Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase CEO, discusses over-reactions to short-term numbers and his concerns about inflation. He believes the Federal Reserve might have to do more. Topics include Mexico as an investment destination, inflation numbers, US credit rating change, and the Mexican economy amid high interest rates and inflation. Plus, book recommendation on diplomacy, fostering Latin America, and ads for shaving products and Lexus RX plug-in hybrid.
Jamie Dimon believes that inflation may be stickier than suggested and the Federal Reserve might have to do more.
Jamie Dimon emphasizes the need for traditional banks to remain lean, competitive, and open-minded about the success of fintech startups.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mexico as a Critical Market for JP Morgan
During an interview in Mexico, Jamie Diamond, the head of JP Morgan, emphasized the critical importance of the Mexican market for their bank. With a 120-year presence and 6,000 employees in the country, JP Morgan sees Mexico as a top opportunity. Diamond discussed the potential for near-shoring, which brings more business to both Mexico and the United States, as well as the importance of infrastructure, affordable energy costs, and good policy for further growth. He also highlighted the mutual problem of security between Mexico and the US, stressing the need for cooperation. Diamond identified manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and technology as sectors with significant opportunities for near-shoring in Mexico.
The Fed's Rate Hikes and US Credit Rating
Regarding the US economy, Jamie Diamond expressed his view on the US Federal Reserve's rate hikes. While acknowledging the positive inflation numbers in October, he believes that short-term adjustments should not be overreacted to and that inflation may be stickier than suggested. Diamond supports the Fed's decision to pause rate hikes for now, given the fiscal spending winding down and quantitative tightening beginning. However, he also warned that more rate hikes may be necessary in the future as a risk management measure. In terms of the US credit rating, he acknowledged the concerns raised by Moody's, but stated that the market perceives the US as AAA, considering the market's judgment to be more accurate than rating agencies. Diamond also emphasized the need to address the country's debt and other problems.
The Evolution of Fintech and its Coexistence with Banks
Jamie Diamond addressed the issue of fintech startups and their relationship with traditional banks. Rather than viewing it as a binary outcome, he believes that some fintech startups will succeed, while others may not. JP Morgan acknowledges the competition posed by both fintech and big tech companies. Diamond emphasized the importance of remaining lean, competitive, and open-minded about the success of these disruptors. He also mentioned JP Morgan's collaborations with multiple fintech firms worldwide, highlighting the need to adapt and be prepared for the future. When asked about fintech perspectives for Mexico and the region, he acknowledged the development of a tech sector in Latin America, including fintech, and expressed hope for the opportunities it will bring to the countries involved.
JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon said that people are over-reacting to short-term numbers “and they should stop doing that.” “I’m afraid inflation might not go away that quickly,” Dimon said Tuesday in an interview on El Financiero Bloomberg TV. The Federal Reserve is right to pause hikes for now but “they might have to do a little bit more.”