Economic Outlook. Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist. January, 2018

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Economic Outlook. Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist. January, 2018"

Transcription

1 Economic Outlook Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist January, 2018

2 Real GDP Forecast 1 8% 6% 2% U.S. Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change GDP - CAGR: 3.2% GDP - Yr/Yr Percent Change: 2.3% Forecast 1 8% 6% 2% Near-term outlook is for trendlike growth to continue -2% - -6% -8% % - -6% -8% -1 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 2

3 GDP and Fed Funds Long-Run Expectations from the Fed Over the past several years, the Fed has dialed-back it own estimates of potential GDP growth as have private-sector economists and the Congressional Budget Office GDP Fed Funds Rate 3. Long-Run GDP Projections Summary of Economic Projections, Central Tendency Range Long-Run Fed Funds Projections Summary of Economic Projections, Central Tendency Range % 4.5% 2.5% 2.5% % 3.5% % 1.5% 2.5% 2.5% Midpoint of Central Tendency: 1.9% Jun-2012 Jun-2013 Jun-2014 Jun-2015 Jun-2016 Jun-2017 Midpoint of Central Tendency: 2.8% Jun-2012 Jun-2013 Jun-2014 Jun-2015 Jun-2016 Jun-2017 Source: Federal Reserve and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 3

4 Forecasting Outside the Consensus The Trump administration has repeatedly stated its goal of achieving real economic growth of 3-4 percent. In the president s FY 2018 budget, the administration assumed real GDP growth of 3 percent over the long-run. This is well above that of other forecasters. Why? 3% Real GDP Growth Estimates Year-over-Year Percent Change WF Economics Forecast Blue Chip Consensus CBO Forecast President's Budget 3% 2% 2% 1% 1% Source: Congressional Budget Office, Blue Chip, Office of Management and Budget and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 4

5 Why Is Potential Growth So Slow? The Congressional Budget Office produces the gold standard for potential GDP estimates. By its projections, the sustainable pace of growth is a bit shy of 2 percent. Why? Primarily because of slower growth in the working-age population, but also because of somewhat slower capital and productivity growth. Potential GDP Growth Has Fallen Both Aging and Productivity to Blame 6% Potential Real GDP Growth CBO Estimate 6% 6% Potential GDP Decomposed CBO Estimates of Contributions to GDP Growth 6% 5% 5% 5% Internet/Tech Revolution 5% 3% CBO Forecast 3% 3% 2% CBO Forecast 3% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% Potential GDP: 1.9% % Women/Boomers Entering Labor Force TFP Capital Labor % Source: Congressional Budget Office and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 5

6 What Would It Take to Get to 3 Percent Growth? Let s say the CBO baseline proves to be too pessimistic. Given a potential GDP estimate of about 1.9 percent, how much faster would growth need to be in the three key inputs (labor, capital and total factor productivity) to reach 3 percent plus? The Elusive Three Percent Growth Target 3.5% 3.5% %??? 2.5% % 1. Total Factor Productivity Contribution 1.5% % Capital Contribution 0.5% Labor Contribution 0. CBO Projected Average Annual Growth: Source: Congressional Budget Office and Wells Fargo Securities 0. Economics 6

7 Battling the Demographic Headwinds To achieve sustained economic growth of 3 percent solely through faster labor growth, potential labor hours would need to expand at about 2.2 percent per year, holding the CBO s capital and TFP projections constant. This would require potential labor growth similar to the period when boomers/women entered the labor force in large numbers. Yet, the labor force is aging, with few signs of a reversal anytime soon. Labor Growth Has Seen a Secular Decline An Increasingly Aged Workforce % Drivers of Real GDP: Potential Labor Hours YoY Percent Change, 10-Year Moving Average % Civilian Labor Force: Aging Share of Civilian Labor Force 16 to 24: 13.2% 25 to 54: and over: 22.8% % Labor Growth Needed to Lift Economic Growth to 3% 1.5% % 0.5% 1 1 Potential Labor Growth: Source: Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Department of Labor and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 7

8 Doing More with Less To achieve sustained potential GDP growth of 3 percent over the next decade through capital alone, potential capital growth would need to average about 5.5 percent, well above even the fastest historical potential growth rates. Capital spending in this cycle has been weak, though we expect some modest improvement. Sentiment, core orders have been better of late. Still big gap between where we are now and where we would need to be. Potential Capital Growth: Low Base Modest Business Investment Outlook 7% Drivers of Real GDP: Potential Capital Growth YoY Percent Change, 10-Year Moving Average 7% 3 Real Business Fixed Investment Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change 3 6% 6% 2 2 5% 5% 1 Forecast 1 Capital Growth Needed to Lift Economic Growth to 3% 3% 3% % 2% % 1% -3 Non-Res Fixed Invest - CAGR: 4.7% -3 Potential Capital Growth: 1.7% Non-Res Fixed Invest - Yr/Yr Percent Change: 4.6% Source: Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 8

9 Capital Spending 4 3 Real Equipment Investment Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change Forecast 2 1 Cap-ex has been surprising on the upside, but as bounce effect fades, will the pace of growth moderate? Equipment Investment - CAGR: 10.8% Equipment Investment - Yr/Yr Percent Change: Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 9

10 The Energy Dynamic The rebound in energy prices and more specifically oil prices is starting to boost business investment. Business Investment Ex-Mining Energy Share of Investment Real Business Fixed Investment Year-over-Year Percent Change Fixed Investment Spending on Energy As Percent of Total BFI 16% BFI Ex-Mining: 2.6% 16% 8% Energy: 3.8% 8% 12% BFI: 4. 12% 7% 7% 8% 8% 6% 6% 5% 5% - - 3% 3% -8% -8% -12% -12% 2% 2% -16% -16% 1% 1% Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 10

11 Oil Prices and Rig Count 1,800 1,600 Baker-Hughes Rig Count vs. Oil Prices Oil Rotary Rigs; USD per Barrel Oil Rig Count: 747 (Left Axis) WTI: $60.46 (Right Axis) $180 $160 1,400 $140 1,200 $120 Even modest rebound in price has been supportive of improvement in rig count 1, $100 $80 $60 $ $ $0 Source: Baker Hughes Inc., Bloomberg LP and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 11

