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Stocks, Rates and Inflation: Assessing Risks and OpportunitiesOver the last year, there have been increasing concerns about threats to the US and global economies, mainly due to all the rate hikes from the Fed and other central banks. However, these fears have definitely not played out, as consumer spending and business hiring have shown surprising durability in the US, despite rate hikes and inflation. Several factors explain the stock rebound since mid-2022: - Bearish positioning left room for a short squeeze as negative expectations didn’t play out at all. Attention has returned to quality large-cap technology firms leading in AI development like Google and Microsoft, as their innovations promise productivity gains that support growth. - Ongoing passive investing inflows, corporate buybacks, past fiscal stimulus, and excess savings, the Fed and Treasury generating shadow liquidity, China and Japan keeping rates low and stimulating, the massive deficits of the US government (investors know the US is essentially ‘broke’). - Inflation coming down is also boosting stocks, as stocks are mainly valued based on inflation, not interest rates. - The Fed might have finished its hiking cycle or might have one last hike left. Current rate expectations are indicating that rate cuts will come by early 2024. While earnings seem to be plateauing from peak levels, profitability remains healthy overall. GDP growth remains positive and revised higher, the US economy keeps adding jobs and the unemployment rate remains at record lows. Global challenges persist, as supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures from the Ukraine war might come back at any time, despite having significantly subsided. Demographic trends of aging populations in developed countries also drag on labor force expansion and economic growth. High debt loads worldwide likewise limit stimulus options without leading to inflation or instability. While inflation has moderated, it remains elevated and sensitive to many factors, from geopolitical instability to climate change. More concerning, inflation has eased without a clear link to the Fed’s policy tightening. It’s improbable that the Fed hikes were the ones that pushed inflation from 9.1% down to 3%, as rate hikes act with long and variable lags. This is raising doubts about the Fed, it's forecasting, and its monetary policy’s effectiveness in controlling inflation over the long term, especially as their current super-tight interest rate policy could lead to catastrophic deflation and recession. Given rising recession risks, the Fed will likely be forced to reverse course and start cutting rates by the end of 2024. This policy whiplash carries risks of its own, as we currently seem to be heading toward a deflationary shock, which might be followed by another inflationary wave. With massive deficits, the Fed also faces constraints from high-interest costs on debt even as its policies try to restrain growth and inflation. The economy isn't a simple dial the Fed can turn on and off. What’s even more concerning, is that the Fed is essentially trying to suppress wage gains and cause unemployment to curb inflation, which is something that could induce an inequality-worsening spiral. In our opinion, a more balanced approach recognizes that moderate wage growth won’t spur runaway inflation, especially as technology evolves work. The policy should prepare workers for automation and AI through training programs, not just reactively responding to lagging data as it is currently doing. The Fed’s constraints highlight the need for creative solutions to complement monetary policy. The economy is a multifaceted system requiring diverse policy responses. With vision and flexibility, emerging technologies like AI have immense potential to broadly uplift living standards. But this requires inclusive policies and acknowledging the economy's dynamism. The future likely holds turbulence, but with strategic foresight productivity gains can be harnessed for the benefit of all. Despite concerns over rising rates, the fundamental backdrop remains favorable for stocks. Many investors have grown excessively bearish and underestimate the market's upside potential. Sentiment and positioning remain bearish and cautious, with most investors underestimating all the positive headwinds for stocks, especially productivity gains from AI, falling inflation, falling rates, and currency debasement. Crucially, the rally since mid-2022 has not been fueled by leverage, unlike past bubbles. Margin debt levels decreased last year, reducing systemic risk. The market has a strong foundation to build on gains, especially as most unprofitable tech has been clobbered and hasn’t recovered, unlike US tech behemoths. Big tech and AI stocks are leading the way higher, forming a new monopoly built on network effects and immense scale. Their nearly unassailable competitive advantages will drive growth for years to come. Although in the short-term sentiment has turned bullish, hence a 10% correction is possible, we don’t think that a new bear market is in the cards until stocks make new all-time highs. In conclusion, while risks remain, the US economy has proven resilient amid rate hikes and inflation. Productivity gains from AI innovations, coupled with prudent and flexible policymaking, can support continued growth and market gains if properly harnessed. Investors should look through short-term volatility and maintain a constructive long-term outlook.
