1. Rate watch…
The rate ceiling is in sight. And historically the Fed pauses for about 5-6 months before pivoting down. We will have to wait to see if July was the final Fed hike…
Source: Macrobond, ING (September 2023)
Has the Fed gone hiking for the last time?…
Source: Switzerland Tourism (May 2021)
2. Spending spree…
Despite the increased cost of living, retail punters seem to not be deterred, with retail investor flows exceeding 2021 highs according to Vanda Research. And inflation-adjusted consumer spending is continuing to rise. Meanwhile companies are splashing their cash on buybacks.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis via St. Louis Fed (September 2023)
Source: BofA Global Quantitative Strategy. MSCI, Exshare (September 2023)
3. Coming and going…
We have spoken at length about the historic level of immigration Australia is currently experiencing. But we are also seeing an equally impressive level of overseas migration by Aussies. Annualised net overseas migration declined from 247,620 in 2019 to minus 94,326 in 1Q21 and has since risen to a record 454,361 in 1Q23. It was an average 218,131 in the ten years prior to the pandemic.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (September 2023)