12 This is Now: Oil Prices $140 Brent Oil Front Contract Price Forecast Quarterly Average of Daily Close $140 $120 $120 $100 $100 $80 Forecast $80 Now we see prices range-bound $60 $60 $40 $40 $20 $20 Brent Oil Prices: $52.2 $0 $ Source: IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 12

13 This is Now: Oil Prices Outlook Today $120 $100 $80 West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil Price dollars per barrel Historical spot price STEO price forecast NYMEX futures price 95% NYMEX futures upper confidence interval 95% NYMEX futures lower confidence interval $120 $100 $80 Confidence intervals have tightened as well $60 $60 $40 $40 $20 $20 $0 $0 Jan 2016 Jul 2016 Jan 2017 Jul 2017 Jan 2018 Jul 2018 Jan 2019 Source: Energy Information Administration and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 13

14 Cap-ex outlook Finally Brightening? We are seeing acceleration in soft data, as the ISM new orders index has registered fastest pace of expansion since 2004 ISM is Riding High But Why the Gap With Hard Data? 65 ISM Manufacturing Composite Index Diffusion Index ISM New Orders & Manufacturers' New Orders Index, 3-Month Annual Rate ISM Manufacturing Index: Month Moving Average: ISM New Orders Index: 69.4 (Left Axis) -6 Manufacturers' New Orders: 14. (Right Axis) Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, ISM and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 14

15 Household Balance Sheets Consumer deleveraging may be nearing an end, but monthly debt and other financial obligation payments remain near historic lows Household Debt Financial Obligations Ratio 10 Household Debt - Consumer & Mortgage As a Percent of Disposable Personal Income Consumer Credit: 26.2% Home Mortgages: 69.5% % 18. Financial Obligations Ratio-Total As a Percent of Disposable Personal Income Total: 15.5% 18.5% % 17.5% % 16.5% % 15.5% % % Source: Federal Reserve Board and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 15

16 Consumer Confidence: Near a 16-Year High 160 Consumer Confidence Index Conference Board Consumer confidence has jumped post-election. Will more upbeat sentiment translate into an acceleration in personal consumption? Confidence Yr/Yr % Chg: 7.8% Confidence: Month Moving Average: Source: The Conference Board and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 16

17 Real PCE Forecast 8% Real Personal Consumption Expenditures Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change 8% 6% Forecast 6% Consumer spending growth is set to moderate but remain positive throughout the forecast horizon 2% -2% - 2% -2% - -6% PCE - CAGR: 2.2% PCE - Yr/Yr Percent Change: 2.6% -8% % -8% Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 17

18 Housing Multifamily Starts Multifamily Forecast Single-Family Starts Single-Family Forecast Housing Starts Millions of Units After a very slow start, we see single-family homebuilding steadily gaining momentum over the next few years Forecast Apartment construction is showing signs of topping out but should remain near recent levels Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 18

19 U.S. Homeownership Rate at Multi-Decade Low 7 69% U.S. Homeownership Rate Percent Homeownership Rate: 63.7% 7 69% 68% 68% The long slide in the homeownership rate may have finally ended. The recovery in homeownership is likely to be protracted due to a combination of cyclical and structural factors. 67% 66% 65% 6 63% 67% 66% 65% 6 63% 62% % Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 19

20 Fiscal Policy

21 Federal Fiscal Policy Outlook Key Tax Law Changes Individual Tax Code Changes The bill reduces the top income tax rate to 37 percent Eliminates the state and local tax (SALT) deduction but allows income and property tax deductions of up to $10K Pass-throughs would be allowed to deduct income up to 20 percent Increases the standard deduction and the child tax credit Caps mortgage interest deduction at $750,000 Keeps the estate tax but doubles the exemption Keeps the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) but lifts the threshold to $500K Maintains several deductions including medical expenses, student loans and private activity bonds (PABs) Repeals the Obamacare individual mandate Individual cuts will expire on December 31, 2025 Business Tax Code Changes Permanently reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% from the current 35% federal rate starting in 2018 The corporate AMT would be repealed The business interest expense deductions are capped at 30 percent of EBITDA for 4 years and 30 percent of EBIT thereafter The bill would allow for full and immediate expensing of business capital investments for a 5-year period Ends the current worldwide corporate tax system. Existing profits held abroad can be repatriated at 15.5 percent for cash and cash equivalents, 8 percent for reinvested foreign earnings Economics 21

22 Federal Fiscal Policy Outlook Key Issues to Watch in the Second Session of the 115 th Congress Infrastructure Spending There is currently no political appetite nor a funding mechanism to pass another infrastructure plan The fiscal policy checklist Immigration Reform Expect a fix for DACA early in the year which will likely be paired with border security measures Attempts to restrict immigration have faced court challenges Trade Policy Changes Congress has delegated many powers to the executive branch related to trade policy NAFTA is currently being renegotiated but we expect very few major changes to the agreement Tariffs or backing out of existing trade deals without replacements likely represents the greatest downside fiscal policy risk Economics 22

23 Federal Fiscal Policy Outlook Potential Regulatory Changes General Regulatory Changes Many pending actions/regulations have already been halted through an executive order Changes to existing regulations will take time We expect some marginal changes to the regulatory environment Financial Regulatory Changes With new Federal Reserve Board members next year, look for more changes to financial regulations. Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) changes are a likely place for regulatory modifications Allow U.S. Municipal Bonds to be counted towards fulfilling LCR requirements which would reduce demand for 10-year U.S. Treasuries Would change the profitability profile of lending channels, likely extending the credit cycle Economics 23

24 Major Regulatory Changes Major New Regulatory Changes Number of Rules Reviewed By the OIRA Each Year The number of new regulations put in place in the first year of the Trump administration is the lowest among the last four administrations Clinton Bush Obama Trump Source: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 24

25 Small Business Optimism Small business confidence is surging after the tax-cuts and business owners have become less worried about the regulatory environment Small Business Optimism Small Business Concerns 110 NFIB Small Business Optimism Overall Index 1986 = % Small Business Most Important Problems Single Most Important Problem Facing Firms, SA 3-MMA 35% % 25% % 15% Small Business Optimism: % Taxes: 21. 5% Regulations: Source: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 25