TVC:DXY
by BitcoinMacro
$BTC - Bulls vs Bears All you need to know about #bitcoin and where it's at , Fundamentally and TA speaking ; Fundamentally, there is a mixed feeling between Bulls and Bears. They both have their solid case ; Recently #bitcoin has been fueled in price by the Banking Crisis which is likely to continue, and Feds may be on no support of banks bailout, as the US Debt Ceiling has reached it's climax and Congress seem to be very against expanding it furthermore. All this Banking Craze might give #Bitcoin a real Bullish fundamental case when it comes to being applied as ; ' Be your own Bank ' ... adding in to that, Technical Case of TA with 19.6K holding so far as a Higher Low from 15K (which indicates a bullish uptrend momentum and a speculative Bottom there compared to previous Halving Cycles) While with Bears on the other side foreseeing incoming looming times for Financial Markets and a US Recession or a Global One (with BRICS coming forth united) adding high risk to TVC:DXY as a Global Reserve Currency. China and Russia have been purchasing Gold heavily past year and ongoing through 2023 Bears have a real case as well as we've seen #bitcoin being highly correlated to Equities Sector of Wall Street, so it won't escape their gravity pull on Bearish Momentum. Whatever happens between Bulls VS Bears that is yet to be seen. 2023 has been so far the year of OANDA:XAUUSD (Gold) and other precious metals due to Macro Economic Risks, Banks Meltdown, and Geo Politics (BRICS and Russia vs Ukraine ongoing war) Bitcoin being an deflationary asset in it's nature , has out-performed them YTD with a high of 72% ROI . Future belongs to the Bulls alongside deflationary assets.
by Mr_J__fx
Analyzing Inflation: COVID-19, Energy, Conflict & LaborInflation, a critical financial and economic indicator, has been significantly impacted by various factors in recent years. This article delves into the influence of COVID-19, changes in work patterns, labor market shifts, energy sector decisions, and the Russia-Ukraine war on inflation, presenting a comprehensive analysis of our present financial landscape. COVID-19 and Supply Chains: A Recipe for Inflation The global pandemic, COVID-19, significantly disrupted supply chains worldwide. With a combination of limited supply and robust or surging demand, the result was inevitable - a price increase, a key driver of inflation. Rising costs of materials, labor, energy, and transportation, all amplified by the pandemic, made goods more expensive to manufacture and transport, further contributing to inflation. The aftermath of these disruptions led to a ripple effect: a rise in supply chain costs. Consumers facing higher prices found themselves with reduced disposable income, which could, in theory, lower demand. However, the essential nature of many goods affected by these disruptions likely negated this potential offset, fueling inflation further. In the long run, these disruptions could lead to persistent inflation. The pandemic has exposed the fragility of 'just-in-time' inventories and the impact of underinvestment in global commodity supply chains, adding to inflationary pressures. Consequently, inflation may become a more permanent fixture, disrupting business planning and forecasting and adding another layer of complexity to the economic environment. Labor Market Shifts: From Crisis to Recovery The pandemic has considerably affected the labor market, resulting in significant shifts and shortages across various sectors. The initial outbreak led to severe job losses, with the global unemployment rate peaking at 13%. However, as economies start to reopen, we're seeing an interesting trend: people voluntarily leave their roles, even as worker demand increases. This labor shortage, induced by changing demographics, border controls, immigration limits, and the call for better pay and flexible work arrangements, presents another challenge in our economic landscape. Furthermore, the acceleration of digitalization and the gig economy could have enduring effects on labor supply and productivity. The crisis has potentially long-term implications, like automation's role in slowing the employment recovery in service occupations. Remote Work: A Double-Edged Sword The rise of