Jim Grant says U.S. economic data could make the case for an interest rate hike

Market Outlook - The market is pricing in a September rate cut, but economic signals could support a rate hike instead [1] - Financial conditions are currently very easy, according to the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank's financial conditions index [3] - The market's expectation of a rate cut is influenced by the political narrative from the White House [4] Monetary Policy - There's a preference cascade for lower rates worldwide, although higher rates might be justifiable [6] - The chairman of the Federal Reserve may be influenced by pressure to cut rates [5] - Inflation remains a problem [2] Economic Indicators - The economy appears to be performing adequately [2] - Various indicators, including valuation and the return of speculative stocks, suggest a financial party is ongoing [2]