1032922614

Our Top Market Takeaways for November 5, 2021.

Markets in a minute
New highs and a central bank bonanza

It was a new record kind of week. Heading into Friday, the S&P 500 had notched six consecutive new highs, bringing its 2021 tally to 63 (already the best year since 1995). A swathe of upbeat earnings reports and potential votes in Washington today on social spending and infrastructure added to this week’s optimism, but the Federal Reserve was undoubtedly the main event. 

After months of speculation, the Fed at its latest policy meeting made good on its move to start tapering its bond buying program (by $15 billion per month). All in all, the process is expected to continue through mid-2022, but Chair Powell was clear that tapering isn’t on autopilot—and can be dialed up or down pending economic conditions. For all the hubbub earlier in the year, the price reaction was far from a taper tantrum—the U.S. yield curve is only modestly steeper than it was a week ago.

Some might worry that the start of tapering means rate hikes are just around the corner. Have no fear: Powell took care to stress patience, and to distinguish tapering and rate hikes as distinct policy tools. That said, the market is currently pricing in two hikes by the end of 2022 and three more in 2023. We think the first hike will come around the end of next year, but we acknowledge there is tremendous uncertainty around the exact time of liftoff. We would take the under on the market’s expectation for five hikes by the end of 2023.

Much of that view has to do with the path of the employment recovery and future inflation. Which is exactly why we’re taking stock of the debate today.

Spotlight

Revisiting the (heated) inflation debate

Supply chain–related inflation has stolen all the attention. And while it’s proved stickier than anticipated, we (and the Fed) still expect it’ll cool into mid-next year as soaring demand moderates and supply incrementally comes back online. But for all the focus, such dynamics aren’t as important for the economic cycle.

What’s more important—and what drives the bulk of inflation moves over the economic cycle—are labor market dynamics (which are growing tighter) and shelter inflation (which has started to gain steam).

These two dynamics are key to understanding the Fed’s next step. Let’s take each in turn.

Key pillar of inflation #1: Labor market slack (“help wanted!”)

Today’s jobs report showed the U.S. economy added another 531,000 jobs in October and the unemployment rate fell to 4.6% (both well ahead of expectations).  But, there are still about 8 million fewer workers today than the pre-COVID trend suggests.

TOTAL U..S. WORKER SHORTAGES

 

Let’s talk about those who have left the labor force. There are a number of different types of workers in this bucket, but it’s those who are most likely to return to the labor force who matter most for the future path of policy. For these folks, it’s all about wages—if companies pay enough, it’s probable such workers will come off the sidelines.

Digging deeper, labor force dropouts have been most concentrated in 1) females, and 2) lower-skilled workers. Together, we think these two categories will add two million workers back into the labor force by the end of next year. Retirees (~1.5 million) have played a hand in labor force dropouts too, but it’s difficult to bank on these individuals rejoining the workforce.

In the case of female workers, research has shown childcare duties disproportionately fall to women. While it’s still too early to fairly assess whether school reopening has helped to boost labor supply, we’re optimistic this dynamic, combined with the power of vaccines and rising wages, should entice women to re-enter the workforce.

WHO HAS DROPPED OUT OF THE LABOR FORCE

 

As for lower-skilled workers, most tend to work in industries that were competing with the government’s enhanced unemployment benefits. Now, the industries with the lowest wages are seeing the highest quit rates (i.e., workers who voluntarily leave their jobs to find new/better ones). This is driving wages in these industries higher. Take, for instance, the fact that average hourly earnings in leisure are up 14% this year (annualized) compared to finance’s 4%.

Now for those cashing in more from unemployment benefits than in their old jobs.

The bulk of federal pandemic unemployment benefits just expired in September, and though it’s still in the early innings, there are some signs expiration has improved the probability of unemployed workers finding jobs.

To be fair, we don’t expect all these workers to rush back at once, but savings can only last so long. While there’s been a stunning $2.5 trillion in excess cash saved since the pandemic began, $1.6 trillion of that is sitting in the hands of the top 20% households by income. That leaves $900 billion in the pockets of the remaining 80%. And for this 80%, their cash on hand amounts to less than three months of after-tax pay.

Key driver of inflation #2: shelter prices (“but house prices are soaring!”)

The largest (and stickiest) component of inflation is shelter, representing around 20% of core PCE (the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge). As the economy improves, more people get jobs and earn higher wages, and shelter inflation tends to accelerate.

Shelter inflation is dominated by two components: owners’ equivalent rent (OER for short) and rental inflation.

