Fed Chair Signals Rate Cuts Ahead, Markets Zoom Higher | Lance Roberts

Aug 23, 2025

Lance Roberts, a portfolio manager and market analyst, dives into the market reactions following Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole, which hinted at possible interest rate cuts. He discusses the implications of economic slowdowns on asset valuations and the disconnect between optimistic earnings estimates and actual performance. The conversation also covers inflation trends, housing market dynamics, and the risks posed by speculative investor behaviors, all while contemplating the necessity of allowing market corrections for long-term stability.

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INSIGHT

Powell's Dovish Signal Ignited A Rally

Powell's Jackson Hole remarks signaled the Fed is likely to cut rates because employment is weakening.
Markets rallied sharply on that signal, driving high-beta and tech stocks higher.

INSIGHT

Employment Weakness Forced The Fed's Hand

Lance argues the Fed fell behind the curve and must cut because recent employment data weakened.
The market's optimism stems from Powell explicitly citing weak jobs figures and hinting at cuts.

INSIGHT

Money Supply, Not Just Policy Rates, Drives Inflation

Steve Hanke emphasizes money supply growth rate over policy rate as the key driver of inflation.
Both hosts agree disinflation is underway because money supply is growing slower than the economy needs.

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Jerome Powell just made his long-awaited speech at Jackson Hole and sent a strong signal the Fed will start cutting interest rates due to increasing concern over growing economic weakness.

The markets, little surprise, took this as fantastic news and practically every asset class rose sharply in price.Is this sustainable?

Assets, after all, are valued based on expected future earnings.

If the economy is slowing, shouldn't that bring valuation multiples *down* not *up*?

Lance Roberts and I discuss that in depth today, as well as where inflation, earnings estimates and the housing market are likely headed.

For everything that mattered to markets this week, watch this new Market Recap.

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#federalreserve #interestrates #labormarket 0:00 - Jackson Hole Symposium and record August options expiration3:07 - Risks to earnings from recent economic data4:02 - Market reaction to Powell’s speech, expectations of rate cuts11:45 - Steve Hanke’s inflation outlook and quantity theory of money15:59 - Bond yields debate: Economic growth vs. tariff uncertainty19:59 - Money supply growth relative to GDP and inflation27:29 - Currency devaluation and wealth preservation strategies32:07 - Wealth gap and inflation’s impact on asset owners vs. non-owners34:02 - Alternative 2008 scenario: Letting banks fail43:14 - Role of government in economic resets, infrastructure investment46:05 - Risks to earnings due to slowing economic activity56:19 - ETF flows: Retail buying vs. professional selling1:04:59 - Housing market correction and its economic impact1:11:30 - Demographic trends in housing: Boomer sell-offs1:13:48 - Recent trades and Simplevisor thematic models1:19:14 - Grace under pressure: Handling adversity in life and markets1:34:05 - Thoughtful Money Fall Conference announcement, October 18th_____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It’s important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer’s unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security’s or a firm’s past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.