Financial markets reacted in a zig-zag pattern to this week's economic data ahead of the next FOMC meeting. Price pressure is still not showing the sustained slowdown the Fed needs before it takes its foot off the throttle of tighter policy. At the same time, consumer goods spending and manufacturing activity are slowing, but not yet to a worrying degree consistent with contraction, and not enough to aid in bringing inflation lower. This week's data have thus further confirmed our view that the FOMC will press ahead with another 75 bp rate hike at its meeting next week. For more detail on our expectations for its meeting, please see our Domestic Outlook and Interest Rate Watch sections.
Wednesday's release of the August Consumer Price Index received the most market attention, in part because it came in hotter than the consensus estimate but also because the underlying details were a bit disappointing. Consumer prices rose 0.1% last month, while the consensus Bloomberg estimate had been looking for an equivalent 0.1% decline. This price gain still helped lower the year-over-year rate of price growth to 8.3%, which is a welcome but insufficient step in relieving excruciatingly high inflation for Americans.
The 0.6% gain in core inflation (excluding food and energy), which was more than double the consensus expectation, demonstrates that price pressure remains widespread across the economy. Core goods inflation specifically remained strong (+0.5%) despite indications that supply chains are functioning more smoothly, inventory stockpiles are building and goods spending is gradually slowing. Goods prices thus did not provide the needed offset to higher core services inflation, which saw a 0.6% rise due in part to stronger shelter inflation. Over the past three months, the core CPI has advanced at a 6.5% annualized pace, more than triple the Fed's 2% target (chart). A sustained return to 2% inflation remains even more distant at present, and the price data suggest more has to be done to rein in this stubbornly high level of inflation.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 11 September 2020
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Sep 14, 2020
In the holiday-shortened week, analysts’ attention remained on the progress of the labor market. Recent jobless claims data remain stubbornly high and point to a slowing jobs rebound.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 10 January 2020
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Jan 11, 2020
The week began amid rising tensions carrying over from the U.S. killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani last Friday.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 22 March 2024
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Mar 25, 2024
During February, existing home sales and housing starts both topped expectations and rose at robust rates. Meanwhile, initial jobless claims have remained subdued so far in March.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 29 January 2021
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Feb 09, 2021
Economic data came in largely as expected this week and suggest continued economic recovery.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 14 October 2020
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Oct 14, 2020
The global mobility playing field is equalizing. Major European countries such as Germany and France have seen a slowdown in recent weeks, leaving them right in line with the United States relative to the January baseline.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 15 January 2021
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Jan 18, 2021
Retail sales fell 0.7% in December, the third straight monthly decline. Sales are still up 2.9% over the year, however.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 02 August 2024
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Aug 06, 2024
The July employment report brought with it a crossing of the Sahm Rule threshold. That means we\'re either headed for recession, or about to break yet another recession rule this unique cycle. Either way, the Fed is getting ready to cut.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 24 May 2024
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / May 29, 2024
Homebuying retreated in April following a leg up in mortgage rates. Meanwhile, durable goods orders surprised to the upside, suggesting the manufacturing industry is on better footing.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 17 January 2025
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Jan 20, 2025
The Consumer Price Index ended the year at 2.9% year-over-year, which is a minor improvement from its 3.1% rate in January 2024 and points to stalled progress on the road back to the Federal Reserve\'s 2% inflation target.
This Week's State Of The Economy - What Is Ahead? - 13 December 2024
Wells Fargo Economics & Financial Report / Dec 16, 2024
Prices were in focus this week with reports delivering the last key data before the FOMC\'s next meeting on December 17-18. The November readings on consumer and producer prices suggested that overall inflation remains stubbornly high.