Core Insights - Consumer confidence has declined for the fourth consecutive month, dropping 6.8 points to 88.7 in November, marking the lowest level since April [1][6] - The decline in consumer confidence is attributed to concerns over the labor market and economic expectations, particularly in light of a recent government shutdown and ongoing inflation [3][4][8] Consumer Sentiment - Consumers are entering the holiday season with a negative outlook, reflecting a "bah-humbug" sentiment as confidence reaches its lowest levels since April [1] - The Conference Board's survey indicates that consumer spending, a critical component of the U.S. economy, may be affected by these declining confidence levels [2] Labor Market Concerns - There are growing worries about the labor market, with expectations for job and income growth in 2026 being negatively impacted [4][7] - Despite job additions reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate has risen to 4.4%, contributing to consumer anxiety [7] Economic Outlook - The near-term economic outlook remains in recessionary territory for the tenth consecutive month, with consumers expressing concerns about current business conditions and labor market opportunities [3][6] - The impact of the longest federal government shutdown on consumer confidence is evident, as the survey period extended beyond the end of the shutdown, limiting any immediate positive effects on sentiment [8]

Australia’s core inflation came in stronger than anticipated in October, suggesting the Reserve Bank will remain on the sidelines as it tries to assess whether the economy is running beyond its speed limit https://t.co/j4HtuJBPDt ...

Economic Overview - The PPI report for September indicates that wholesale prices are rising less than expected, suggesting a potential cooling of inflation [1] - Consumer confidence has hit its lowest level since April, raising concerns about the labor market [1][11] - Retail sales numbers have softened, following a previous gain of 610 million [1][3] Inflation and Federal Reserve - The Atlanta Fed's growth estimate is at 4%, supported by strong consumer spending and capital expenditures [3][7] - Commodity prices are near a 52-week low, and energy prices are moderating, contributing to a positive inflation outlook [4] - The Fed is expected to respond to the improving inflation outlook and the current rates being above neutral [4][9] Labor Market Insights - The labor market has shown signs of weakness, with significant downward revisions in job numbers for 2023 [6] - Concerns exist regarding college graduates struggling to find jobs, attributed to a slowing job market and the impact of AI [11][13] - Small businesses continue to show high confidence levels, which are crucial for job creation [12] Capital Expenditures and Future Outlook - Capital spending has seen a 15% increase in the first half of the year, the best performance since 2011, which typically leads to hiring [13] - Optimism around the administration's policies on capital expensing is contributing to an investment boom [7] - A forecast suggests that the labor market will improve for new graduates by 2026 [14]

Consumer Sentiment and Spending Trends - US consumers are showing signs of fatigue leading up to the longest government shutdown, with a worsened outlook impacting the holiday-shopping season [1] - Retail sales increased by a modest 0.2% in September, following several months of stronger spending, indicating a slowdown in consumer consumption [2][9] - Consumer sentiment has dropped to its lowest level in seven months, reflecting concerns about the labor market and overall economic conditions [2] Corporate Earnings and Retail Performance - Recent corporate earnings indicate that consumers are pulling back on big-ticket items and are more inclined to seek bargains, although some retailers like Kohl's and Best Buy have raised their forecasts [4] - Best Buy reported better-than-expected demand during back-to-school shopping and anticipates a strong Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with over half of Americans expecting to spend at least the same amount as last year during the holiday season [5] Economic Indicators and Federal Reserve Outlook - The pre-shutdown economy shows a decline in discretionary spending categories, suggesting a slowdown in consumer momentum [8][10] - The producer price index (PPI) data indicates a modest increase in wholesale inflation, which may influence Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates [7][11] - Policymakers are divided on whether to lower interest rates, with ongoing debates about employment and inflation levels [8][12] Consumer Spending Disparities - Aggregate consumer spending is increasingly supported by wealthier households, while lower- and middle-income groups are facing challenges due to slower wage growth and rising essential costs [10] - There is a disconnect between consumer confidence and actual spending, with indications that incomes may not be rising as quickly as consumer spending suggests [13][14]

Morning. We finally got the PPI report for September. It showed wholesale prices rising less than expected.It's a sign that inflation may be cooling, but concerns are still brewing over the consumer. Confidence hitting its lowest level since April and elevated concerns about the jobs picture. We also got a softer retail sales number this morning.Where does that leave the Fed. Where does it leave the economy. Joining us now, Joe Levia.He is counselor to the Treasury Secretary. And Joe, it's great to have you ...