26 Federal Fiscal Policy Outlook The composition of federal spending has shifted dramatically. The CBO projects that the debt-to-gdp ratio will surpass 91.2 percent by Composition of Federal Spending Federal Debt Continues to Rise Federal Spending Percent of Total Discretionary Mandatory Net Interest 10 U.S. Debt Held By The Public CBO Baseline Projections Begin in 2017, Percent of GDP Baseline Debt: 91.2% % 31% 8% 9 9 Total Spending 1970: 19% of GDP % 63% 6% 6 6 Total Spending 2017: 21% GDP % 61% 21% Total Spending 2047: 29% of GDP Source: Congressional Budget Office and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 26

27 Monetary Policy

28 Pace of Policy Firming % % 3. Appropriate Pace of Policy Firming Target Federal Funds Rate at Year-End December 2017 Median Response September 2017 Median Response December 2016 Median Response December 2015 Median Response Futures Market: January % % 3. Normalization is underway 2.5% % % 2.5% % % Longer Run 0. Source: Federal Reserve Board, Bloomberg LP and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 28

29 Unemployment 12% U.S. Unemployment Rate Seasonally Adjusted FOMC Central Tendency for Longer Run 12% Unemployment Rate: 4.1% 1 1 The labor market is steadily firming, the unemployment rate is well-below the FOMC s central tendency target 8% 6% 8% 6% 2% % Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Federal Reserve Board and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 29

30 Labor Turnover Job openings also near a record high, while quits approach levels last seen in 2001 Openings Separations Job Openings Millions of Openings, Seasonally Adjusted Quits vs. Layoffs Millions of Workers, SA Total Job Openings: 6.00M Three-Month Moving Average: 6.09M Quits: 3.18M Layoffs: 1.63M Source: U.S. Department of Labor and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 30

31 Average Hourly Earnings 6% Average Hourly Earnings vs. Atlanta Fed Wage Growth Tracker; 3-MMA of YoY % Chg. 6% 5% 5% Wage growth has picked up modestly but remains limited by lower-skilled workers entering the workforce and Baby Boomers beginning to retire 3% 2% 1% Atlanta Fed Wage Growth Tracker: 3.2% Average Hourly Earnings (Prod. & Supervisory): 2.3% % 2% 1% Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, U.S. Department of Labor and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 31

32 Inflation 5% PCE Deflator vs. Core PCE Deflator Year-over-Year Percent Change 5% 3% 3% Inflation has moved higher but remains below the Fed s 2 percent target 2% 1% 2% 1% -1% PCE Deflator: 1.8% "Core" PCE Deflator: 1.5% -2% % -2% Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 32

33 It s easier to get into something than to get out of it Donald Rumsfeld Prior to the 2008, Fed s holdings were about $900 of mostly Treasuries. Balance sheet briefly held a diverse selection of financial instruments, such as commercial paper and currency swaps, to help mitigate the liquidity challenges in the financial system. Current size is roughly $4.5 trillion, comprised mostly of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities (MBS). $5.0 $4.5 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 Federal Reserve Balance Sheet Trillions Other: $176.0B Foreign Swaps: $3.6B Repos & Dis. Window: $0.2B Agencies & MBS: $1,774.9B Treasuries: $2,465.4B $5.0 $4.5 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $ Source: Federal Reserve System and Wells Fargo Securities $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Economics 33

34 The Fed and the Treasury Market 25% Fed's Share of the Treasury Market Fed Treasury Holdings/Marketable Treasuries Outstanding 25% 2 2 The Fed holds a historically high share of the Treasury market but perhaps not as high as one might think 15% 1 15% 1 5% Fed's Share of the Treasury Market: 17.5% Fed's Average Share : % Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve Board and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 34

35 Where Fiscal and Monetary Policy Are Intertwined Like it or not, Fed s large holdings currently help reduce the budget deficit. With rising deficits and trouble finding the funding for policy proposals, reduced remittances to the Treasury cannot be ignored. Fed earnings remitted to the Treasury in the past year add up to roughly $80 billion. Without it, last year s fiscal budget deficit would have been 16 percent larger. U.S. Federal Budget Fed Earnings Remitted $400 $200 $0 U.S. Federal Budget Balance Billions of Dollars $400 $200 $0 $140 $120 Fed Earnings Remitted to the Treasury Billions of Dollars, 12-Month Moving Sum Earnings Remitted: $80.8 Billion $140 $120 -$200 -$200 $100 $100 -$400 -$400 -$600 -$600 $80 $80 -$800 -$800 $60 $60 -$1,000 -$1,000 -$1,200 -$1,200 $40 $40 -$1,400 -$1,600 -$1,800 Federal Budget Balance: FY -$665.7B CBO Forecast: FY -$1,462.6B $1,400 -$1,600 -$1,800 $20 $ $20 $0 Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Congressional Budget Office and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 35

36 U.S. Forecast Wells Fargo U.S. Economic Forecast Actual Forecast Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Actual Forecast Real Gross Domestic Product Personal Consumption Inflation Indicators 2 PCE Deflator Consumer Price Index Industrial Production Corporate Profits Before Taxes Trade Weighted Dollar Index Unemployment Rate Housing Starts Quarter-End Interest Rates 5 Federal Funds Target Rate Conventional Mortgage Rate Year Note Forecast as of: December 21, Compound Annual Growth Rate Quarter-over-Quarter 2 Year-over-Year Percentage Change 3 Federal Reserve Major Currency Index, 1973=100 - Quarter End 4 Millions of Units 5 Annual Numbers Represent Averages Economics 36

37 International Developments

38 U.K. GDP Growth 6% 3% U.K. Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change Forecast 6% 3% Implications of Brexit have not been as bad as feared -3% -3% -6% -6% -9% -12% Compound Annual Rate: 1.6% Year-over-Year Percent Change: 1.5% % -12% Source: IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 38

39 Eurozone Real GDP 8% Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change Compound Annual Growth: 2. Year-over-Year Percent Change: 2.6% Forecast 8% 3+ Years of Uninterrupted Growth % -8% -12% % Source: IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 39

40 Eurozone PMIs 65 Eurozone Purchasing Managers' Indices Index The Eurozone purchasing managers indices are pointing to continued recovery E.Z. Manufacturing: 60.1 E.Z. Services: Source: Bloomberg LP and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 40