remote work, while offering significant societal and economic benefits, also carries potential inflationary effects. Increased demand for houses/apartments, home office equipment, utilities, and other home-centric products and services has led to price hikes, accelerating inflation. Moreover, while remote work has the potential to boost productivity and create new job opportunities, it also brings challenges. Difficulties in collaboration, communication hurdles, and blurred work-life boundaries could negatively impact productivity, painting a more complex picture of remote work's overall effect on productivity and inflation. Energy Decisions: A Balancing Act The decision to reduce investments in nuclear energy and fossil fuels can influence inflation and the overall energy market. A decline in energy production can lead to price increases due to supply-demand imbalances, contributing to inflation. Moreover, reduced domestic energy production may increase dependence on imported energy, which, if more expensive or if international energy prices rise, could also lead to inflation. Transitioning to green energy without adequate investment and planning could lead to shortages and disruptions, driving up energy prices and contributing to inflation. While renewable energy technologies are advancing rapidly, they cannot fully replace the capacity provided by nuclear and fossil fuels in many countries. This could lead to energy shortages and price increases, particularly if the transition to green energy outpaces the technology's readiness. The variability of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, presents another challenge. Without adequate energy storage and grid infrastructure investment to manage this variability, energy supply disruptions and price spikes could become more common. Moreover, a rapid transition to green energy could displace existing energy jobs before adequate green energy jobs are created. This could lead to economic instability and potentially contribute to inflation. While the long-term costs of renewable energy can be lower than fossil fuels, the initial investment required to build renewable energy infrastructure can be high. Higher energy prices can pass these costs to consumers, contributing to inflation. In conclusion, while the transition to green energy is crucial for addressing climate change, this transition must be well-planned and well-managed. Policymakers must strike a careful balance between the urgency of climate action and the need to maintain energy security and economic stability. The Russia-Ukraine War: Geopolitical Inflation The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also played a role in driving inflation. The war has disrupted the supply of essential commodities such as oil, gas, metals, wheat, and corn, pushing their prices upwards. These nations are major suppliers of these commodities, and their reduced supplies have led to sharp price increases worldwide. Furthermore, the conflict has exacerbated global supply chain disruptions, already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to heightened inflationary expectations among businesses and consumers. Additionally, the war has significantly increased oil and gas prices, particularly in Europe, directly impacting inflation and household spending. The war has also weakened global economic confidence, further fueling inflationary pressures. Countries already grappling with financial challenges, such as Lebanon and Zimbabwe, have been severely impacted by the inflationary effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. Overall, the conflict is estimated to add about 2% to global inflation in 2022 and 1% in 2023, compared to pre-war forecasts. Conclusion In conclusion, the dynamic interplay of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work, labor market shifts, energy sector decisions, and the Russia-Ukraine war has significantly influenced inflation. Policymakers, economists, and businesses must navigate this complex landscape to develop effective strategies that mitigate inflationary pressures while promoting sustainable economic growth. As we move forward, we must continue to monitor these factors to understand their ongoing effects on inflation and the broader economy.