Core Insights - Consumer confidence fell significantly in November, reaching a level of 88.7, down from an upwardly revised 95.5 in October, and below the expected 93.4 [1][12] - The decline in consumer confidence is attributed to concerns over prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and political issues, including the federal government shutdown [2][12] Consumer Sentiment - Nearly 25% of American households are living paycheck to paycheck, indicating financial strain among consumers [3] - Consumer confidence decreased across nearly all income levels, with only those earning less than $15,000 showing an improvement, although they remain the least optimistic group [5] - The overall tone of consumer write-in responses was more negative in November compared to October, with mentions of the labor market easing slightly but still prominent [5] Demographic Insights - Confidence declined among political groups, with independent voters experiencing the sharpest drop [6] - Younger consumers under 35 showed improved confidence, while those aged 55 and older remained the most pessimistic [6] Economic Expectations - Consumers' inflation expectations for the next year rose to a median of 4.8%, with the Expectations Index remaining below 80 for ten consecutive months, indicating potential recession signals [8] - All components of the Expectations Index worsened in November, particularly pessimism regarding business conditions six months ahead [11] Implications for Monetary Policy - The significant drop in consumer confidence may pressure the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts in December and beyond, as indicated by economic analysts [13]

and stocks will still climb even higher. Ed Yardeni is the president of Yard Denny Research joins us now. It's good to see you.You don't shy away from controversial takes. Some might find this to be just that. Why do you think this market can go higher even if the Fed does little.>> Well, I think that if the Fed does cut rates, we'll have to watch what the bond market does because last year when the Fed cut the Fed funds rate by 100 basis points, the the bond yield went up by 100 basis points. Uh I think mu ...

Core Viewpoint - The market has the potential to rise even if the Federal Reserve (Fed) does not cut interest rates, primarily due to strong earnings growth despite some economic indicators showing weakness [3][4]. Economic Indicators - Recent retail sales numbers were weak, and the Producer Price Index (PPI) did not show strong performance, indicating mixed economic signals [3]. - The unemployment rate is increasing, which raises concerns about the Fed's timing in making rate cuts [4]. Earnings Performance - Analysts had anticipated low single-digit increases in earnings for the first three quarters of the year, but actual earnings growth came in at 10% to 15% [3][4]. Labor Market Dynamics - The labor market is facing challenges that may not be resolved by lowering interest rates, including retiring baby boomers and a skills mismatch among workers [5][6]. - Despite strong GDP growth projected at around 4% for the second and third quarters, payroll employment growth is lagging, suggesting productivity increases are outpacing job growth [6]. Federal Reserve's Position - The Fed's potential rate cuts may not significantly impact the bond market, as seen in previous instances where rate cuts did not lead to lower bond yields [7][8]. - Inflation remains around 3%, complicating the Fed's decision-making process regarding rate adjustments [8]. Market Sentiment - There is a prevailing sentiment that if the Fed lowers rates, it could reduce the risk of economic weakness, but persistent inflation may lead to future rate hikes [8][9]. - Concerns exist about a potential "meltup" in the stock market, where rapid price increases could lead to instability [11].

Core Insights - Inflation is significantly impacting US incomes, comparable to the 2008 Great Recession, which may reduce consumer spending power ahead of the holiday shopping season [1] - The median income growth for individuals aged 25 to 54 is only 1.6% when adjusted for inflation, indicating weak income growth [1][10] - The unemployment rate increased to 4.4% in September, the highest since October 2021, affecting income gains for young workers [6][13] Income and Spending Trends - Households are ending the year with stagnant income growth and flat bank balances after adjusting for inflation [2] - Approximately half of workers aged 50 to 54 have experienced an earnings loss when accounting for inflation [8] - Consumers are facing a holiday season with limited budgets due to low income growth, despite strong stock market gains that are unevenly distributed [11] Inflation and Economic Indicators - US inflation rose by 3% year-on-year in September, the fastest rate since January, while wholesale inflation increased by only 0.3% [12][14] - Retail sales saw a nominal increase of 0.2% in September, but actual spending fell by 0.1% due to a 0.3% rise in prices [12] - Consumer confidence dropped to 88.7 in November, the lowest since April, with a significant decline in perceptions of business conditions and job availability [14]

Core Insights - The race for the next Federal Reserve chair is competitive, with Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Chris Waller as leading candidates, all of whom have shown a focus on price stability while also responding to President Trump's demands for rate cuts [2][3][5][6] Candidate Profiles - **Kevin Hassett**: Currently the National Economic Council Director, he emphasizes Fed independence and sound monetary policies. He has criticized the Fed's past decisions and supports a significant rate cut in December [7][10][11] - **Kevin Warsh**: A former Fed governor, he has been critical of the Fed's current policies and argues for a reevaluation of inflation forecasts, suggesting that AI will positively impact productivity and reduce inflation [20][21][23] - **Chris Waller**: Currently a Fed governor, he supports rate cuts due to concerns about the job market and believes inflation is close to the Fed's target of 2% [12][13][14] Market Implications - The potential nomination of a candidate inclined towards lower interest rates could lead to a more dovish Federal Reserve, which may influence market expectations and economic conditions [26][27] - The emphasis on loyalty to President Trump as a criterion for the Fed chair raises concerns about the independence of the central bank, which could have significant implications for monetary policy and market reactions [27][28]