Variant Perception CEO Tian Yang discusses leading indicators, recession risks, market positioning amidst uncertainty, stop-loss behavior model, and forecasts for crude oil, S&P 500, tech companies, and precious metals in a comprehensive macroeconomic analysis.
Despite concerns of a recession, leading indicators show resilience in labor market data and consumer metrics.
Inflation concerns exist, but leading data indicates signs of peaking and market prices have already factored in expectations.
Tian Yang's long-term view suggests a structural bias towards higher inflation due to scarcity themes in credit, labor, and commodities markets.
Deep dives
Summary of Leading Indicators and Recession Signals
The discussion in the podcast focuses on the analysis of leading indicators and recession signals by Variant Perception CEO Tian Yang. Tian emphasizes that despite concerns about a potential recession, indicators like labor market data and consumer metrics show resilience. There are stresses in specific sectors like microbusinesses and consumer credit, indicating localized recession effects. However, the lack of broad-based negative feedback loops, supported by fiscal deficits and government interventions, has prevented a widespread economic downturn.
Inflation Expectations and Fiscal Policy Impact
Regarding inflation, Tian suggests that while there are concerns about elevated rates, leading data shows signs of peaking. Market prices have already factored in inflation expectations. Structural factors indicate a bias towards higher inflation in the long term. Despite high inflation levels, Tian believes they may not be sufficient to prompt significant rate hikes by central banks, allowing for a cautious approach.
Variant Perception on Long-Term Inflation Trends
When discussing long-term inflation trends, Tian outlines a structural view where inflation risks are tilted upwards over a 2-3 year horizon. This perspective is based on scarcity themes affecting credit, labor, and commodities markets. While structurally biased towards higher inflation, the cyclical outlook suggests a temporary peak before settling at current levels.
Economic Implications of Presidential Elections
In the context of the upcoming US presidential election, Tian applies a model by historian Adam Lichtman that views elections as a referendum on the past four years. Based on economic improvements measured by real GDP per capita growth, the framework suggests a slight advantage for continuity. This analysis is independent of the candidates and focuses on assessing past economic performance as a key factor.
Market Insights on Commodities and Equity Market Trends
The discussion extends to various market insights on commodities and equity trends. The focus includes nuanced analysis on crude oil, S&P 500, NASDAQ, gold futures, uranium market dynamics, US Treasury bonds, and VIX volatility. Insights cover technical levels, implied moves, resistance, and support zones, offering a comprehensive view of potential trade opportunities and risk factors across these markets.
MacroVoices Erik Townsend & Patrick Ceresna welcome back,Variant Perception CEO Tian Yang. They’ll discuss the leading indicators, and what Tian thinks are the best trades to put on right now. https://bit.ly/3S2Q6Pc