Will Rising Unemployment Trigger A Recession? | Michael Kantrowitz
Jun 11, 2024
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Economist Michael Kantrowitz discusses the potential impact of rising unemployment on the economy, exploring recession risks and market implications. He introduces the HOPE framework to track economic indicators and predicts nuanced outcomes. The conversation dives into employment data, housing market trends, equity market analysis, and factor investing strategies. They analyze the correlation between economic data, interest rates, and stock prices, discussing potential triggers for a recession and offering advice on financial planning.
Historically, a 10% surge in unemployment often foreshadows a recession, raising concerns about the current economic state.
The HOPE framework evaluates housing, orders, profits, and employment to forecast economic trends post-Fed policies, indicating a late-cycle phase.
Rising unemployment could stabilize the economy by gradually supporting businesses and consumers, fostering a 'sweet spot' for equities amidst widening wealth gaps.
Deep dives
Indicators of Recession
Historically, a 10% increase in the growth of unemployed people has signaled a recession back to 1950. Recent reports show an increase in the unemployment rate to 10.6%, suggesting recession. However, the term 'recession' is debated due to varying interpretations. Unemployment rise indicates a late-cycle economy.
HOPE Framework
The HOPE framework tracks housing, orders, profits, and employment to assess the economy's dynamics post Fed policy changes. The framework predicts a housing downturn, mixed order data, and profits showing bifurcation. Unemployment growth signifies late-cycle phase, impacting recessions.
Economic Indicators and Market Trends
Current data depicts Housing and Orders in decline, Profit trends showing disparities, and Employment indicators pointing towards a late-cycle shift. Market favoring large growth companies reflects resilient profits. Unemployment rise signals late-cycle environment. Mitigating factors suggest a slow economic downturn.
Impact of Unemployment Rate on Equities
The podcast delves into the impact of the unemployment rate on the equity market. It suggests that a gradual rise in unemployment may create a stable environment for businesses and consumers, preventing sudden shocks. The increasing unemployment rate is viewed as a 'sweet spot', leading to lower rates and inflation benefits that favor equities in the current scenario.
Wealth Disparity and Economic Concerns
Another focal point in the podcast is the widening wealth gap and its implications on the economy. The discussion emphasizes how policies post-GFC have exacerbated wealth inequality, benefiting a minority while leaving the majority vulnerable. The narrative questions the sustainability of such disparities, highlighting potential repercussions like political polarization and the need for rebalancing through measures like higher taxes on the wealthy and increased support for smaller businesses.
Despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to tame inflation by cooling the economy with its aggressive "higher for longer" interest rates and Quantitative Tightening, the US has managed to avoid recession.
Consumer spending has held up, largely due to the "strong" jobs market.
But is that likely to remain the case going forward?
And if not, if unemployment starts to rise significantly, what should we expect? Mass layoffs? A recession? A correction in the financial markets or home prices?
Or none of these?
To find out, we have the good fortune to speak today with Michael Kantrowitz, chief investment strategist & managing director at Piper Sandler. He's created the HOPE framework, which provides a way for us to track recession risk, and gives us the ability to project what's likely to happen next for the economy.
Michael's forecast is surprisingly nuanced and contains elements both bulls & bears should heed.
WORRIED ABOUT THE MARKET? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com
#unemployment #employment #recession
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