BoE’s Bailey anticipates sharp decline in inflation, stresses need for balance

    BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, speaking at an International Institute of Finance conference, projected a “quite a strong drop” in next month’s inflation figures. This expectation is largely due to the unique household energy pricing system in the UK, which is set to impact the overall inflation calculations differently compared to other sectors.

    However, he was quick to temper this optimistic forecast with a note of caution regarding the broader inflationary landscape. According to Bailey, underlying components of the inflation measure continue to show disparities that could complicate monetary policy response.

    The Governor pointed out that while energy price inflation is currently running at minus 20%, the inflation in services remains high, around 6%. This stark contrast in inflation rates across different sectors presents an “unbalanced” picture.

    “We don’t have to have every component actually at target, but you do have to have a better balance,” Bailey remarked.

    Fed’s Collins believes rates may have peaked in current cycle

      Boston Fed President Susan Collins highlighted that recent rise in long-term yields implies some tightening of financial conditions. “If it persists, it likely reduces the need for further monetary-policy tightening in the near term,” she noted in a speech yesterday.

      Such market dynamics further bolstered Collins’ perspective on the current tightening cycle led. “This reinforces my view that we are very near, and perhaps at, the peak federal funds rates for this tightening cycle,” she stated, indicating that the cycle could be nearing its zenith.

      However, Collins maintained a flexible stance on the future course of action, and clarified, “I would not take further tightening off the table yet.”

      Weighed in on yesterday’s CPI data, which revealed that September’s headline inflation held steady at 3.7% and core inflation eased to 4.1%. Collins said, “Today’s CPI release is a reminder that restoring price stability will take time.”

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        Fed Daly: Last rate cut an appropriate recalibration of policy for headwinds, not impending downturn

          In a Quora.com post, San Francisco Fed Mary Daly said the US is not headed towards a recessions right not. She saw “solid domestic momentum that points to a continued economic expansion:. Also, “the labor market is strong, consumer confidence is high, and consumer spending is healthy.”

          But “considerable headwinds”, including global slowdown and trade uncertainties, contributed to fear that a “downturn is right around the corner”. Hence, she’s closely look at whether “fear of recession becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy”.

          Daly added that recent rate cut was “appropriate recalibration” of policy in response to the headwinds. And, her support was “not because I see an impending downturn on the horizon.”

          Trump: China trade deal could happen sooner than you think

            Trump indicated that US and China are “having some very good conversations” on trade. And China want to make deal “very badly” and “it could happen sooner than you think.” He added that’s “because they’re losing their jobs, because their supply chain is going to hell and companies are moving out of China and they’re moving to lots of other places, including the United States.” Additionally, China is “starting to buy our agricultural product again… starting to go with the beef and all of the different things, pork, very big on pork.”

            The comments came just a day after Trump’s harsh criticism on China at the United Nations General Assembly. He said “not only has China declined to adopt promised reforms, it has embraced an economic model dependent on massive market barriers, heavy state subsidies, currency manipulation, product dumping, forced technology transfers and the theft of intellectual property and also trade secrets on a grand scale”. And, “as far as America is concerned, those days are over.”

            Fed’s Collins methodical, forward-looking approach to rate cuts

              Boston Fed President Susan Collins suggested that it may become “appropriate to begin easing policy later this year,” highlighting the importance of a “methodical, forward-looking approach” to gradually reduce rates.

              Collins anticipated further inflation deceleration would might necessitate further slowdown in economic activity. However, she noted the “considerable uncertainty” surrounding the magnitude and timing of this slowdown. The path ahead, as Collins notes, is expected to be “bumpy,” as suggested by hotter-than-expected employment and price increase readings.

              In this context, it will be important to focus on seeking “sustained, broadening signs” of progress towards its dual mandate goals, acknowledging that such progress may unfold unevenly. Collins cautions against setting overly stringent expectations for the data, indicating that “expecting all data to speak uniformly is too high a bar.”

              UK PMI construction dropped to 58.7, widespread supply shortages and constrained capacity

                UK PMI Construction dropped to 58.7 in July, down sharply from June’s 24-year high of 66.3. House building remained best-performing category. Supply shortages led to another rapid rise in input prices.

                Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit:

                “July data marked the first real slowdown in the construction recovery since the lockdown at the start of this year. It was unsurprising that UK construction companies were unable to maintain output growth at the 24-year high seen in June, especially with widespread supply shortages and constrained capacity to take on additional orders…

                “Long lead times for materials and shrinking sub-contractor availability were cited as factors holding back work on site… Another rapid increase in purchasing costs was linked to global supply and demand imbalances, but many firms also noted that local issues had amplified inflationary pressures. These included a severe lack of haulage availability, continued reports of Brexit trade frictions, and greater shortages of contractors due to exceptionally strong demand.”

                Full release here.

                Bundesbank highlights modest improvement in German economy with ongoing risks

                  Bundesbank, in its latest monthly report, suggested some improvement in the German economy though underlying weaknesses remain. The report notes, “Germany’s economic situation has brightened somewhat, but it remains weak at its core,” signaling uncertainty about the sustainability of economic growth into the second quarter.

                  Despite these challenges, there has been a noticeable rise in optimism among consumers, businesses, and investors, potentially setting the stage for a stronger economic recovery than previously anticipated. The Bundesbank highlights, “If this improvement continues, the economy could also pick up more significantly than was expected a month ago.”

                  However, the report also points out several areas of concern. Industry continues to struggle, and the construction sector might see a downturn following a temporary boost from a mild winter. Furthermore, high interest rates are suppressing investment activities, and while export demand shows weakness, consumer spending remains restrained despite favorable conditions in the labor market, such as rising wages and slowing inflation.

                  UK retailers urge Chancellor Javid to fix broken business rates system

                    Over 50 retailers in UK sent a joint letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid, urged him to fix the “broken” business rates system. The letter was coordinated by the British Retail Consortium.

                    The letter urged four fixes, including a freeze in the business rates multiplier; fixing transitional relief, which currently forces many retailers to pay more than they should; introducing an ‘Improvement Relief’ for ratepayers; ensuring that the Valuation Office Agency is fully resourced to do its job.

                    Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC said:”These four fixes would be an important step to reform the broken business rates system which holds back investment, threatens jobs and harms our high streets. The new Government has an opportunity to unlock the full potential of retail in the UK, and the Prime Minister’s economic package provides a means to do so.

                    WH Kudlow: Still planning for Chinese trade team to come in September

                      White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said yesterday that there was “quite constructive” telephone conversations at deputy level between US and China and trade. The deputies have agreed to set up another conference call and were working through some of the key issues.

                      Kudow added “we are still planning for the Chinese team to come over here in September.”

                      On the economy, Kudlow dismissed the concerns of a downturn. Instead, he said “we don’t anticipate anything but a solid strong economy.”

                      Bundesbank Weidmann: I do not rule out higher inflation rates

                        Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, “I do not rule out higher inflation rates.” He added, “In any case, I will insist on keeping a close eye on the risk of an excessively high inflation rate and not only on the risk of an excessively low inflation rate.”

                        He also said that the emergency asset purchase program, known as PEPP, must end when the Covid-19 crisis is over. “The first P stands for pandemic and not for permanent. It’s a question of credibility,” he added.

                        On the plan of stimulus exit, “the sequence would then be: first we end the PEPP, then the APP is scaled back, and then we can raise interest rates,” he said.

                         

                        Japan’s industrial production rises 1.8% mom in Dec, a bounce in seesawing pattern

                          Japan’s industrial production rose 1.8% mom in December, rebounding from prior month’s -0.9% mom contraction, but missed expectation of 2.4% mom.

                          Manufacturers have tempered expectations for the coming months, predicting a -6.2% mom drop in production in January, followed by a modest 2.2% mom increase in February. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry maintains its assessment of “seesawing” on production.

                          As an METI official indicated, the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake’s impact on manufacturing appears minimal for January. However, production forecasts are clouded by the suspension of operations at Daihatsu due to issues with collision-safety test irregularities.

                          “Although we believe that the production sentiment of companies is gradually getting out of the bearish phase, for the time being, we need to pay attention to the impact of the suspension of auto manufacturers’ operation,” the official said.

                          In separate release, retail sales grew 2.1% yoy in December, well below expectation of 5.0% yoy.