41 ECB Balance Sheet ECB Balance Sheet Trillions of Euros ECB Balance Sheet: 4.46T The ECB s QE program should remain operational Source: IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 41

42 China Real GDP 16% Chinese Real GDP Forecast Year-over-Year Percent Change 16% % 12% Growth in China has stabilized, but we do not expect it to return to the double-digit growth rates seen in the past 1 8% 6% WF Fcst. 1 8% 6% 2% 2% Year-over-Year Percent Change: 6.8% Source: Bloomberg LP and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 42

43 Chinese Debt: NFCs and SOEs U.S. vs. China Debt Outstanding by Sector Percent of GDP Central Government Non-Financial Corporate Household Debt problems in China are concentrated in the business sector United States China Source: Bloomberg LP and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 43

44 Japanese GDP 12% Japanese Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change 12% 8% 8% Mixed track record for Abenomics - -8% -12% - -8% -12% -16% -16% -2 Compound Annual Growth: 2.5% Year-over-Year Percent Change: 2.1% Source: Bank of Japan, IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 44

45 Global GDP Growth 7.5% Real Global GDP Growth Year-over-Year Percent Change, PPP Weights 7.5% 2016 will likely mark the weakest year for global economy since 2009, but we see gradual improvement in coming years % 3. Period Average WF Forecast % 3. OECD s updated forecast: 3.5% in % in % % % % Source: International Monetary Fund and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 45

46 Global Exports 25% 2 15% 1 5% Global Export Volumes Year-over-Year Percent Change 25% 2 15% 1 5% Global trade has slowed over the past year -5% -1-15% -2 Real Exports: 5.7% Average 1992-Present: 5.1% -25% % -1-15% -2-25% Source: IHS Global Insight and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 46

47 Global Forecast (Year-over-Year Percent Change) Wells Fargo International Economic Forecast GDP CPI Global (PPP Weights) 3.5% % 3.5% 3.5% Global (Market Exchange Rates) 3.3% 3.3% 3.2% 3.1% 3.5% 3.5% Growth in the global economy likely will grind closer to long term trend Advanced Economies % 1.8% 1.9% 2. United States 2.3% 2.7% 2.5% 2.1% 2.2% 2.1% Eurozone % 1.9% 1.5% 1.6% 1.8% United Kingdom 1.5% % 2.7% 2.3% 2. Japan 1.5% 1.1% % 1.1% Korea 3.3% % % 2.1% Canada 2.9% % 1.6% Developing Economies 1 4.7% 4.5% 4.5% % China 6.6% % 2.2% 2.2% India 2 7.1% 6.7% 7.1% 3.3% % Mexico % 2.9% 5.9% % Brazil % % 3.8% 4. Russia 1.8% 2.1% 2.2% 3.7% % Forecast as of: December 14, Aggregated Using PPP Weights ²Forecast Refers to Fiscal Year Source: International Monetary Fund and Wells Fargo Securities Economics 47

48 Wells Fargo Securities Economics Group John E. Silvia Global Head of Research, Economics & Strategy Diane Global Head of Research, Economics & Strategy Mark Vitner, Senior Economist Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist Sam Bullard, Senior Economist Nick Bennenbroek, Currency Strategist Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist Eric J. Viloria, Currency Strategist Chief Economist Senior Economists Economists Sarah House, Economist Michael A. Brown, Economist Jamie Feik, Economist Erik Nelson, Currency Strategist Economic Analysts Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst Harry Pershing, Economic Analyst Hank Carmichael, Economic Analyst Ariana Vaisey, Economic Analyst Abigail Kinnaman, Economic Analyst Shannon Seery, Economic Analyst Administrative Assistants Donna LaFleur, Executive Assistant Dawne Howes, Administrative Assistant Wells Fargo Securities Economics Group publications are produced by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, a U.S broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Securities Investor Protection Corp. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, distributes these publications directly and through subsidiaries including, but not limited to, Wells Fargo & Company, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities International Limited, Wells Fargo Securities Asia Limited and Wells Fargo Securities (Japan) Co. Limited. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. ("WFS") is registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission as a futures commission merchant and is a member in good standing of the National Futures Association. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("WFBNA") is registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission as a swap dealer and is a member in good standing of the National Futures Association. WFS and WFBNA are generally engaged in the trading of futures and derivative products, any of which may be discussed within this publication. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC does not compensate its research analysts based on specific investment banking transactions. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC s research analysts receive compensation that is based upon and impacted by the overall profitability and revenue of the firm which includes, but is not limited to investment banking revenue. The information and opinions herein are for general information use only. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness, nor does Wells Fargo Securities, LLC assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Such information and opinions are subject to change without notice, are for general information only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sales of any security or as personalized investment advice. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is a separate legal entity and distinct from affiliated banks and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company 2018 Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. SECURITIES: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Important Information for Non-U.S. Recipients For recipients in the EEA, this report is distributed by Wells Fargo Securities International Limited ("WFSIL"). WFSIL is a U.K. incorporated investment firm authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The content of this report has been approved by WFSIL a regulated person under the Act. For purposes of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority s rules, this report constitutes impartial investment research. WFSIL does not deal with retail clients as defined in the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive The FCA rules made under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 for the protection of retail clients will therefore not apply, nor will the Financial Services Compensation Scheme be available. This report is not intended for, and should not be relied upon by, retail clients. This document and any other materials accompanying this document (collectively, the "Materials") are provided for general informational purposes only. Economics 48

49 2018 Southwest Economic Outlook Economics 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use.

U.S. & Charlotte Economic Outlook. Sarah House, Economist January 5, 2017

U.S. & Charlotte Economic Outlook. Sarah House, Economist January 5, 2017 U.S. & Charlotte Economic Outlook Sarah House, Economist January 5, 2017 Expectations U.S. Growth Outlook Labor Market & Inflation GDP around 2.2 percent in 2017 and 2018 historically disappointing, but

More information

Eurozone Inflation Outlook: Implications for ECB Policy

Eurozone Inflation Outlook: Implications for ECB Policy Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary The European Central Bank (ECB) has not done a very good job of hitting its inflation target of below, but close to, 2 percent over the past few years.

