The Coming Disinflation

Further inflation scares in the coming months that drive any bond selloff should be seen as a buying opportunity. Our analysis suggests that the secular disinflationary headwinds of the past few decades will ultimately prove more lasting than a rise in prices due to temporary supply shortages.

Supply chain disruptions are widespread in everything from semiconductors to lumber, contributing to fears that higher inflation is on the way. These disruptions are being exacerbated by surging demand as the economy reopens and fiscal policy provides a strong tailwind for consumption.

While these supply issues may be a near term challenge, investors need to realize that these types of price pressures, typical in an economic rebound, are more like one-off adjustments than the kind of sustained inflation that would prompt the Federal Reserve (Fed) to react. The Fed has repeatedly referred to the coming inflation as transitory, so it is really 2022 inflation that will drive monetary policy.

Several factors suggest inflation will slow by next year. As the chart below shows, higher prices from supply bottlenecks in the manufacturing sector are typically short-lived. High prices and an improving COVID situation will bring more capacity online by the end of 2021, in turn dampening inflation pressure next year.

Additionally, large sequential price increases over the next few months will mean a high base effect when doing year over year comparisons in mid-2022, thwarting the Fed’s efforts to reach and overshoot 2 percent on a sustained basis.

Sustained inflationary pressure will need to come from the much larger service sector. One of the largest weights in core PCE is healthcare, where the expiration of pandemic-related policies will create a drag of over 15 basis points on YoY core PCE inflation next year. Ongoing labor market slack will further restrain inflation, especially as labor supply increases with more vaccinations and the expiration of federal unemployment benefits this September.

From the Office of the Global Chief Investment Officer, Scott Minerd
By the Guggenheim Investments Macroeconomic and Investment Research Group

• Brian Smedley, Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic and Investment Research
• Matt Bush, CFA, CBE, U.S. Economist, Macroeconomic and Investment Research

Important Notices and Disclosures

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments in fixed-income instruments are subject to the possibility that interest rates could rise, causing their values to decline. High yield and unrated debt securities are at a greater risk of default than investment grade bonds and may be less liquid, which may increase volatility.

Basis point – One basis point is equal to 0.01 percent.

This material is distributed or presented for informational or educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product, or as investing advice of any kind. This material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The content contained herein is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

This material contains opinions of the author, but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners 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. No part of this material may be reproduced or referred to in any form, without express written permission of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses: 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 Fund Management (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Partners India Management.

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VIDEO

 

First Quarter 2021 Fixed-Income Outlook

Portfolio Manager Adam Bloch and Matt Bush, a Director in the Macroeconomic and Investment Research Group, share their outlook for the first quarter 2021.

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First Quarter 2021 Fixed-Income Outlook

 

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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.

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