The podcast discusses potential surprises in the market for 2024. Topics include the probability of a US recession, drivers of a recession, the reliability of yield curves as indicators, easing policy to prevent tightening, valuation of the yen, and institutional response to market conditions.
The probability of a recession in the US in the coming 12 months is around 90%, primarily driven by factors such as the negative yield curve and declining payrolls.
The market sentiment towards the Federal Reserve's policy has shifted to a dovish tone, leading to a reduction in rate hike expectations and an alignment between the market and the Fed, although there may be some disagreements on timing and extent of rate cuts.
Deep dives
US recession probability
Despite data showing the US is not in a recession, indicators suggest that the probability of a recession in the coming 12 months is still around 90%. Factors driving this probability include the negative yield curve and slowing growth in payrolls and industrial production. Among these factors, the most likely driver of an eventual recession is the decline in payrolls, which could impact consumer spending.
Market expectations of Fed easing
Market sentiment towards the Federal Reserve's policy has shifted from a hawkish tone to a dovish one. This is reflected in the reduction in rate hike expectations from three to four hikes this year, along with 135 to 140 basis points of rate cuts. The market and the Fed are now more aligned, although there may be slight disagreements on timing and the extent of rate cuts.
Inflation normalization and central banks
Inflation normalization is a key factor influencing central bank actions. Recent data indicates that inflation remains below seasonal averages in many countries, suggesting that base effects are still impacting annual inflation rates. However, shorter-term indicators show that inflation is beginning to look more normal. With regards to central banks, the Bank of Japan stands out as a potential exception, as Japanese inflation has been persistently above normal levels, indicating a possible need for policy normalization.
And the end of 2023, Michael Metcalfe, our global head of macro strategy, published a piece highlighting where our research offered a differential to market consensus throughout the year. This week, he is back on the podcast to talk about where those potential surprises may or may not be resolving and what investors can expect as a consequence, with narratives and trends forming as we move deeper into 2024.