Mohamed El-Erian: 2% is the wrong inflation target

Monetary Policy & Interest Rates - The market is uncertain about Fed Chair Powell's upcoming statements on future rate cuts at Jackson Hole [1] - The Fed is expected to maintain maximum policy optionality, potentially conflicting with the White House's desires [2] - The advisor suggests the Fed should have already cut rates, advocating for a cut in September [11] - A 25 basis point cut is recommended, but a 50 basis point cut is possible if a poor labor report precedes the September meeting [11] - Maintaining optionality risks being late, potentially leading to a larger policy error [12][13] Inflation & Economic Outlook - The advisor notes "sticky inflation" at 25%-3% and suggests that as long as inflationary expectations are anchored, the economy can tolerate this level [13] - The advisor argues that the current 2% inflation target may be inappropriate given structural changes in the economy [13][14] - The advisor believes the Fed is excessively data-dependent, reacting to past data rather than anticipating future trends [3][4] Labor Market - The unemployment rate of 42% is the only reassuring indicator in the labor market [8] - Other labor market indicators, along with company reports and college graduate outcomes, suggest a softening labor market [9] - The labor market's decline is not linear, with potential for sudden downturns following initial slowdowns [10][11]