Core Viewpoint - The main near-term concern for the U.S. dollar is the potential influence of U.S. President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve, which could lead to an overly dovish monetary policy stance [1] Group 1 - Pressure from President Trump may shift the Federal Reserve's approach, impacting the U.S. dollar's strength [1]

US stocks extended declines Thursday as investors awaited fresh catalysts and an inflation report that may shape Federal Reserve policy https://t.co/mAFlrxb1k9 ...

Inflation Outlook - Stiffel expects a relatively benign Producer Price Index (PPI) report, with a slight increase of a couple of tenths of a percentage point, but notes that price pressures remain elevated above the 2% target [3] - A significant rise in both PPI and Consumer Price Index (CPI) could potentially cause the Federal Reserve (Fed) to pause before making a move in September [12] - The market is anticipating a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed [13] Monetary Policy - The Fed is shifting its focus back to full employment due to cooling labor market data [4] - Elevated inflation levels will likely put a floor on any further potential rate adjustments beyond a near-term reduction [4] - The market is looking for the Fed to move towards or further into neutral [7] - An outsized 50 basis point move by the Fed is unlikely, but a dissent in favor of a larger cut may be seen [19] - More than two rate cuts this year may be overly aggressive, with potential cuts in September and possibly December [20] - Upside risk remains, as accelerating inflationary pressures could eliminate the Fed's ability to push through even a second rate cut [21] Economic Conditions - The economy is losing momentum and slowing down in some aspects, but not necessarily heading for an outright downturn [8] - The biggest risk is a stagflationary scenario, with the Fed tolerating above-target inflation, potentially leading to a stagnant economy with elevated price pressures [10] - The labor market data is not all pointing in the same direction, with a low unemployment rate near 4% but varying data points [15][16] - Consumption has been holding up relatively steady, with retail sales numbers around 4% [17]

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean has experienced significant stock growth, but may face challenges in maintaining momentum due to macroeconomic factors and consumer spending trends [1][2][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - Royal Caribbean's stock has surged more than sevenfold over the past three years and more than doubled for the fiscal year ending August 21 [1]. - The company is recognized as one of the best executors in the cruise industry, with a loyalty program that encourages repeat visitation [4]. - Analysts expect Royal Caribbean to achieve growth in EBITDA, free cash flow, and revenue this year and in 2026, with a strong earnings per share (EPS) trajectory [6]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The company faces tough year-over-year comparisons and macroeconomic headwinds that could impact its performance [2][7]. - Royal Caribbean has significant outstanding liabilities of $19 billion against cash and cash equivalents of $735 million, making it sensitive to interest rate changes [9]. - Consumer sentiment is showing signs of weakening, with a Deutsche Bank survey indicating that travelers aged 55 and up expect to spend 4% less on their next cruise [12]. Group 3: Valuation and Investor Sentiment - Royal Caribbean trades at 17 times earnings, which is higher than its peer group trading at 10x to 13x, potentially leading investors to seek other cruise stocks [13]. - Historical reluctance among investors to own all major cruise stocks simultaneously may affect Royal Caribbean's attractiveness [14]. - The company is seen as a challenging investment due to its dependence on consumer sentiment and macroeconomic data, suggesting that investors may look for better opportunities [15].

Federal Reserve Policy & Interest Rate - A rate cut in September may be appropriate, but the Fed remains data dependent [3] - The market is pricing in two more rate cuts after September, which may not be accurate [4] - Commentary from Fed officials since Jackson Hole has been cautionary regarding the pace of rate cuts [5] - Inflation numbers are not necessarily giving comfort to the need for a campaign of cutting rates just yet [5] Job Market Analysis - The job market is cooling, but not cold, with the unemployment rate at 43%, which is not alarming [2] - The jobs report was roughly as expected [2] Market Reaction & Financial Conditions - Markets want validation of their expectation that the Fed will start to be more accommodative [7] - Markets may be building in expectations a little ahead of themselves [7] - Financial conditions are pretty accommodative, suggesting a mixed picture [7][8] - Markets are looking for the news they want to hear, as opposed to a more balanced picture [8] - The Russell 2000 is up over 1%, with equities moving higher on potentially bad news [6] Credibility of Economic Data - The numbers have always been credible [9][11] - Large revisions were due to the federal government's slow reporting, especially during downturns [10] Fed Independence Concerns - The Fed's independence is questioned with the nomination of Steven Moran, who would keep a job in the administration [11][12] - The market should be paying attention to moves against the independence of the Fed [13] - The market has shrugged at this in terms of equities and the bond market [14]

Market Sentiment & Fed Policy - The market is trying to interpret whether bad economic news will lead to a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve [1][2][3] - A softening job market could prompt the Fed to act, but the S&P 500's level of approximately 6,300 may not reflect this potential weakness [3] - Inflation is seen as a greater constraint on the Fed's actions than weak jobs data [9] - The market is anticipating the August payroll number before the next Fed meeting [7] Economic Indicators & Job Market - A previous jobs report was considered bad news due to a Fed governor stepping down and issues with the BLS [2] - A three-month average of 35,000 jobs was the worst seen since before COVID [7] - There's a possibility of a large "jolts number," indicating a shortage of people to fill available payroll positions [11] Earnings Season & Market Outlook - The recent earnings season has been extraordinary, with approximately 9% of companies beating earnings estimates and around 7.5% beating top-line estimates, and about 4% on the bottom line [5] - Despite stellar reports from mega-cap tech companies, the market experienced a sell-off [13] - August through October are historically the weakest months for the S&P 500, suggesting a potential revisit of the sell-off in the coming weeks [12]

Market Reaction & Data Trust - Market is likely to react to recent data revisions, but a significant fallout is not immediately apparent [1][2] - The market was surprised due to lower volatility and liquidity during the summer months [2] - The industry continues to trust the data, acknowledging that some data points are estimates that are backfilled later [5] - Every report needs to be scrutinized in the context of the Federal Reserve's policy shift [6] Labor Market & Economic Narrative - The focus remains on the labor market, specifically the absence of increased layoffs [3] - The prevailing narrative is that employers are hoarding labor [4] - The market perceives the labor market as more critical than inflation, a sentiment telegraphed by the Federal Reserve [8] - Fears of the Federal Reserve being behind the curve are expected to escalate [9] Inflation & Federal Reserve Policy - Incremental inflationary pressures are considered less of a concern, with a return to the "transitory" narrative [10] - Political challenges of elevated unemployment are expected to be more concerning to the Federal Reserve [11] - It's possible the Federal Reserve would have acted differently on rate policy with correct data [8] Investment Strategy - Current guidance advises clients to remain overly diversified across risk spectrums [12] - Fixed income acted as a ballast during the equity drawdown, and foreign markets have been supportive [12] - The industry is constantly seeking opportunities to add or reduce risk based on the evolving environment [13]

[Music] On June 18th, the Federal Reserve wrapped up its most recent FOMC meeting where they left the Fed funds rate unchanged for the fourth straight time and gave the largely expected comments about continuing to monitor inflation and labor market data amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The chairman mentioned particular uncertainty around the inflationary effects of tariff policy. It takes some time for tariffs to work their way through the chain of distribution to the end consumer.we're beginning to see ...