Former St. Louis Fed President and global chief economist discuss May's CPI data and Fed rate decision. Citi Research MD shares bullish tech stock outlook. Topics include inflation, market volatility, retirement security, and market sentiment.
Bullard emphasizes need for yield curve normalization post-pandemic, projecting higher yields.
Discussion on 'immaculate disinflation' impact on consumer relief and Fed's monetary policy forecasts.
Deep dives
Fed's Forecasting Dot Plot Shifts
Fed President Jim Bullard discusses the evolution of the Fed's dot plot forecasting strategy over time. During a period of low interest rates and low inflation, the dot plot indicated a steady state of affairs. However, with the pandemic altering the global macroeconomy, a shift in regime suggests a different approach, potentially leading to adjustments in the dot plot expectations. Bullard emphasizes the need for yield curve normalization while projecting higher yields in the future, reflecting a shift from the previous low-rate environment.
Inflation Target and Policy Rate Debate
Bullard addresses concerns regarding the Federal Reserve's inflation target amidst discussions of potential rate cuts. While the target stands at 2%, the focus remains on achieving this over a reasonable time horizon. Referring to the recent inflation reports, projections suggest a gradual approach to reaching the target, highlighting the impact on monetary policy decisions. Bullard stresses the importance of assessing inflation progress within a specific timeframe, considering variations in core PC inflation rates.
Market Response to CPI Data and Fed's Monetary Policy
The podcast segment delves into the market's reaction to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data and its implications for the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. Featuring insights from Francis Donald, the discussion covers the concept of 'immaculate disinflation' and its impact on consumer relief and monetary policy forecasts. The focus shifts towards interpreting economic data trends, with Bullard and Donald expressing differing views on the potential economic slowdown and the Fed's response to market dynamics.
-James Bullard, Fmr. St. Louis Fed President, Dean of the Purdue University Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business -Frances Donald, Manulife Investment Management Global Chief Economist & Strategist -Scott Chronert, Citi Research Managing Director
Former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and Manulife's Frances Donald react to May's cooler-than-expected CPI print and look ahead to the Fed rate decision and Chair Powell's remarks. Scott Chronert of Citi outlines his equity market outlook and the reasons he's bullish on tech stocks.