More information

Copper Price Dollars per Pound $5.00 $4.00 $3.00 $2.00 $1.00 $0.00

Copper Price Dollars per Pound $5.00 $4.00 $3.00 $2.00 $1.00 $0.00 Economics Group Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 Chile: Better Economic Prospects Executive Summary For many decades, Chile was the

More information

Wells Fargo Small Business Survey: Q4 2017

Wells Fargo Small Business Survey: Q4 2017 November 6, 217 Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3277 : Q4 217 The Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index fell 3 points to 13 in the

More information

Global Investment Outlook: Part I Could Over-Investment Derail This Global Expansion?

Global Investment Outlook: Part I Could Over-Investment Derail This Global Expansion? Economics Group Special Commentary Global Investment Outlook: Part I Could Over-Investment Derail This Global Expansion? Executive Summary Because investment spending has important implications for the

More information

Will U.K. Inflation Recede?: Implications for BoE Policy

Will U.K. Inflation Recede?: Implications for BoE Policy Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England (BoE) recently hiked its main policy rate for the first time in more than 10 years. The U.K.

More information

2016 Holiday Sales Outlook Executive Summary

2016 Holiday Sales Outlook Executive Summary Economics Group Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 2016 Holiday

More information

The U.S. Economy: Bracing for Higher Interest Rates

The U.S. Economy: Bracing for Higher Interest Rates The U.S. Economy: Bracing for Higher Interest Rates Eugenio J. Alemán, Ph.D. Director and Senior Economist June 9, 2016 Real GDP Growth 1 8% 6% 4% U.S. Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. November 30, 2017

Economics Group. Special Commentary. November 30, 2017 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3156 Abigail Kinnaman,

More information

Steel Your Nerves: Effects of Tariffs on U.S. Inflation

Steel Your Nerves: Effects of Tariffs on U.S. Inflation Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Sarah House, Senior Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic

More information

Evolution of San Francisco Over Time San Francisco. John E. Silvia, Chief Economist July 01, 2015

Evolution of San Francisco Over Time San Francisco. John E. Silvia, Chief Economist July 01, 2015 Evolution of San Francisco Over Time San Francisco John E. Silvia, Chief Economist July 01, 2015 Sustained Growth in 2015 10% 8% U.S. Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change GDP - CAGR: Q1 @ -0.2%

More information

-$10 -$20 -$30 -$40 -$50 -$60 -$70 -$80

-$10 -$20 -$30 -$40 -$50 -$60 -$70 -$80 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 U.S. Trade Deficit Widening: Trouble Brewing? Executive Summary The U.S. trade deficit widened

More information

15% Year-over-Year Percent Change: 5.6% 3-Month Annualized Rate: 8.9% 12% -6% -9% -12% -15%

15% Year-over-Year Percent Change: 5.6% 3-Month Annualized Rate: 8.9% 12% -6% -9% -12% -15% Economics Group Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 Shannon Seery, Economic Analyst shannon.seery@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1681 What Sectors

More information

Economics Group. The U.K. Economic Outlook: What About Brexit Uncertainty? Special Commentary. January 26, 2018

Economics Group. The U.K. Economic Outlook: What About Brexit Uncertainty? Special Commentary. January 26, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Abigail Kinnaman, Economic Analyst abigail.kinnaman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1570 The U.K. Economic

More information

U.K. Mid-Year Economic Outlook

U.K. Mid-Year Economic Outlook Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3156 U.K. Mid-Year

More information

Eurozone Economic Outlook: Does Monetary Tightening Lie Ahead?

Eurozone Economic Outlook: Does Monetary Tightening Lie Ahead? Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary The economic expansion in the Eurozone is firmly underway, with real GDP increasing 2.7 percent in Q4 year over year. Although a breakdown of the GDP

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. November 08, U.S. Real Final Sales Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change 8%

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. November 08, U.S. Real Final Sales Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change 8% November 08, 2017 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Growth Momentum Continues in Q4 For the second half of 2017, the growth momentum in the U.S. economy shifted up a gear relative to a year

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. August 01, 2016

Economics Group. Special Commentary. August 01, 2016 Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary The first half of this year has been marked by softer than expected GDP growth with Q1 GDP growth held back, in part, by weaker real consumer spending.

More information

Chinese Economic Outlook: Further Slowing in Store?

Chinese Economic Outlook: Further Slowing in Store? Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Abigail Kinnaman, Economic Analyst abigail.kinnaman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1570 Chinese Economic

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. February 07, U.S. Real Final Sales Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. February 07, U.S. Real Final Sales Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change February 07, 2018 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Moving Point A to Point B: Economic Implications When fly fishing in the streams in Wyoming, one quickly learns that moving from point A

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. December 04, 2017

Economics Group. Special Commentary. December 04, 2017 Economics Group Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 Erik Nelson, Currency Strategist erik.f.nelson@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5652 Shannon

More information

South Korean Economic Outlook

South Korean Economic Outlook Economics Group Special Commentary Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist tim.quinlan@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3283 Nick Bennenbroek, Currency Strategist nicholas.bennenbroek@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5636 Shannon

More information

6.0% Forecast 4.5% 3.0% -2% 1.5% -4% -6% 0.0% -8% -1.5%

6.0% Forecast 4.5% 3.0% -2% 1.5% -4% -6% 0.0% -8% -1.5% September 07, 2017 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Continued Growth in a Changing Policy Context Although the outlook for solid real economic growth and continued below-target inflation in

More information

Is the Yield Curve Enough to Predict Recessions?

Is the Yield Curve Enough to Predict Recessions? Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician azhar.iqbal@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3270 E. Harry Pershing, Economic

More information

Are Yield Curve/Monetary Cycles Approaches Enough to Predict Recessions?

Are Yield Curve/Monetary Cycles Approaches Enough to Predict Recessions? Are Yield Curve/Monetary Cycles Approaches Enough to Predict Recessions? Azhar Iqbal, Director and Econometrician Sam Bullard, Managing Director and Senior Economist September 30, 2018 Introduction Predicting

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 21, 2018

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 21, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 Michael Pugliese,

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. January 14, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. January 14, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change January 14, 2015 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Better First Half of 2015, Fed Call Key Our forecast remains for U.S. real GDP to grow roughly 2.5-3 percent in each of the next two years,

More information

Pennsylvania Economic Insights August 2018

Pennsylvania Economic Insights August 2018 Pennsylvania Economic Insights August 2018 Mark Vitner Senior Economist (704) 410-3277 mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com Michael Pugliese Economist (212) 214-5058 michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com August 21,

More information

Which Way Will the Global Economy Go in 2018?

