February 12, 2014 | By Scott Minerd, Global CIO
The cold snap in the eastern United States is continuing into February and could have a dramatic impact on economic output. Interesting research from Bank of America shows that adverse weather could reduce first quarter economic growth by 1-2 percent. Our analysis below shows the negative effect of frigid Januaries on retail sales. The potential economic damage from storm after storm raises the prospect that the U.S. Federal Reserve could slow its pre-stated tapering course.
If we see real evidence of a U.S. economic slowdown, more liquidity from the Fed can be expected. Investors still have faith in the Fed’s ability to make further accommodations, as evidenced by how the U.S. stock market took last Friday’s tepid jobs report for January in stride. This development takes us back to the "Alice in Wonderland" world where bad news can be good news for stocks and bonds.
The near-term risk is to the downside for U.S. 10-year Treasury yields, which could fall from the current level of about 2.76 percent to closer to 2 percent. Not so long ago, at the end of December, the 10-year rose above 3 percent and many investors presumed rates would continue rising in a secular bear market for fixed income. How quickly things change.
The effects of December’s frigid temperatures have already been seen in recent U.S. economic data releases. With January temperatures more than three degrees colder than average, it is likely that economic activity will continue to be depressed in the first month of the year. Retail sales show a particularly strong correlation with temperatures in January, suggesting that data for January will likely show restrained growth.
Source: Haver, Guggenheim Investments. Data as of 1/31/2014.
This article is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investing advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. This article contains opinions of the author but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners or its subsidiaries. The author’s opinions 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. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. ©2014, Guggenheim Partners. 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.
FEATURED PERSPECTIVES
Examining the Fed’s announcement to sell its SMCCF holdings.
Strong earnings growth, low default volumes, upward rating migration, and tighter spreads in the recovery phase of the credit cycle.
A Green New Deal should not be viewed as a big government program, but as an opportunity to reinvent vast swaths of the U.S. economy while pursuing the laudable goal of carbon neutrality.
VIDEO
Portfolio Manager Adam Bloch and Matt Bush, a Director in the Macroeconomic and Investment Research Group, share their outlook for the first quarter 2021.
Scott Minerd, Chairman of Investments and Global CIO, discussed his outlook for markets and the economy with CNBC’s Brian Sullivan during the Milken Institute 2020 Global Conference.
You are now leaving this website.Guggenheim assumes no responsibility of the content or its accuracy.