But importantly, home price appreciation does not equal OER. House prices are an asset, a purchase that many Americans make only once in their lifetimes. OER is basically the amount of rent that would have to be paid to rent out a currently owned home. And the correlation between the two is pretty weak:

OWNER' EQUIVALENT RENT HAS A WEAK CORRELATION WITH HOME

 

And while we’re at it, market rents do not equal actual rents the average person pays. Headlines love to quote Zillow market rents—which can be pretty misleading. Zillow only accounts for new leases, while actual rent inflation solves for all outstanding leases (both new and current).

What this all means

While headlines around supply chain–related inflation are all the rage, sustainable forms of inflation—wages and rents—matter a lot more for the Fed, and by extension, the cycle. We remain optimistic that expiring unemployment benefits, modest cash balances at the lower income cohorts, falling COVID cases, and the back-to-school transition should incentivize workers to go back to work. In the meantime, shelter inflation is likely to continue to rise, but at a healthy clip in line with an economic expansion.

As “transitory” inflation forces cool and sustainable forms of inflation recover, we expect price increases to normalize back toward 2% by the end of next year—just about in line with when we expect the Fed’s liftoff.


All market and economic data as of October 2021 and sourced from Bloomberg and FactSet unless otherwise stated.

We believe the information contained in this material to be reliable but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Opinions, estimates, and investment strategies and views expressed in this document constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice.

RISK CONSIDERATIONS

  • Past performance is not indicative of future results. You may not invest directly in an index.
  • The prices and rates of return are indicative, as they may vary over time based on market conditions.
  • Additional risk considerations exist for all strategies.
  • The information provided herein is not intended as a recommendation of or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any investment product or service.
  • Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This material should not be regarded as investment research or a J.P. Morgan investment research report.


Important Information

We believe the information contained in this material to be reliable but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Opinions, estimates, and investment strategies and views expressed in this document constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice.


RISK CONSIDERATIONS

  • Past performance is not indicative of future results. You may not invest directly in an index.
  • The prices and rates of return are indicative, as they may vary over time based on market conditions.
  • The prices and rates of return are indicative, as they may vary over time based on market conditions.
  • Additional risk considerations exist for all strategies.
    The information provided herein is not intended as a recommendation of or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any investment product or service.
  • Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This material should not be regarded as investment research or a J.P. Morgan investment research report.

All companies referenced are shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended as a recommendation or endorsement by J.P. Morgan in this context.

All market and economic data as of November 2021 and sourced from Bloomberg and FactSet unless otherwise stated.

The information presented is not intended to be making value judgments on the preferred outcome of any government decision.

This material is for information purposes only, and may inform you of certain products and services offered by private banking businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“JPM”). Products and services described, as well as associated fees, charges and interest rates, are subject to change in accordance with the applicable account agreements and may differ among geographic locations. Not all products and services are offered at all locations. If you are a person with a disability and need additional support accessing this material, please contact your J.P. Morgan team or email us at accessibility.support@jpmorgan.com for assistance. Please read all Important Information.

  • The MSCI China Index captures large- and mid-cap representation across China H shares, B shares, Red chips, P chips and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs). With 459 constituents, the index covers about 85% of this China equity universe. Currently, the index also includes Large Cap A shares represented at 5% of their free float adjusted market capitalization.
  • The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The index was developed with a base level of 10 for the 1941–43 base period.
  • The STOXX Europe 600 Index tracks 600 publicly traded companies based in one of 18 EU countries. The index includes small-cap, medium-cap and large-cap companies. The countries represented in the index are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

GENERAL RISKS & CONSIDERATIONSAny views, strategies or products discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to risks. Investors may get back less than they invested, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Nothing in this material should be relied upon in isolation for the purpose of making an investment decision. You are urged to consider carefully whether the services, products, asset classes (e.g. equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities, etc.) or strategies discussed are suitable to your needs. You must also consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with an investment service, product or strategy prior to making an investment decision. For this and more complete information, including discussion of your goals/situation, contact your J.P. Morgan team.

NON-RELIANCECertain information contained in this material is believed to be reliable; however, JPM does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability or completeness, or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. No representation or warranty should be made with regard to any computations, graphs, tables, diagrams or commentary in this material, which are provided for illustration/reference purposes only. The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed in this material constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. JPM assumes no duty to update any information in this material in the event that such information changes. Views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein may differ from those expressed by other areas of JPM, views expressed for other purposes or in other contexts, and this material should not be regarded as a research report. Any projected results and risks are based solely on hypothetical examples cited, and actual results and risks will vary depending on specific circumstances. Forward-looking statements should not be considered as guarantees or predictions of future events.

