Inflation, the Fed, Tariffs and Immigration. An Economist Weighs In.
Mar 9, 2025
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Seth Carpenter, Morgan Stanley's chief global economist and former Federal Reserve staffer, shares his insights on the current economic landscape. He dives into the recent plummet of the Consumer Confidence Index and discusses the impact of rising inflation, particularly driven by soaring egg prices. Carpenter elaborates on the disconnect between consumer sentiment and spending, while addressing how immigration policies affect labor supply and inflation rates. He cautions about the future of inflation and the critical economic conversations ahead.
The significant drop in the Consumer Confidence Index indicates heightened economic uncertainty, potentially impacting consumer spending behaviors and overall growth.
Future immigration policy changes are anticipated to further strain labor markets, exacerbating production costs and inflationary pressures in various sectors.
Deep dives
Current Economic Sentiment and Inflation Trends
The Consumer Confidence Index recently experienced its largest decline in over three years, indicating a return of uncertainty in the economy. Despite the recent uptick in inflation readings, experts suggest that inflation is on a downward trend following earlier surges across various sectors, including food and energy. Notably, disruptions such as natural disasters and supply chain issues have created fluctuations in price, but these are viewed as temporary fluctuations rather than signs of a lasting increase in inflation. Economists believe that while consumer perceptions of inflation remain heightened, the underlying data suggests a promising trajectory towards stabilization.
Impact of Consumer Perceptions on Spending
Consumer sentiment plays a critical role in economic activity, as feelings about the economy can influence spending behaviors. Many individuals do not feel the benefits of overall wage increases due to previous inflation, which makes them hesitant about their financial stability. Despite strong consumer spending in recent years, the disconnect between consumer confidence and actual economic indicators raises concerns about future spending trends. Analysts emphasize that this ongoing apprehension may suppress consumer spending, even when fundamental metrics, like job growth and wages, suggest a healthier economy.
The Role of Immigration in Economic Growth and Inflation
The anticipated slowdown in immigration under new policies is expected to adversely affect both economic growth and inflation rates. A decline in the available labor force could lead to increased production costs and subsequently higher prices for goods and services, particularly in sectors like hospitality and agriculture. Experts note that labor shortages observed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic have already strained certain industries, and a reduction in immigration will only exacerbate these issues. As the economy grapples with these labor constraints, it highlights immigration as a significant but often overlooked factor in discussions about economic policy and inflation.
The Consumer Confidence Index had its biggest drop in more than three years in February. We're at a crossroads moment in the economy. Uncertainty is back, according to financial experts and consumers alike. In a special interview-only episode, WSJ’s Take On the Week co-host Telis Demos talks with Seth Carpenter, Morgan Stanley's chief global economist, about where we are in the fight against inflation and what that means for the stock market, the Federal Reserve, and more.
This is WSJ’s Take On the Week where co-hosts Gunjan Banerji, lead writer for Live Markets, and Telis Demos, Heard on the Street’s banking and money columnist, cut through the noise and dive into markets, the economy and finance—the big trades, key players and business news ahead.
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