A trader suggests that runaway inflation remains elusive, pointing instead to the possibility of asset prices spiraling out of control. With the latest robust official jobs report for March in hand, traders anticipate that the consumer-price index (CPI) will continue to stagnate over the next five months, hovering between 3.2% and 3.4%. Despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts to rein in inflation, it’s expected that CPI figures will persist above 3% until at least August, influencing household expectations.
Gang Hu, a trader at WinShore Capital Partners, notes that despite concerns about inflation not receding and the potential for further escalation, significant asset depreciation might not occur. Hu’s track record of accurate predictions adds weight to his perspective, such as his previous forecasts on the trajectory of inflation and market reactions.
Hu outlines a scenario where the U.S. economy and financial markets are entering a new phase of the inflation era, where asset prices could continue to rise even if the Fed struggles to curb inflation or lower interest rates. He attributes this to various factors, including the uneven impact of economic conditions on different businesses, substantial fiscal support from recent legislation, and increased immigration bolstering job creation.
The unexpectedly strong March jobs report contributed to a positive market sentiment, despite lingering inflation concerns. Even traders anticipating continued CPI increases did not express alarm about inflationary trends.
Hu emphasizes that fiscal policies are segregating winners and losers in the economy, with major technology firms likely to fare well regardless of interest rate fluctuations, while smaller companies and consumers face greater challenges. Additionally, the influx of immigrants into the labor force is easing pressure on job creation and economic growth.
Overall, Hu suggests that asset inflation may outweigh consumer inflation in the U.S. economy. He speculates that as inflation remains around 3%, the Fed’s conventional economic models might prove less effective, leading to uncertainty about appropriate monetary policy measures.
While the first quarter ended on a high note for stock indexes, April’s start has been more volatile, with mixed performances across major indices and fluctuations in bond, gold, and oil markets.
