What the Fed Rate Cut Means (With Claudia Sahm)

With the Federal Reserve cutting rates by 50 basis points at its September meeting, what are the implications for the bond market and the economy? In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders analyze the market's reaction to the rate cut, the balance between panic and greed in investment strategies, and the upcoming economic indicators that could influence market movements. Their discussion highlights the importance of understanding labor market trends and consumer sentiment in the context of inflation and economic policy.

This week, Kathy sits down with Claudia Sahm, a former economist for the Federal Reserve and the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Perhaps best known for the recession indicator that bears her name, Claudia Sahm is now the chief economist for New Century Advisors.

Kathy and Claudia discuss the labor market, highlighting its resilience and the need for a sustainable expansion. The discussion moves on to inflation, with Claudia explaining that recent inflation has been driven by supply-side shocks rather than demand. She expresses confidence in the Fed's ability to reach its 2% inflation target. The conversation also touches on the debate within the Fed and the potential impact of the Fed's communication on financial markets. Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann offer their outlook for next week's economic indicators and data.

You can follow Claudia Sahm's newsletter, Stay-at-Home Macro, at https://stayathomemacro.substack.com/.

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