Nothing in this document shall be construed as giving rise to any duty of care owed to, or advisory relationship with, you or any third party. Nothing in this document shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by J.P. Morgan and/or its officers or employees, irrespective of whether or not such communication was given at your request. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transactions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENTS AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Conflicts of interest will arise whenever JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates (together, “J.P. Morgan”) have an actual or perceived economic or other incentive in its management of our clients’ portfolios to act in a way that benefits J.P. Morgan. Conflicts will result, for example (to the extent the following activities are permitted in your account): (1) when J.P. Morgan invests in an investment product, such as a mutual fund, structured product, separately managed account or hedge fund issued or managed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or an affiliate, such as J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.; (2) when a J.P. Morgan entity obtains services, including trade execution and trade clearing, from an affiliate; (3) when J.P. Morgan receives payment as a result of purchasing an investment product for a client’s account; or (4) when J.P. Morgan receives payment for providing services (including shareholder servicing, recordkeeping or custody) with respect to investment products purchased for a client’s portfolio. Other conflicts will result because of relationships that J.P. Morgan has with other clients or when J.P. Morgan acts for its own account.

Investment strategies are selected from both J.P. Morgan and third-party asset managers and are subject to a review process by our manager research teams. From this pool of strategies, our portfolio construction teams select those strategies we believe fit our asset allocation goals and forward-looking views in order to meet the portfolio’s investment objective.

As a general matter, we prefer J.P. Morgan managed strategies. We expect the proportion of J.P. Morgan managed strategies will be high (in fact, up to 100 percent) in strategies such as, for example, cash and high-quality fixed income, subject to applicable law and any account-specific considerations.

While our internally managed strategies generally align well with our forward-looking views, and we are familiar with the investment processes as well as the risk and compliance philosophy of the firm, it is important to note that J.P. Morgan receives more overall fees when internally managed strategies are included. We offer the option of choosing to exclude J.P. Morgan managed strategies (other than cash and liquidity products) in certain portfolios.

The Six Circles Funds are U.S.-registered mutual funds managed by J.P. Morgan and sub-advised by third parties. Although considered internally managed strategies, JPMC does not retain a fee for fund management or other fund services.

LEGAL ENTITY, BRAND & REGULATORY INFORMATION

In the United States, bank deposit accounts and related services, such as checking, savings and bank lending, are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates (collectively “JPMCB”) offer investment products, which may include bank-managed investment accounts and custody, as part of its trust and fiduciary services. Other investment products and services, such as brokerage and advisory accounts, are offered through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), a member of FINRA and SIPC. Annuities are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. JPMCB, JPMS and CIA are affiliated companies under the common control of JPM. Products not available in all states.

In Luxembourg, this material is issued by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. (JPMBL), with registered office at European Bank and Business Centre, 6 route de Treves,  L-2633, Senningerberg, Luxembourg. R.C.S Luxembourg B10.958. Authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized as a credit institution in accordance with the Law of 5th April 1993. In the United Kingdom, this material is issued by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., London Branch, registered office at 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5JP. Authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank and the CSSF. Deemed authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the United Kingdom for a limited period while seeking full authorization, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.  In Spain, materials are distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Sucursal en España at its registered address: Paseo de la Castellana 31, Madrid 28046, Spain. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., is authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. When acting through the Madrid branch, is also subject to the supervision of Bank of Spain and CNMV. Registered with Bank of Spain as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under code 1516. In Germany, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Frankfurt Branch, at its registered address Taunustor 1 (TaunusTurm), 60310 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Frankfurt Branch is subject to regulation by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)) in Germany. In Italy, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Milan Branch, registered office at Via Cordusio 3, 20123 Milano, Italy. Authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. When acting through the Milan branch, J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is also subject to the supervision of Banca d’Italia CONSOB. Milan Chamber of Commerce Registered Number: REA MI-2542712. Registered with Bank of Italy as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under code 8079. In the Netherlands, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch, at its registered address World Trade Centre, B-toren, Strawinskylaan 1135, 1077 XX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch is authorized and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF in Luxembourg; J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Amsterdam Branch is also authorized and supervised by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in the Netherlands. Registered with the Kamer van Koophandel as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under registration number 71651845. In Denmark, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, Copenhagen Br, filial af J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. at its registered office at Kalvebod Brygge 39-41, 1560 København V, Denmark. Business Authority Number: 39608510 (CVR). J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF. When acting through the Copenhagen branch, J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg, Copenhagen Br, filial af J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is also subject to the supervision of Finanstilsynet (Danish FSA) and registered with Finanstilsynet as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. under code 29009. In Sweden, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A., Stockholm Bankfilial, at its registered office at Hamngatan 15, Stockholm, 11147, Sweden. J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. is authorized and regulated by Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) and jointly supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the CSSF.  When acting through the Stockholm branch, it is also subject to the supervision of Finansinspektionen (Swedish FSA). Registered with Finansinspektionen as a branch of J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. Organization Reference Number: 516406-1086. In France, this material is distributed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMCB”), Paris branch, which is regulated by the French banking authorities the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. In Switzerland, this material is distributed by J.P. Morgan (Suisse) SA, with registered address at rue de la Confédération, 8, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland, which is authorized and supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), with registered address at Laupenstrasse 27, 3003, Bern, Switzerland, as a bank and a securities dealer in Switzerland. 

