As a weekly number, this is your leading indicator for employment and it just broke below 200,000 again after a recent peak of 265,000 in early June. It continues to be historically fantastic, better than about 95% of history going back to 1967. Btw, I did remove some of the data from 2020, the unprecedented jump in claims to close to 6,000,000 messes up the chart too much.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Fed does with interest rates on November 1. Fed Funds are currently giving a rate hike only a 4% chance. It may be more interesting to hear what they say if they keep rates steady despite their dual mandate data indicating there’s still work to be done. Wage growth is currently 5.2% (trending lower), employment continues to expand, inflation is well above 2% and oil remains in an uptrend. The Fed may feel they don’t need to raise the short end anymore because longer dated interest rates have risen over 150 basis points since April 3.3% to 4.9%. I did hear an interesting quote yesterday from Economist and former Dallas Fed Advisor Danielle DiMartino Booth. She was commenting on the Fed pausing hikes, what that signals about their vigilance in fighting inflation given recent data and the recent rise in longer term interest rates (drop in bond prices). “If you’re not going to fight inflation, then we don’t want your bonds.”

 

 

Disclaimer: This information is presented for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any investment products. None of the information herein constitutes an investment recommendation, investment advice or an investment outlook. The opinions and conclusions contained in this report are those of the individual expressing those opinions. This information is non-tailored, non-specific information presented without regard for individual investment preferences or risk parameters. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, all investments entail risk and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. This information is based on sources believed to be reliable and Alhambra is not responsible for errors, inaccuracies, or omissions of information. For more information contact Alhambra Investment Partners at 1-888-777-0970 or email us at info@alhambrapartners.com.