                          EU said no Eurozone country at serious risk of breaching fiscal rules

                            In the regular annual assessment of national budgets by European Commission, none of the 19 Eurozone state was found at “serious” risk of breaching EU fiscal rules. Though,

                            Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis warned that “among the budgetary plans found at risk of non-compliance, the ones that concern us most are those with debt levels that are high and not reduced fast enough.” He explicitly pointed to Italy, France, Belgium and Spain.

                            And, he urged “all members states that are at risk of non-compliance with the (rules) to take the necessary measures within the national budgetary process to ensure that the 2020 budget will be compliant”. Though, for now, no immediate action is requested.

                            UK urges EU to match its compromises on Brexit

                              UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he made a “very generous, fair and reasonable offer” to the EU on Brexit. And “what we’d like to hear from you now is what your thoughts are.” And, he also told EU, “if you have issues with any of the proposals that we’ve come up with, then let’s get into the detail and discuss them.”

                              Johnson’s spokesman also noted, “We are ready to talk to the EU at pace to secure a deal so that we can move on and build a new partnership between the UK and the EU, but if this is to be possible, the EU must match the compromises that the UK has made”. And, “the PM still believes there is an opportunity to get a deal done, but the EU must understand, in order to achieve that, the backstop has to be removed.”

                              BoJ’s Ueda: Economic and price developments could trigger monetary stimulus reduction

                                Speaking to the parliament today, BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda highlighted the possibility of future reduction in monetary stimulus, contingent on the alignment of economic and price conditions with current projections.

                                “If economic and price conditions move in line with our current projections, trend inflation will gradually accelerate. If so, we must consider reducing the degree of stimulus,” he explained.

                                A significant point of consideration as outlined by Governor Ueda revolves around the outcomes of annual wage negotiations and their subsequent reflection in actual data. “We’ll also check at each policy meeting whether rising wages will be reflected in services prices, he added.

                                 

                                Bundesbank: Not Likely for slowdown to intensify markedly, no recession in Germany

                                  Bundesbank warned in its monthly report that “the slowdown of the German economy will probably continue in the fourth quarter of 2019:. Though, it emphasized that “it is not likely to intensify markedly”. “As things currently stand, overall economic output could more or less stagnate.” And, “from today’s vantage point, there is no reason to fear that Germany will slide into recession”.

                                  It also noted some tentative signs of stabilization in industrial demand. Meanwhile, domestic economy will continue to provide growth momentum. “Because the labor market is likely to remain fairly robust and wages are expected to grow considerably, households’ income prospects should remain favorable,” it added.

                                  ECB consumer survey reveals 1-yr inflation expectations drop to 3.1%, a two-year low

                                    ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey for February indicated continuing decline in consumers’ median inflation perceptions over the past 12 months, marking a fifth consecutive month of decrease, settling at 5.5% down from 6.0% in January.

                                    Furthermore, median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months have dipped to 3.1% from 3.3%. This level is the lowest recorded since the onset of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine in February 2022.

                                    Expectations for inflation three years ahead remained stable at 2.5%.

                                    Full ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results here.

                                    Japan industrial production rose 1.3%, but retail sales dropped -2.0%

                                      A batch of mixed economic data was released from Japan today. Industrial production rose 1.3% mom in July, well above expectation of 0.3% mom. Growth was supported by increased production of cars and chemicals, which offset decline in oil products. The somewhat solid rebound in production offered a hopeful sign that manufacturers are weathering global slowdown and escalation of US-China trade war so far.

                                      On the other hand, retail sales dropped -2.0% yoy in July, much worse than expectation of -0.6% yoy. The contraction raised concerns that momentum of domestic demand was much weaker than originally expected. In particular, consumption could be further strained by the planned sale tax hike later in the year.

                                      Also released, unemployment rate dropped to 2.2% in July, beat expectation of 2.3%. Housing starts dropped -4.1% yoy, versus expectation of -5.4% yoy. Tokyo CPI slowed to 0.7% yoy in August, down from 0.9% yoy, missed expectation of 0.8% yoy.

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                                        US initial jobless claims dropped to 210k, below expectations

                                          US initial jobless claims dropped -10k to 210k in the week ending October 5, below expectation of 217k. Four-week moving average of initial claims rose 1k to 213.75k. Continuing claims rose 29k to 1.684m in the week ending September 28. Four-week moving average of continuing claims rose 2.5k to 1.665m.

                                          Full release here.