Which Way Will the Global Economy Go in 2018? Economics Group Special Commentary Which Way Will the Global Economy Go in 2018? Executive Summary The global economy has been growing for seven years, and we forecast that the expansion that is underway

More information

Singaporean Growth Strengthens but Challenges Remain

Singaporean Growth Strengthens but Challenges Remain Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3156 Singaporean

More information

Can Taiwan s Economy Maintain Its Momentum?

Can Taiwan s Economy Maintain Its Momentum? Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3156 Can Taiwan

More information

2018 Annual Economic Outlook. A cautious tale for an optimistic outlook. John Silvia, Chief Economist. Mark Vitner, Senior Economist

2018 Annual Economic Outlook. A cautious tale for an optimistic outlook. John Silvia, Chief Economist. Mark Vitner, Senior Economist 2018 Annual Economic Outlook A cautious tale for an optimistic outlook John Silvia, Chief Economist Mark Vitner, Senior Economist Jay Bryson, Global Economist December 14, 2017 U.S. Outlook Sustained Growth

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. April 07, 2014

Economics Group. Special Commentary. April 07, 2014 Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 2014 Federal Fiscal

More information

Global Investment Outlook: Part III A Look at Tangible Spending on Intangible Assets

Global Investment Outlook: Part III A Look at Tangible Spending on Intangible Assets April 19, 018 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (70) 10-37 Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist tim.quinlan@wellsfargo.com (70) 10-383 Sarah House, Senior

More information

Indian Growth Has Strengthened. Can It Do Better?

Indian Growth Has Strengthened. Can It Do Better? Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economic Analyst michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3156 Indian Growth

More information

Tim Quinlan, Economist November 13, 2014

Tim Quinlan, Economist November 13, 2014 Global Economic Outlook Tim Quinlan, Economist November 13, 2014 Bitcoin Price $1200 Bitcoin: Nov-4 @ 329.0 Bitcoin Price USD $1200 $1000 $1000 $800 $800 Following last year s massive price surge, bitcoin

More information

Economics and Finance in a Two-Percent Economy Appalachian State University. John E. Silvia, Chief Economist March 31, 2017

Economics and Finance in a Two-Percent Economy Appalachian State University. John E. Silvia, Chief Economist March 31, 2017 Economics and Finance in a Two-Percent Economy Appalachian State University John E. Silvia, Chief Economist March 31, 2017 Where Are We Now? Inflation Interest Rates Five benchmarks for good decision making

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. October 07, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. October 07, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change October 07, 2015 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Global Woes Spill Over Into The U.S. Economy Despite a surprisingly large upward revision to second quarter real GDP growth, weaker global

More information

Inflation Outlook: Green Shoots or a False Spring?

Inflation Outlook: Green Shoots or a False Spring? Economics Group Special Commentary Sarah House, Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic Analyst ariana.b.vaisey@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1309 Inflation Outlook: Green

More information

Health Care Inflation: What s the Prognosis?

Health Care Inflation: What s the Prognosis? Economics Group Special Commentary Sarah House, Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic Analyst ariana.b.vaisey@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1309 Health Care Inflation:

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. December 11, 2018

Economics Group. Special Commentary. December 11, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Abigail Kinnaman, Economic Analyst abigail.kinnaman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1570 Erik Nelson, Macro Strategist erik.f.nelson@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5652 Will Europe

More information

Do Wages Still Matter for Inflation?

Do Wages Still Matter for Inflation? Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary Wage growth has garnered increasing attention in the heavily watched monthly employment reports. The scrutiny reflects the emphasis many Fed officials

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. January 17, The new tax is likely to be a net positive for 2018 economic growth.

Economics Group. Special Commentary. January 17, The new tax is likely to be a net positive for 2018 economic growth. Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3277 Tax Reform and Housing New limitations on housing-related deductions raise several questions Home

More information

How Important is China to Other Asian Economies?

How Important is China to Other Asian Economies? Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary The financial volatility that has emanated from China in recent weeks has spilled over to other Asian economies. China has clearly become more economically

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. July 16, 2018

Economics Group. Special Commentary. July 16, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5058 China Mid-Year Economic

More information

U.S. Budget Gap CBO Baseline Scenario Projections, Percent of GDP 26% 24% 22% 20% 18% 16% 14%

U.S. Budget Gap CBO Baseline Scenario Projections, Percent of GDP 26% 24% 22% 20% 18% 16% 14% Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 Mackenzie Miller,

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. January 08, U.S. Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. January 08, U.S. Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change January 08, 2019 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Where Have All the Good Times Gone? A few short months ago, the U.S. economy was cruising along with strong growth momentum. But the environment

More information

Will British Consumers Continue to Spend?

Will British Consumers Continue to Spend? Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary Following very weak growth in 2011 and most of 2012, real consumer spending in the United Kingdom has strengthened somewhat in recent quarters. Although

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. June 07, Real Global GDP Growth Year-over-Year Percent Change, PPP Weights 7.5%

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. June 07, Real Global GDP Growth Year-over-Year Percent Change, PPP Weights 7.5% June 07, 2017 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK Stay the Course U.S. Overview May s disappointing employment report, which saw just 138,000 jobs added to nonfarm payrolls, coming on the heels of sluggish

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. U.S. Overview. International Overview. March 14, 2018

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. U.S. Overview. International Overview. March 14, 2018 March 14, 2018 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Inflation Alters the Path to Point B This month an increase in inflation expectations is the central theme. Compared to February, the new outlook

More information

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist February 8, 2017

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist February 8, 2017 U.S. Economic Outlook Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist February 8, 2017 How Will The Trump Presidency Impact the Economy Economic Outlook After growing 1.6 percent in 2016, we expect real

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. April 07, Credit Availability and Its Effect on Real Spending

Economics Group. Special Commentary. April 07, Credit Availability and Its Effect on Real Spending Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 Erik Nelson, Economic

More information

Will Dollar Strength Scuttle U.S. Exports? Executive Summary

Will Dollar Strength Scuttle U.S. Exports? Executive Summary Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Tim Quinlan, Economist tim.quinlan@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3283 Sarah House, Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. February 22, 2017

