申万宏源：2026年美国通胀或呈现“前高后低”特征

Core Viewpoint - The report from Shenwan Hongyuan indicates that U.S. inflation may exhibit a "high then low" characteristic in 2026, with the first half being influenced by tariff transmission and tax cuts, and the second half potentially experiencing a deflationary trend [1][5]. Group 1: Tariff Effects on Inflation - Since the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs," the risk of re-inflation in the U.S. has been manageable, and it has not become a major issue for monetary policy or capital markets [2]. - The inflation effect of tariffs has been systematically lower than expected, with the core inflation driven mainly by core goods while core services continue to cool down [2]. - As of October 2025, the effective tariff rate in the U.S. was only 12.4%, below the theoretical rate of 15.7%, indicating limited room for tariff increases due to various factors [3]. Group 2: Cost Accounting of Tariffs - Companies have been absorbing more tariff costs, which has helped keep inflation pressures manageable. As of September 2025, exporters, importers, and consumers bore 6%, 37%, and 57% of the tariff costs, respectively [4]. - The uncertainty of tariff policies and weakening domestic demand in the U.S. have constrained price increases, with companies delaying price hikes due to excess imports [4]. - By the fourth quarter of 2025, the momentum for companies to pass on tariff costs has increased, with expectations for further transmission in 2026 [4]. Group 3: Future Inflation Risks - The report predicts that if the tariff transmission rate approaches 70%, inflation may show stronger "stickiness," with core PCE year-on-year expected to be 2.8%, 2.6%, and 2.5% under different transmission rate scenarios of 90%, 70%, and 50% respectively by the end of 2026 [5]. - Potential risks beyond tariffs include cyclical and metal inflation on the upside, and productivity improvements and tariff exemptions on the downside [5]. - The Federal Reserve's monetary policy is closely linked to inflation risks, with expectations of a pause in rate cuts in the first half of 2026, followed by 1-2 rate cuts in the second half as deflation begins [5].