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Britains new defense secretary: Investment plans are still being finalized.On June 12th, Morgan Stanley economist Bruna Skarica noted in a report that UK monthly GDP appears to be benefiting again from strong performance in the white-collar services sector, particularly the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. She pointed out that output in this sector is currently up 6.7% year-on-year, and has grown by 45.4% since the fourth quarter of 2019, while the overall economy has only grown by 6% during the same period. "It seems far from a coincidence that the sector most vulnerable to the rapid spread of artificial intelligence is simultaneously driving GDP growth and productivity gains," Skarica added. Given that the Bank of England stated last year that structural productivity growth in the UK was negative, the bank should comment further on this this year.On June 12th, HSBC analysts noted in a report that the US dollar is currently trading below levels implied by market expectations of US interest rates. They stated that the dollars reaction has been limited as recent market expectations have shifted from anticipated rate cuts to possible rate hikes. They believe this may reflect the loose financial environment in the US and market expectations for a resolution to the Middle East conflict. They added that the dollar needs clear stimulus from monetary policy. If the Federal Reserve fails to support rate hike expectations at next weeks meeting, the dollar "could be in trouble."On June 12th, analysts at Nomura Securities stated in a report that the Bank of England is likely to raise interest rates by 25 basis points in July to avoid the risk of a second wave of inflation. However, with inflation risks diminishing, they believe the Bank of England is likely to resume rate cuts in 2027. LSEG data shows that investors expect a 34% probability of a rate hike by the Bank of England in July.On June 12th, Berenberg analysts stated in a report that the Bank of Englands reluctance to raise interest rates compared to the European Central Bank appears to have its reasons. They noted that the UKs labor market is weaker than the Eurozones, and the service sectors contribution to inflation is no longer as significant as it once was. Meanwhile, analysts pointed out that the UKs interest rate policy was already tighter before the energy shock, and its fiscal situation remained relatively strained. They added that after a strong start to the year, the UK is now facing an economic slowdown as the situation in Iran continues to drag down economic activity. Due to a "statistical illusion" caused by seasonal changes in consumption patterns since the pandemic, the first quarters economic performance was actually weaker than it appeared. The analysts stated, "We predict that the economy will stagnate this summer, with zero quarterly GDP growth in the second and third quarters."

Stock Bulls Remain Optimistic As Manufacturing Inflation Slows, According to Data

Daniel Rogers

May 16, 2022 11:04

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As data indicates a deceleration in manufacturing inflation, stock market bulls remain exceedingly cautious but are slightly more bullish. The Producer Price Index increased by 11 percent year-over-year in April, which was higher than anticipated but a significant decrease from March's 11.5 percent increase. As producer prices lead consumer prices, the report is generally positive, although markets and the Fed will need to observe a few more months of decreases before pronouncing that inflation is actually moderating.

Inflation

Economists also caution that products inflation may be declining because consumer demand is shifting away from items and toward services, suggesting that high prices may be migrating from one sector of the economy to another. The most recent data indicates that prices for services are increasing at the quickest rate in 30 years, with airfare leading the way. Even if inflation has reached its top, the question is how long it will remain elevated.

 

Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell cautioned Monday that the central bank cannot guarantee a "smooth landing" for the economy, citing the tight labor market and continued supply chain disruptions. Powell also emphasized that other "big events," including as Russia's war in Ukraine, are currently playing significant roles that are outside the Fed's control. Powell made the remarks after receiving Senate confirmation for a second four-year term.

 

The target inflation rate of the central bank is still "flexible +2 percent," but a number of officials have hinted that the new norm may be in the range of +2.5 percent to +3 percent. The Core PCE Prices Index, which stood at +5.2 percent in March, is one of the primary (but not the only) indicators used by the Fed to assess the rate of inflation. The April reading is expected to be released on May 27, a couple weeks before the Fed's next meeting on June 14-15.

Data to Monitor

Recent consumer data has sent mixed signals that are difficult to decipher. Since the beginning of the year, sentiment has largely declined, but consumer spending has showed no indications of slowing.

 

On Tuesday of the next week, April Retail Sales will provide an update on consumer spending. Next week, a flurry of new housing statistics will shed light on how significantly increased mortgage rates may be affecting the market. The May NAHB Housing Market Index is released on Tuesday, followed by April Housing Starts and April Existing Home Sales on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

 

Home Depot and Walmart will report earnings on Tuesday, followed by Cisco, Lowe's, Target, and TJX Companies on Wednesday; Applied Materials, Palo Alto Networks, and Ross Stores on Thursday; and Deere & Co. on Friday.