October 2024 – Bond Market Review
Oct 23, 2024 | Monthly Review
Recent economic data suggests positive but slower growth this year fueled by consumer spending. While the consumer has been resilient, declining savings rates, growing credit card debt, higher delinquencies, and a moderating labor market pose potential headwinds to future economic growth. Inflationary trends are subsiding, but core levels remain above the Fed’s target. The labor market is showing signs of cooling, reflecting an improved balance between supply and demand for workers. Given the cumulative effects of restrictive monetary policy and tighter financial conditions, we believe the economy will gradually soften and the Fed will continue to lower rates at a measured pace through this year with the ability to move more aggressively should the employment data warrant.