This communication is an advertisement for the purposes of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID II) and the Swiss Financial Services Act (FINSA). Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any financial instruments referred to in this advertisement except on the basis of information contained in any applicable legal documentation, which is or shall be made available in the relevant jurisdictions (as required).

In Hong Kong, this material is distributed by JPMCB, Hong Kong branch. JPMCB, Hong Kong branch is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, we will cease to use your personal data for our marketing purposes without charge if you so request. In Singapore, this material is distributed by JPMCB, Singapore branch. JPMCB, Singapore branch is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Dealing and advisory services and discretionary investment management services are provided to you by JPMCB, Hong Kong/Singapore branch (as notified to you). Banking and custody services are provided to you by JPMCB Singapore Branch. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong, Singapore or any other jurisdictions. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to this document. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice. For materials which constitute product advertisement under the Securities and Futures Act and the Financial Advisers Act, this advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States, and as a body corporate, its shareholder’s liability is limited.

With respect to countries in Latin America, the distribution of this material may be restricted in certain jurisdictions. We may offer and/or sell to you securities or other financial instruments which may not be registered under, and are not the subject of a public offering under, the securities or other financial regulatory laws of your home country. Such securities or instruments are offered and/or sold to you on a private basis only. Any communication by us to you regarding such securities or instruments, including without limitation the delivery of a prospectus, term sheet or other offering document, is not intended by us as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or instruments in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful. Furthermore, such securities or instruments may be subject to certain regulatory and/or contractual restrictions on subsequent transfer by you, and you are solely responsible for ascertaining and complying with such restrictions. To the extent this content makes reference to a fund, the Fund may not be publicly offered in any Latin American country, without previous registration of such fund’s securities in compliance with the laws of the corresponding jurisdiction. Public offering of any security, including the shares of the Fund, without previous registration at Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission—CVM is completely prohibited. Some products or services contained in the materials might not be currently provided by the Brazilian and Mexican platforms.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCBNA) (ABN 43 074 112 011/AFS Licence No: 238367) is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Material provided by JPMCBNA in Australia is to “wholesale clients” only. For the purposes of this paragraph the term “wholesale client” has the meaning given in section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Please inform us if you are not a Wholesale Client now or if you cease to be a Wholesale Client at any time in the future.

JPMS is a registered foreign company (overseas) (ARBN 109293610) incorporated in Delaware, U.S.A. Under Australian financial services licensing requirements, carrying on a financial services business in Australia requires a financial service provider, such as J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), unless an exemption applies. JPMS is exempt from the requirement to hold an AFSL under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) in respect of financial services it provides to you, and is regulated by the SEC, FINRA and CFTC under U.S. laws, which differ from Australian laws. Material provided by JPMS in Australia is to “wholesale clients” only. The information provided in this material is not intended to be, and must not be, distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons in Australia. For the purposes of this paragraph the term “wholesale client” has the meaning given in section 761G of the Act. Please inform us immediately if you are not a Wholesale Client now or if you cease to be a Wholesale Client at any time in the future.

This material has not been prepared specifically for Australian investors. It:

  • May contain references to dollar amounts which are not Australian dollars;
  • May contain financial information which is not prepared in accordance with Australian law or practices; 
  • May not address risks associated with investment in foreign currency denominated investments; and
  • Does not address Australian tax issues.

References to “J.P. Morgan” are to JPM, its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. “J.P. Morgan Private Bank” is the brand name for the private banking business conducted by JPM. This material is intended for your personal use and should not be circulated to or used by any other person, or duplicated for non-personal use, without our permission. If you have any questions or no longer wish to receive these communications, please contact your J.P. Morgan team.