Economics Group. Special Commentary. February 22, 2017 Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Michael A. Brown, Economist michael.a.brown@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3278 Michael Pugliese,

More information

Taylor-ing Monetary Policy Amidst Uncertainty

Taylor-ing Monetary Policy Amidst Uncertainty Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary After seven years with the fed funds rate near zero, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted for a 25 basis point increase at its most recent

More information

Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist (704)

Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist (704) Economics Group Special Commentary Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 Mexico: One More Thing to Worry About in 2018 Executive Summary The Mexican economy

More information

Will the Fed s Balance Sheet Ever Return to Normal? Part II 1

Will the Fed s Balance Sheet Ever Return to Normal? Part II 1 September 05, 018 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (70) 10-37 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (1) 1-5058 Ariana

More information

Wells Fargo Economics The Road Ahead. Scott A. Anderson, Ph.D. Director/Senior Economist January 4, 2012

Wells Fargo Economics The Road Ahead. Scott A. Anderson, Ph.D. Director/Senior Economist January 4, 2012 Wells Fargo Economics The Road Ahead Scott A. Anderson, Ph.D. Director/Senior Economist January 4, 2012 1 Recession Risks Remain Uncomfortably High Financial Stress In Europe Remains High (Italian 5-Yr

More information

Global Inflation: Should Central Banks Be Worried?

Global Inflation: Should Central Banks Be Worried? Economics Group Special Commentary Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician azhar.iqbal@wellsfargo.com (22) 24-229 Sarah House, Senior Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (74) 4-3282 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 22, 2018

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 22, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Internationalization of the RMB: A Progress Report Executive Summary Three years ago we wrote

More information

Time to Press Pause? Financial Conditions & the FOMC

Time to Press Pause? Financial Conditions & the FOMC Economics Group Special Commentary Jay Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Sarah House, Senior Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Shannon Seery, Economic

More information

Russian Economy Struggles To Grow

Russian Economy Struggles To Grow Economics Group Special Commentary Russian Economy Struggles To Grow Eugenio J. Alemán, Senior Economist eugenio.j.aleman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3273 The Russian economy has joined the ranks of other

More information

Economics Group. The Global Economic Expansion: Mind the Risks. Special Commentary. January 02, 2018

Economics Group. The Global Economic Expansion: Mind the Risks. Special Commentary. January 02, 2018 January 2, 218 Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3274 The Global Economic Expansion: Mind the Risks Executive Summary A global economic

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. November 30, 2015

Economics Group. Special Commentary. November 30, 2015 Economics Group Special Commentary Anika R. Khan, Senior Economist anika.khan@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3271 Nonresidential Construction Recap: November Discussion Recent economic activity and labor market

More information

The Mexican Energy Reform

The Mexican Energy Reform The Mexican Energy Reform Eugenio J. Aleman, Ph.D. Director and Senior Economist February 20 th, 2015 Private Industry vs. Government Owned 150 Production of Petroleum and Nat. Gas Index Jan 1993=100 150

More information

If Not Raising Wages, Then What? How Employers Are Addressing Hiring Difficulties

If Not Raising Wages, Then What? How Employers Are Addressing Hiring Difficulties Economics Group Special Commentary Sarah House, Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic Analyst ariana.b.vaisey@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1309 If Not Raising Wages, Then

More information

The Dollar Can Really Nickel and Dime You on Inflation

The Dollar Can Really Nickel and Dime You on Inflation Economics Group Special Commentary Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist tim.quinlan@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3283 Sarah House, Senior Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic

More information

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist May 5, 2016

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist May 5, 2016 U.S. Economic Outlook Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist May 5, 2016 Economic Growth Remains Relatively Sluggish Overall Outlook We are now looking for the U.S. economy to grow just 1.7

More information

14% 7.5% 12% 6.0% 10% 4.5% 3.0% 1.5% 0.0% -1.5%

14% 7.5% 12% 6.0% 10% 4.5% 3.0% 1.5% 0.0% -1.5% October 10, 2018 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview Solid Growth Despite Being Late in Economic Cycle The general theme of a U.S. economy growing above potential in the near term before gradually

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. July 10, Real Global GDP Growth (Wells Fargo) Year-over-Year Percent Change, PPP Weights

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. July 10, Real Global GDP Growth (Wells Fargo) Year-over-Year Percent Change, PPP Weights July 10, 2013 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK U.S. Overview An Improving But Still Less Optimistic View With four years of economic recovery now in the books, we are seeing more pockets of improvement,

More information

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist September 18, 2015

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist September 18, 2015 U.S. Economic Outlook Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist September 18, 2015 After a Slow Start, U.S. Growth Should Strengthen During the Second Half of the Year Overall Outlook U.S growth

More information

Eurozone Exchange Rate USD per EUR

Eurozone Exchange Rate USD per EUR Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Abigail Kinnaman, Economic Analyst abigail.kinnaman@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1570 Executive Summary

More information

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. May 13, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change

Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK. May 13, Eurozone Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change May 13, 2015 Economics Group MONTHLY OUTLOOK Groundhog Day U.S. Overview This recovery has been reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day. Economic growth seems destined to replay the story from prior years,

More information

Will the Fed s Balance Sheet Ever Return to Normal? Part I

Will the Fed s Balance Sheet Ever Return to Normal? Part I Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5058 Ariana Vaisey, Economic

More information

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights Economics and Rate Strategy Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com 1-704-410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com 1-212-214-5058 Abigail Kinnaman, Economic

More information

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist August 18, 2015

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist August 18, 2015 U.S. Economic Outlook Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist August 18, 2015 After a Slow Start, U.S. Growth Should Strengthen During the Second Half of the Year Overall Outlook U.S growth remains

More information

The State of Global Foreign Exchange Markets

The State of Global Foreign Exchange Markets The State of Global Foreign Exchange Markets Nick Bennenbroek The State Of Global FX Markets Nick Bennenbroek Head of Currency Strategy June 2015 Please see the disclosure appendix of this publication

More information

Does Economic Activity Slow in Election Years?

