Inflation has cooled off but continues to run well above target. And while near-term disinflation should continue, inflationary risk will remain with the labor market tight. As a result, the Fed continues to try to slow the economy, a strategy it believes is required to get inflation durably back to the 2 percent target. We expect Fed policymakers will deliver a final rate hike in September or November as they try to limit an economic reacceleration that could risk a resurgence in inflation. Quantitative tightening will likely continue at least into early 2024.
Despite the abrupt tightening of Fed policy seen over recent quarters, growth of real gross domestic product has been resilient, aided by a significant fiscal expansion and easing inflation pressures that have boosted real personal consumption. Indeed, headline personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation slowed to 2.5 percent on an annualized basis in the three months ending in June from 7.4 percent in the corresponding period a year earlier, helping to lift real income growth and support consumer spending.
Notwithstanding recent stronger-than-expected economic activity, we continue to believe the Fed's actions will initiate a rise in the unemployment rate, ultimately leading to a recession starting by early next year. A range of leading indicators—including a low unemployment rate, an inverted yield curve, a declining leading economic index, and tightening bank lending standards—suggest a downturn is in the pipeline.
While recession would undoubtedly lead to rising defaults and market selloffs, we continue to believe this recession should be relatively mild in its severity. Moreover, we expect inflation will be brought under control as spending and demand for labor cool, in turn allowing the Fed to start to ease up on its restrictive monetary policy stance as we move through 2024.
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This material contains opinions of the authors, but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners, LLC or its subsidiaries. The opinions contained herein are subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary and non-proprietary research and other sources. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but are not assured as to accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information.
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*Assets under management is as of 9.30.2024 and includes leverage of $14.8bn. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, and GS GAMMA Advisors.
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