Ethan Harris
Ethan Harris
data economy few lost momentum months outcome positive time weak weeks
Even with a positive outcome in the war, the economy is going to have lost a lot of momentum by the time it's over. We're not going to see a few weeks of weak data -- we'll see a few months of weak data.
coming eventually housing impact seeds slow
Eventually that will slow down the U.S. consumer. We've got the seeds of a slowdown coming out of the housing market, but it hasn't really had that much impact yet on the economy.
accident along deficit factor gradual gradually lingering risk sitting trade
That's the big lingering risk factor sitting out there on the horizon. Will we have a gradual adjustment, where the trade deficit gradually improves, or will we have an accident along the way?
coming consumer likely slow spending
It's very likely consumer spending will slow down significantly in coming months.
That's about the right feel for the economy,
action dangerous early fed fragile hiking initial interest stage thinking
It's much too early for the Fed to be thinking about hiking interest rates. It would be a very dangerous action on their part in this fragile initial stage of the recovery.
friendly inflation major signals warning
It's not as friendly as some of the other inflation numbers, but it's just one indicator. We have no inflation warning signals from any of the other major inflation indicators.
erosion explosion question sudden
It's not a question of a sudden explosion in prices. It's more an erosion of the low-inflation psychology.
average bills bulk burden confidence consumer cut debt driver growth leaving less past paying people picking several slow taken tax truth wage
Everyone is all zeroed in on the consumer now, but the truth is that the consumer isn't the driver now. Confidence is picking up, but still at average levels. Wage growth is slow and the bulk of the tax cut is already in place. Finally, with all the debt people have taken out over the past several years the burden of paying monthly bills is leaving less for discretionary spending.
bond looking market relief report
The bond market went into this report looking for disaster. I think there's a sense of relief in the bond market.
best cuts economy maintain move promise quarter rate remains
The best tack is to move by a quarter point, with the promise that there will be more cuts to come if the economy remains weak. You can't maintain that promise with big bulky rate cuts.
basic consumer medium near ok risk term
The basic story of the consumer is that he's OK in the near term and at risk in the medium term.
adjustment economy effect fairly higher oil prices problem style top
The adjustment to higher prices has been fairly orderly. It's not a 70's style shock. Oil prices do have an effect on the economy but it's not dramatic. It's a problem but not at the top of the list.
assuming bond fed gets hikes market pulled
What we're assuming is that as the Fed hikes rates, the bond market gets pulled along.