Does Economic Activity Slow in Election Years? Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary Now that we are nearly halfway through the current presidential election year, commentators have drawn attention to the potential link between the heightened

More information

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights Economics and Rate Strategy Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com 1-704-410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com 1-212-214-5058 Economics and Rate Strategy

More information

Five Potential Inflation Surprises for 2018

Five Potential Inflation Surprises for 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Sarah House, Economist sarah.house@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3282 Ariana Vaisey, Economic Analyst ariana.b.vaisey@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-1309 Five Potential Inflation

More information

12% -4% -8% -12% -16% -20%

12% -4% -8% -12% -16% -20% February 16, 2018 Economics Group Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary U.S. Review Inflation Comes in January, Is Here to Stay 1 U.S. Consumer Price Index Year-over-Year Percent Change vs. 3-Month Annualized

More information

Statistical Tools to Determine a Relationship Between Variables

Statistical Tools to Determine a Relationship Between Variables Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3275 Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician azhar.iqbal@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3270 Blaire A. Zachary, Economic

More information

Economic Outlook Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast Winthrop University. September 14, 2010

Economic Outlook Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast Winthrop University. September 14, 2010 Economic Outlook Winthrop University September 14, 2010 Economic Growth 10.0% 8.0% Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change GDPR - CAGR: Q2 @ 1. GDPR - Yr/Yr Percent Change: Q2 @ 3.0% 10.0% 8.0%

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. October 25, 2018

Economics Group. Special Commentary. October 25, 2018 Economics Group Special Commentary Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician azhar.iqbal@wellsfargo.com (70) 10-282 Finding Dory: A New Framework to Estimate the Natural Unemployment Rate There is nothing either good

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 24, Minnesota s knowledgebased. industries have helped keep the state s economy growing.

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 24, Minnesota s knowledgebased. industries have helped keep the state s economy growing. May 24, 17 Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3277 Jamie Feik, Economist jamie.feik@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3291 Minnesota Economic Outlook:

More information

Heads Up: Italian Political Risk Looms Large

Heads Up: Italian Political Risk Looms Large Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Heads Up: Italian Political Risk Looms Large Executive Summary The Italian parliament is currently

More information

Economic Update and Outlook

Economic Update and Outlook Real GDP Growth Real GDP Growth $13.6 Real Gross Domestic Product Trillions of Dollars, SAAR $13.6 Real GDP Bars = Compound Annual Rate Line = Yr/Yr % Change Economic Update and Outlook $13.4 Before Q2

More information

Economic Outlook. Charlie Dougherty, Vice President & Economist January 10, 2019

Economic Outlook. Charlie Dougherty, Vice President & Economist January 10, 2019 Economic Outlook Charlie Dougherty, Vice President & Economist January 10, 2019 Economic Growth Will Remain Solid in 2019 1 8% U.S. Real GDP Bars = CAGR Line = Yr/Yr Percent Change GDP - CAGR: Q3 @ 3.5%

More information

The Eurozone: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Eurozone: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Economics Group Special Commentary Executive Summary Recent developments have raised our optimism about the near-term economic prospects in the Eurozone. The collapse in oil prices since last summer is

More information

Our Favorite Charts of 2017

Our Favorite Charts of 2017 Economics Group Our Favorite Charts of 2017 Special Commentary Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013 for her work as a master of the contemporary short story. The first short-story writer

More information

Is the FOMC Overly-Optimistic?

Is the FOMC Overly-Optimistic? Economics Group Special Commentary John E. Silvia, Chief Economist john.silvia@wellsfargo.com (704)-410-3275 Azhar Iqbal, Econometrician azhar.iqbal@wellsfargo.com (704)-410-3275 Abigail Kinnaman, Economic

More information

Economics Group. Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary. U.S. Review. Global Review. Inside. January 12, 2018

Economics Group. Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary. U.S. Review. Global Review. Inside. January 12, 2018 January 12, 2018 Economics Group Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary U.S. Review Higher Retail Sales, Budget Deficits and Treasury Yields U.S Headline CPI vs. Core CPI Data released on Thursday showed

More information

Housing Chartbook: December 2017

Housing Chartbook: December 2017 December 14, 217 Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3277 Hank Carmichael, Economic Analyst john.h.carmichael@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-359

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 13, The recovery in single-family construction appears to be well underway. Figure 1.

Economics Group. Special Commentary. May 13, The recovery in single-family construction appears to be well underway. Figure 1. May 13, 213 Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3277 Anika R. Khan, Senior Economist anika.khan@wellsfargo.com (74) 41-3271 Sara Silverman,

More information

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights

Economics and Rate Strategy Treasury Refunding Highlights Economics and Rate Strategy Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com 1-704-410-3274 Michael Pugliese, Economist michael.d.pugliese@wellsfargo.com 1-212-214-5058 Michael Schumacher, Senior

More information

Economic Outlook. May 17, 2011

Economic Outlook. May 17, 2011 Economic Outlook May 17, 2011 Economic Growth The economy ended 2010 on a strong note, but has run into a wall with higher gasoline prices and further weakness in housing more recently Source: U.S. Department

More information

Economics Group. Special Commentary. February 16, The Palmetto State has generally enjoyed robust growth in recent years.

Economics Group. Special Commentary. February 16, The Palmetto State has generally enjoyed robust growth in recent years. Economics Group Special Commentary Mark Vitner, Senior Economist mark.vitner@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3277 South Carolina in the Spotlight: February 2016 Primary Focuses Attention on the Palmetto State

More information

The Roar of the Animal Spirits: A New Index

The Roar of the Animal Spirits: A New Index Economics Group Special Commentary There s no good idea that cannot be improved on. - Michael Eisner Executive Summary Major U.S. equity indices are at all-time highs, with the S&P 5 index closing above

More information

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist July 22, 2018

U.S. Economic Outlook. Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist July 22, 2018 U.S. Economic Outlook Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist July 22, 2018 Tax Reform Becomes A Reality As The Economy Approaches Full Employment Economic Outlook Fiscal Policy Monetary Policy

More information

The Structure of U.S. Capital Flows and the Dollar

The Structure of U.S. Capital Flows and the Dollar Economics Group Special Commentary Jay H. Bryson, Global Economist jay.bryson@wellsfargo.com (704) 410-3274 Nick Bennenbroek, Currency Strategist nick.bennenbroek@wellsfargo.com (212) 214-5636 Zachary

More information