Fiscal Spending Is Having A FAR Bigger Impact Than Investors Realize | Kevin Muir, The Macro Tourist
Dec 28, 2023
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Market veteran Kevin Muir, founder and editor of The Macro Tourist, discusses the underestimated impact of fiscal spending and stimulus measures on the global economy. They explore the slow implementation of infrastructure spending, the potential consequences of continued fiscal spending leading up to the 2024 elections, and the historical use of gold as an inflation hedge. They also delve into the possibility of a recession affecting Trump's reelection chances and the importance of considering future inflation when setting policy.
Fiscal spending is having a far bigger impact than investors currently realize, and the fiscal flood has only just begun.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the global economy and financial markets, requiring a reassessment of traditional playbooks and investment strategies.
Changing economic dynamics and ongoing fiscal spending suggest a potential shift in asset allocation, with the need to consider reallocating from stocks to bonds, particularly corporate bonds.
Deep dives
The Power of Fiscal Stimulus
The podcast episode discusses the significant impact of fiscal stimulus on the economy, highlighting that fiscal measures have often been underestimated. The host explains that monetary stimulus alone has been less effective in previous cycles, leading to the realization that fiscal spending can have a stronger influence. The speaker emphasizes that despite the assumption that all the money has been distributed, there is still a substantial amount of unspent funds from infrastructure programs like the inflation reduction act. The slow pace of government spending and the gradual implementation of infrastructure projects imply that the economic effects of fiscal stimulus are likely to be felt over a more extended period than anticipated. Overall, the episode highlights the ongoing importance of fiscal measures and the role they play in shaping the economy.
The Changing Landscape of the Global Economy
The podcast explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about notable changes in the global economy and financial markets. The host and guest acknowledge that the previous economic playbooks are no longer as effective and that the pandemic has disrupted traditional business cycles. They discuss how the combination of remote work, government stimulus, and shifting economic dynamics have created a unique environment. They also highlight the need to reassess and adapt investment strategies to account for the evolving landscape. The conversation centers around the increased role of fiscal policy in contrast to previous reliance on monetary measures, emphasizing the importance of understanding these changes and making appropriate adjustments.
The Impact on Traditional Asset Classes
The podcast addresses the potential impact of changing economic dynamics on traditional asset classes. The speaker argues that as fiscal spending continues and economic cycles shift, investors should consider adjusting their portfolios accordingly. They suggest that long-term investors focused on the bigger picture may start reallocating from stocks to bonds, particularly corporate bonds, as they offer attractive yields compared to equities. However, they express caution regarding long-term government bonds, emphasizing that the new economic environment and expected continued fiscal spending may lead to challenges for long-term bonds. The episode also highlights the importance of considering the changing stock-bond correlation and the need to anticipate and adapt to potential shifts in market dynamics.
The Fed's Pivot and the Impact on Financial Conditions
The podcast discusses the recent pivot by the Federal Reserve and its impact on financial conditions. The Federal Reserve initially tightened its monetary policy, raising interest rates and reducing the pace of quantitative easing. However, as financial conditions tightened further, the Fed decided to pivot and shift its stance, indicating that they had reached a sufficiently restrictive level. The tightening of financial conditions had a significant impact on the bond market, causing yields to rise. The Fed's pivot was seen as a surprise to many, but the podcast suggests that it shouldn't have been, as it aligns with the Fed's goal of avoiding a recession during an election year.
Concerns about the MAG 7 Stocks and Opportunities in Other Asset Classes
The podcast highlights concerns about the performance of the MAG 7 stocks (referring to the major technology stocks) and suggests that their outperformance may not be sustainable. The speaker believes that there will be opportunities in other asset classes such as small-cap stocks, emerging markets, and corporate bonds. They also advise retail investors to consider equal-weight indices as an advantage over institutional investors. The speaker predicts that as financial committees reassess portfolios, there may be a sell-off of the MAG 7 stocks, which could lead to a shift in market leadership and present investment opportunities in other sectors.
We're all aware of how the pandemic threw the economy and financial markets into unprecedented disarray.
And for the past two years, investors have eagerly awaited them to return back to a state of normalcy.
But has "normal" changed vs the pre-COVID days?
How much of the old playbook no longer works well, if at all, in today's world?
For answers, we're fortunate to speak today with market veteran Kevin Muir, founder and editor of The Macro Tourist, the highly-acclaimed newsletter that currently ranks as the #12th largest financial Substack in the world.
Kevin sees the impact of the ongoing fiscal stimulus as being much more impactful than investors currently understand. In terms of spending into the economy, he thinks the fiscal flood has just begun.
Follow Kevin at https://themacrotourist.com/
Or on X/Twitter at @kevinmuir
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#recession #inflation #fiscalspending