1. Consumer watch…
The US economy seems determined to spur the Fed’s efforts to slow it down. Total Bank of America credit and debit card spending per household was up 5.1% YoY in January, versus 2.2% YoY in December. And the NY Fed quarterly report on household debt and credit showed US household debt had the largest increase in 20 years in 4Q 2022. Interestingly, total delinquency levels of credit cards and auto loans remain below pre-Covid levels. 2.5% of outstanding debt was in some stage of delinquency as of December versus 4.7% at the end of 2019.
Source: Bank of America internal data
2. Results (w)rap…
A very succinct summary of the week seems to be companies are optimistic, and management have become very comfortable using ‘colourful’ language post lockdowns.
Source: FactSet, BofA US Equity & US Quant Strategy
Source: Sentieo
3. It’s inevitable till it isn’t…
The most anticipated recession ever is becoming less anticipated…
55% of European investors surveyed by Bank of America now expect a Euro recession over the next 12 months, down from 75% last month. And just 24% of global investors think we will get a global recession over the next 12 months, down from 51% last month.
Source: Bank of America
Source: Morgan Stanley