Edward Snowden, Benedict Evans, and Balaji Srinivasan discuss 'immaculate disinflation' and market positioning. They explore inflation readings, labor market stability, recession indicators, Fed meeting expectations, and impact of Europe's stability on currency market. They also highlight the importance of adapting to AI era in democratic countries.
Discretionary investors are currently very overweight in the market, indicating a high probability of a near-term correction.
The core PC deflator and super core PC deflator are both showing deceleration, suggesting a continued downward momentum in inflation.
Deep dives
Positioning Model Indicates Overweight Market
Based on an analysis of the AAII bull's bears surveys, discretionary investors are currently very overweight in the market, with bulls in the 86th percentile, and bears in the 10th percentile. This indicates a 91st percentile spread, suggesting a high probability of a near-term correction. While this may not necessarily signal the end of the bull market, it does raise concerns about market positioning and the potential for a correction.
Immaculate Disinflation and Positive Market Indicators
The core PC deflator, the Fed's preferred inflation metric, is exhibiting a textbook deceleration, suggesting a downward trend in inflation. The three-month annualized rate of change is 2.3%, lower than the six-month rate of change of 2.5% and the year-over-year change of 3.5%. Additionally, the super core PC deflator, which measures core services ex-housing, is also showing deceleration. These statistics indicate a high probability of continued downward momentum in inflation, creating a positive environment for asset markets.
Consumer Spending and Fiscal Support Reduction
Consumer spending remains steady, with real personal consumption growth at 2.1%, driven by services consumption. However, there are concerns about reduced fiscal support for consumers, including the ending of the student loan moratorium and a reduction in overall fiscal policy dynamics. The reduction in fiscal impulse, combined with factors like increased cost of living and potential slowdown in the labor market, raises questions about consumer positioning heading into 2024.
Soft Landing and Market Outlook
The market is currently in a Goldilocks regime, with positive economic surprises and productive growth. The market is pricing in a soft landing rather than a hard landing, with the expectation of slowing economic growth but still strong performance. While the probability of an imminent recession has risen, it is still not a major concern for market participants. As long as growth and inflation remain at reasonable levels and expectations of policy rate cuts persist, the market is likely to remain positive. However, caution is advised, and investors should remain vigilant for any significant changes in data or indicators.
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Darius Dale, founder of 42 Macro, joins Maggie Lake to discuss the Fed's next move after the latest inflation figures and explore what the market might already be pricing in. You can find more of Darius' incredible research here: www.42macro.com
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