% vs 0.3% exp and 0.8% versus 0.4% expected.) If you’re a manufacturer, you might be pleased with durable goods coming in at a +1.1% versus the -1.3% expected. But, if you’re a member of the FOMC, … continue reading →

Mixed Messages

Futures bounced off our 50-day MA target and are up sharply on NVDA‘s blowout earnings/forecast, egged on by Speaker McCarthy’s latest promise that a debt ceiling resolution is on the way. Of course, this bullishness is unwarranted from a Fed rate hike perspective. Initial claims came in below expectations and Q2 GDP (the deflator was … continue reading →

Debt Ceiling Worries

We’re starting to see cracks in the equities and bond markets related to the debt ceiling. Interest rates are ratcheting higher. And, although OPEX-related maneuvers are working to prop up stocks, we had a momentary breakdown in SPX yesterday. Utilities, a bond proxy for some, have taken a big hit this week as investors shift … continue reading →