TVC:US10Y
by BitcoinMacro
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Jan 20, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook: Bitcoin completed the Outer Coin Rally of $21,200 and Key Res $ 21,300 on January 14 and stayed very near the outcome throughout the week - busting through on Friday with follow-through on Saturday to complete the interim Outer Coin Rally of $23,000 (Not shown 60 min chart). The pending confirmation is in the process - Once confirmed, the pullback to Mean Sup $20,600 is inevitable. Once this puppy settles down, we will see a resurgence on the upside to finalize the Outer Coin Rally of $26,000.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
by TradeSelecter
2
Economic Outlook for 10-15 years aheadMy Economic Outlook for 10-15 years ahead The rare double-dip recession October CPI report shows Inflation slightly decreased to 7.7% and The Fed already made a statement to decrease The Fedfunds Rate. Potential Fed pivot approximately will occur in Q1 or Q2 of 2023. That will be the time of disinflationary period or maybe we are already in by now. What to be expected in disinflationary period is stock market drawdown will continue, rising unemployment, more business entities will collapse, fewer job openings, in short 2023 will be dark especially in the US. Technically it is a recession. The good news is inflation can be pushed back to 2% area and from there QE can be restarted. Most people that already tired by long economic drawdown are strongly craving for bull market. Productivity will rise again along with its economic and secondary leverage and a creeping up inflation leaving the 2% area. An inherent nature of capitalism. The question is what will be the destiny of Petrodollar as its losing control over the total international trade volume. The rapid change of global power dynamics which spearheaded by BRICS+ economy has substantially diminish the Dollar hegemony. The regional powers that have control over the world commodities are grouping up to create a new, commodity-backed currency. In addition to that there is a strongly rising tension between Russia and NATO. More than 50 years ago, the US left the Bretton-Woods System and to keep the US dollar relevant as global reserve currency, Petrodollar was introduced and rapidly embraced by the OPEC which consequently making the US Dollar became the world's most traded currency. That is the underlying value of the Dollar besides of debt. But the current astronomical $30+ Trillion of government debt and the weakening of Petrodollar globally has come to a critical question of what will be the next US decisive move? Chaos has to be applied first to disrupt any potential challenger to the US Dollar, and from there a revolutionary economic policy has to be implemented. Worst case scenario is the new Great Depression can manifest after almost 100 years since its first occurrence in 1929. Note: This economic outlook which also the same with any version of economic outlook is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. This post is mean for educational purpose only.
TVC:SPX
by derahmanov
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of November 25, 2022Technical Analysis and Outlook: Eurodollar declined to our Mean Sup 1.0285 as specified on the EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For November 18 chart followed by a rebound to strategic completed and retested Inner Currency Rally 1.0380. The current prevailing down path is pointing to the new Mean Sup 1.0237. The current down sentiment is prone to further declines: Mean Sup 1.014, 1.000, and 0.975. The down-trend projects for the Next Outer Currency Dip of 0.937 is being delayed.
by TradeSelecter
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of November 18, 2022Technical Analysis and Outlook: Following the strong Eurodollar rebound the previous week, the currency completed our designated target of the Inner Currency Rally 1.038 this week, as specified on the EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For November 11 chart. Since completing the target, the Eurodollar is in retreat mode to Mean Sup 1.0285, potentially followed to a completed Inner Currency Rally of 1.038 retests one more time. The prevailing down move is prone to pull back to our additional Mean Sup 1.014, 1.000, and 0.975. The down-trend projects for the Next Outer Currency Dip of 0.937 for the foreseeable future is being reignited.
by TradeSelecter
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of October 21, 2022Technical Analysis and Outlook Currently, in the S&P 500 market, we have tremendous volatility both ways . . . traders/investors are losing both ways. The longs get stopped on the downside, and the shorts get stopped on the upside. What we got is that the whole floor gives way. Pay attention to the critical data presented here. The upside target is marked at Mean Res 3790 and Outer Index Rally 3865. The downside destination is the retest of the Mean Sup 3665: Followed by the Mean Sup 3575, a retest of the completed Outer Index Dip 3530, and Key Sup 3505. Continuation to the next Outer Index Dip of 3450 is in the making.
SP:SPX
by TradeSelecter
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of October 21, 2022Technical Analysis and Outlook: The Eurodollar bounced swiftly from our Mean Sup 0.9700 and rested at our Mean Res 0.9860; however, retesting the Mean Res 0.9987 and 1.0020 is probable. The significant downside move is a) from the current position, b) From up the ante restarting down move of 1.0020. The main targets continue to be our Key Sup 0.9595 and completed Inner Currency Dip 0.9570. Continuation to the next Outer Currency Dip of 0.9370 is in the making.
by TradeSelecter
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Oct 21, 2022Technical Analysis and Outlook: The Bitcoin is churning between our Mean Res $19,550 and Mean Sup $18,750. As specified on the Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For October 14, the possibility of moving to the Outer Coin Dip of $17,200 and extending the overall outcome to the #2 Outer Coin Dip at $15,500 is in the process. Reaching out in the short-term to the Mean Res $19,550 and possibly Mean Res $20,385 is blowing hot and cold.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
by TradeSelecter