John Leer, Chief Economist at Morning Consult, dives into recent economic data that showcases surprising optimism. He highlights the divergence between consumer sentiment surveys and actual spending behaviors. The conversation touches on how political events are shaping expectations for the upcoming Presidential election and Senate races. Leer also unpacks inflation trends and the complexities of consumer perceptions influenced by social media, all while addressing the ongoing financial struggles consumers face amid rising interest rates.
Consumer sentiment is significantly influenced by political affiliation, creating a disconnect between perceived economic conditions and actual consumer behavior.
Despite positive economic indicators, many consumers express anxiety due to stagnant wages not keeping pace with inflation, especially among the uninvested population.
The evolving labor market, shaped by post-pandemic dynamics and the gig economy, presents both opportunities and challenges for business formation and job security.
Deep dives
Impact of Consumer Behavior on Economic Outlook
Consumer spending continues to drive the economy, contributing significantly to overall growth. Despite good economic indicators such as a GDP growth rate of 2.8% for the second quarter, there remains a disconnect between economic performance and consumer sentiment. Many consumers feel anxious, not simply because of rising prices, but because their wages do not match inflation. This sentiment is particularly strong among groups who lack investments or home ownership, indicating a widening gap in economic well-being.
The Role of Political Sentiment in Economic Perceptions
Survey results reveal that political affiliation significantly influences consumer sentiment regarding the economy. Republicans tend to feel far more pessimistic about economic conditions compared to Democrats, leading to divergent views on spending and financial comfort. This discrepancy in sentiment is intriguing, considering that consumer behaviors appear more aligned regardless of political views. Overall, this suggests that personal economic experiences may be overshadowed by broader political narratives.
Current Economic Data and Trends
Recent economic data has been mixed but generally suggests growth above potential, despite rising unemployment rates. Key statistics included a notable second quarter GDP growth, propelled primarily by consumer spending and inventory changes. Housing and rental markets have shown challenges, impacting consumer confidence and spending patterns. The complexity of measuring economic health continues to pose interpretations challenges, as various factors interplay within the broader economic landscape.
Inflation Dynamics and Consumer Expectations
Inflation remains a pressing concern, with recent figures showing a modest decrease, yet consumer sentiment is still clouded by elevated living costs. The core PCE inflation rate indicates volatility due to fluctuations in vital categories like shelter and durable goods. Consumers' expectations about future prices remain pessimistic, largely shaped by recent experiences rather than the current economic climate. This disconnect suggests that a thorough understanding of consumer expectations requires examining both individual circumstances and collective narratives perpetuated through social media.
The Evolution of Business and Labor Market Perceptions
The labor market continues to evolve in response to post-pandemic dynamics, with varied implications for business formation and sentiment. While businesses are forming at a robust rate, bankruptcy filings have also started to trend upward, reflecting potential challenges ahead. The role of remote work and gig economy is potentially reshaping the labor landscape, enhancing opportunities for previously marginalized groups. However, the intersection of productivity growth and labor supply presents ongoing uncertainties regarding the long-term sustainability of these trends.
John Leer, Chief Economist from Morning Consult and frequent Inside Economics guest, joins the team to discuss the past week’s slew of (mostly) very good economic data. John discusses the latest consumer sentiment surveys and why they have diverged so sharply from observed consumer behavior. He also talks about changing expectations for the upcoming Presidential election and Senate races in light of the past week’s political events.
Hosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody’s Analytics
Follow Mark Zandi on 'X' @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn
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