Hawkish Central Bank Surprises Bolster Recession Fears
What’s in Today’s Report:
- Hawkish Central Bank Surprises Bolster Recession Fears
- Jobless Claims Remain Elevated – Indicate Deteriorating Labor Market
- EIA Data Takeaways – Consumer Demand Remains Healthy But Recession Fears Grip Futures Market
Stock futures are tracking global equity markets lower this morning while longer duration bonds are rallying after soft PMI data in Europe bolstered recession fears overnight.
Economically, the Eurozone Composite PMI Flash fell to 50.3 vs. (E) 52.5 indicating the EU economy is on the brink contracting.
The Manufacturing PMI was better than feared but the Services PMI dropped to 52.4 vs. (E) 54.7 pointing to a sudden slowdown in the service sector which accounts for the bulk of developed economic growth around the globe.
Looking into today’s session, focus will be on the U.S. PMI Flash data due out shortly after the bell with the Manufacturing PMI Flash expected to come in at 48.5 while the Services PMI Flash is expected at 53.5. If the data meaningfully disappoints, especially in the service sector, expect more risk off money flows amid growing recession worries today.
Finally, there are two Fed officials speaking today: Bostic (7:30 a.m. ET) and Mester (1:40 p.m. ET) but it is unlikely that either materially deviates from the Fed’s narrative from the last week which is continued commitment to reigning in inflation with further policy tightening in H2’23.
