Tom Porcelli, Chief U.S. Economist at PGIM Fixed Income, shares insights on the Fed's balancing act with inflation and interest rates. Lori Calvasina, Head of US Equity Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, and Cameron Dawson, Chief Investment Officer at NewEdge Wealth, delve into stock market predictions for 2025, weighing growth versus value stocks. They also explore holiday retail trends amidst economic challenges, revealing consumer shifts toward experiences and highlighting successful retailer strategies.
The Federal Reserve's focus on stabilizing inflation, despite rising costs and mixed economic signals, sets the stage for 2025 market dynamics.
Retail analysts highlight a shift towards experiential spending, indicating that traditional goods may see limited growth during the holiday season.
Deep dives
Federal Reserve's Focus on Inflation
The Federal Reserve's recent shift towards prioritizing inflation over labor market conditions is a significant theme. Fed Chair Jay Powell acknowledged that inflation has underperformed expectations, with core PCE declining from nearly 6% to around 2.8%. The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of inflation, particularly by excluding factors like shelter, which complicate calculations. As such, core inflation metrics show signs of stability, while wage growth and other economic indicators suggest that inflation may not be as persistent as previously feared.
Market Outlook for 2025
Equity strategists anticipate a potentially volatile year for the stock market in 2025. Analysts project a more muted performance for the S&P 500, expecting gains around 10% amid a backdrop of moderating inflation and possible earnings growth. However, they caution that market dynamics could lead to significant fluctuations with potential pullbacks of 5% to 10%. The differing scenarios of a sideways market or another bullish phase underscore the unpredictability surrounding valuation adjustments and investor sentiment.
Earnings Growth and Corporate Confidence
Analysts are closely monitoring earnings estimates as a critical factor influencing market performance. There are concerns regarding high expectations for earnings growth alongside the pressure of rising costs, especially with a stronger dollar affecting international revenue. The upcoming earnings season is expected to reflect these challenges, with a particular focus on how companies plan to manage margins and operational costs. The consensus points to a need for stronger corporate guidance to maintain investor confidence amid potential economic headwinds in 2025.
Retail Sector Challenges and Opportunities
The retail sector is facing challenges as consumer spending shifts towards experiences rather than traditional goods. Analysts expect a modest increase in retail sales, with projections indicating a 1% rise during the holiday season, primarily driven by essential goods. The conversation emphasizes the importance of experiential retail, as companies like Target and Kroger are capitalizing on unique experiences to draw consumers. Overall, the retail landscape is expected to undergo significant changes in 2025, as many retailers may struggle to adapt to the evolving expectations of consumers.
In this Christmas Day special edition of Bloomberg Daybreak with Nathan Hager:
Tom Porcelli, Chief US Economist at PGIM Fixed Income, discusses what the Fed will do in 2025.
Lori Calvasina, Head of US Equity Strategy at RBC Capital Markets and Cameron Dawson, the Chief Investment Officer at NewEdge Wealth, break down what we can expect in equities
Burt Flickinger, the Managing Director at Strategic Resource Group, brings us the winners and losers of the 2024 holiday retail season.